Anchorage for FRP cables: conception, testing and numerical modeling

If on the one hand mechanical properties of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) cables are comparable to their steel counterparts, on the other the intrinsic orthotropy, in conjunction with low capacity in the transversal direction to the fibers, request additional attention within the design of anchorage systems to avoid stress peak superpositions in the cable, which could trigger its premature failure. A common strategy to pursue the goal is to opportunely shape the barrel/wedge interface. Recently, the authors of the present work experimentally and numerically investigated an optimized double-angle split-wedge anchorage. Results of experimental tests delivered an ultimate failure load higher than the average ultimate load of the cable, that denotes the highest efficiency. Finite element simulations of tests were carried out and the experimental results were used to calibrate the numerical model: numerical results validated the efficiency shown by the testing activity.