Novel Embedded FRP Anchor for RC Beams Strengthened in Flexure with NSM FRP Bars: Concept and Behavior

The near-surface-mounted (NSM) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening technique for reinforced-concrete (RC) beams has attracted worldwide research attention and application in the past two decades. In spite of improved bond strength between NSM FRP concrete, compared with externally bonded (EB) method, premature debonding failure still occurs, and, hence, efficiency intervention is limited. An intuitive means to enhance apply anchorage devices RC beam; however, availability viable limited applications. A novel device therefore presented this paper, which referred as an embedded anchor (EFA). concept, manufacture, installation EFAs were initially presented. effectiveness FRP-strengthened was then ascertained through full-scale beam tests comparison anchored a U-jacket. Moreover, effects EFA parameters on behavior also investigated. test results not only prove high anchoring but reveal significant mode, load–deflection response, strain beam.