Anchorage strength models for FRP and steel plates bonded to concrete

External bonding of steel plates has been used to strengthen deficient reinforced-concrete structures since the 1960s. In recent years, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates have been increasingly used to replace steel plates due to their superior properties. A key issue in the design of an effective retrofitting solution using externally bonded plates is the end anchorage strength. This paper first presents a review of current anchorage strength models for both FRP-to-concrete and steel-to-concrete bonded joints under shear. These models are then assessed with experimental data collected from the literature, revealing the deficiencies of all existing models. Finally, a new simple and rational model is proposed based on an existing fracture mechanics analysis and experimental observations. This new model not only matches experimental observations of bond strength closely, but also correctly predicts the effective bond length. The new model is thus suitable for practical application in the design of FRP-to-concrete as well as steel-to-concrete bonded joints.