Finite Element Model for Evaluation of Strength and Failure Behavior of Adhesive Anchor in Cracked and Uncracked Concrete

Abstract

An adhesive anchoring system is commonly used in the retrofit and strengthening of concrete structures. Prediction for strengths and behaviors of adhesive anchors in concrete is important especially in cracked concrete, which is very difficult to study the complex behavior under laboratory testing. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of adhesive anchoring system were used in both uncracked concrete and cracked concrete. First of all, model calibration was carried out by comparing FE results with experimental results from previous studies. The results of the calibration of failing behaviors and maximum pull-out forces were found to be consistent. The relationship patterns of anchor pull-out force and head anchor displacements both before and after the peak points were similar. Furthermore, the results also indicated that the equation for the uniform bond model can predict the maximum pull-out force in case of uncracked concrete. In the case of cracked concrete with a cracked plane closed to adhesive/concrete interface, it was found that the ratio of maximum pull-out force in cracked concrete compared to the case of uncracked concrete was reduced when embedment depth increased.