Cyclic Performance of GFRP-RC T-Connections with Different Anchorage and Connection Details

This study investigated the effects of different configurations of connection reinforcement and anchorages on the cyclic behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced-concrete (RC) exterior beam-column connections (T-connections). Three full-scale GFRP-RC T-connections were tested under reversed cyclic loading. One connection was detailed with 90-degree hooked anchorage and horizontal stirrups, while the other two connections were detailed with L-shaped anchorage by placing additional Z- or U-shaped bars at the connection region. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the anchorage type (90-degree hook or L-shaped) at the end of the longitudinal bars of the beam on the cyclic performance (strength, ductility, and energy dissipation) of GFRP-RC T-connections. Moreover, the anchorage performances in terms of anchorage resistance, bond stress-slip of bars within the joint were evaluated and compared with each other. Test results indicated that all the connections passed a 5.09% drift ratio without any loss of strength. The addition of U-bars into the L-shaped anchorage connection significantly improved the strength, ductility, and energy dissipation compared with the other two connections.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of different configurations of connection reinforcement and anchorages on the cyclic behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced-concrete exterior beam-column connections. The results showed that using L-shaped anchorage with additional U-shaped bars at the connection region significantly improved the strength, ductility, and energy dissipation of the connections.