Long-term mechanical properties of FRP tendon–anchor systems — A review

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tendon–anchor systems, which comprise a superior nonmetallic FRP tendon and a tailored anchorage system, have gained increasing acceptance in civil engineering. The service life of FRP tendon–anchor systems depends strongly on the long-term behaviors, including creep, stress relaxation, and fatigue, of its two integral components. This study provides a review of the literature related to the long-term mechanical properties of various FRP tendons and counterpart anchorage systems. First, the long-term behaviors of aramid, carbon, glass, and basalt FRP tendons and their anchorage systems are reviewed. Then, numerical models for simulating and predicting the time-dependent behaviors of FRP tendon–anchor systems are presented. Lastly, challenges in the long-term performance of FRP tendon–anchor systems and the application of such systems to cable-supported bridges are discussed.