Abstract
In the last decades, fastening systems have become an essential part of the construction industry. Post-installed mechanical anchors are frequently used in concrete members to connect them with other load bearing structural members, or to attach appliances. Their performance is limited by the concrete related failure modes which are highly influenced by the concrete mix design. This paper aims at investigating the effect that different aggregates used in the concrete mix have on the capacity of an undercut anchor under tensile quasi-static loading. Three concrete batches were cast utilising three different aggregate types. For two concrete ages (28 and 70 days), anchor tensile capacity and concrete properties were obtained. Concrete compressive strength, fracture energy and elastic modulus are used to normalize and compare the undercut anchor concrete tensile capacity employing some of the most widely used prediction models. For a more insightful comparison, a statistical method that yields also scatter information is introduced. Finally, the height and shape of the concrete cones are compared by highly precise and objective photogrammetric means.
Highlights
Compared to cast-in connection details, post-installed anchors provide the opportunity to design modular structures, accelerate the construction process and renovate or strengthen old buildings.In consequence, the usage of post-installed fastening systems has been increasing steadily during the last decades
I.e., improving the understanding of the experimental scatter, this paper aims at verifying or disproving the hypothesis that the type of aggregate used affects the concrete cone capacity beyond what can be accounted for using the current prediction equations
After a short review of the concrete cone capacity design (CCD) method, the test results of the three different batches are systematically analysed and compared in terms of (a) depth and shape of the crater left in the slab after ripping out the concrete cone, and (b) the undercut anchor capacity in tension normalized by the concrete properties
Summary
Compared to cast-in connection details, post-installed anchors provide the opportunity to design modular structures, accelerate the construction process and renovate or strengthen old buildings. The concrete cone capacity is influenced by many parameters already under quasi-static conditions, not considering further loading and deterioration scenarios For this reason, three concrete batches were cast utilising different aggregates but maintaining the overall mix design in an attempt to isolate a potential “aggregate effect” on the concrete cone failure of an undercut anchor product found on the market, as reported earlier [28]. After a short review of the concrete cone capacity design (CCD) method, the test results of the three different batches are systematically analysed and compared in terms of (a) depth and shape of the crater left in the slab after ripping out the concrete cone, and (b) the undercut anchor capacity in tension normalized by the concrete properties. The link between available concrete material properties and system response is studied utilising the currently established analytical prediction models
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