Performance of CFRP tendon-anchor assembly under fatigue loading

This paper presents the results of an experimental study to examine the fatigue performance of a novel wedge-type anchor for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) post-tensioning tendons. The CFRP tendon-anchor systems were tested under different cyclic loading conditions. Two minimum stress levels, representing 40% and 47% of the ultimate strength of the CFRP tendon, were considered. Four stress ranges varying between 7% and 17% of the ultimate strength of the tendon were applied. The anchor system successfully met the Post-Tensioning Institute provisions for cyclic loading. The fatigue life of the system was primarily affected by the applied stress range with little effect by the minimum stress. The fatigue limit of the CFRP tendon-anchor system could be taken at a stress range of 10% for a maximum stress of 50% of its ultimate capacity. Below this stress level, the assembly is expected to withstand an infinite fatigue life.