Optimization of anchorage and deviator for concrete beams prestressed with external fiber-reinforced polymer tendons

Abstract

This paper focuses on the optimization of anchorage and deviator for concrete beams prestressed with external basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) tendons. A composite-wedge (CW) anchorage for BFRP tendons was first developed. The dimensions of the wedge were optimized using finite element (FE) analysis. Additionally, a three-dimensional deviator-tendon FE model was established, and the ratio of the curvature radius of the deviator to the radius of the tendon (Rd/Rp) and the bending angle (θ) of the BFRP tendon were optimized. Furthermore, an experimental study on the flexural behaviors of a non-prestressed concrete beam and a beam prestressed with external BFRP tendons was conducted. The results show that the proposed CW anchorage achieved an anchor efficiency factor of 85%. The recommended lower limit value of Rd/Rp is 200, and the upper limit value of θ is 5°. The RC beam prestressed with external BFRP tendons exhibited enhanced flexural behaviors, compared with the non-prestressed RC beam. The BFRP tendons at the anchor zones and tendons at the deviators remained intact at the ultimate load of the beam. The results validate the effectiveness of the anchorage and deviator parameters.