Behaviour of handmade FRP spike anchors

Extensive experimental investigations have demonstrated the ability of externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites to repair or strengthen existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The effectiveness of the FRP strengthening may however be compromised by premature debonding failure of the FRP prior to its ultimate strength being reached. An efficient anchorage system which can delay or even eliminate debonding failure is of most importance in order to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of FRP strengthening. Anchors made from FRP (known as FRP spike anchors or FRP anchors) are an attractive solution as they are non-corrosive and can be applied to a wide variety of structural elements. Surprisingly little research however has been undertaken on the characterisation of such anchors. This paper provides a review of different types of handmade FRP spike anchors and then summarises the fundamental behaviour of FRP anchors subjected to either pull-out or shear forces.