An Analytical Effect of Realistic Anchorage Systems on Bursting Force

The anchorage area holds paramount significance in the structure of a post-tensioned concrete element. The anchorage systems hold a crucial role in the distribution of stresses in the anchorage region. These systems vary extensively depending on the magnitude of post-tensioning forces. Finite element simulation with a real-life anchorage system will provide realistic results which will help in predictions of accurate bursting tensile force due to post-tensioning. Owing to this, a detailed parametric study was performed by using ANSYS with four anchorage systems widely used in construction. Simulation techniques in ANSYS are adopted from the referred literature. An experimental investigation is also performed for the validation of numerical work. Various plots like transverse tensile stresses, and bursting tensile force are drawn to understand the effect of the anchorage system on the behavior of concrete beams. Based on the findings derived from finite element analysis, a formula is suggested to compute the bursting tensile force. The proposed equation is compared with, ACI/AASHTO, CSA, and IS1343. Important influencing parameters, which were missing in standard design codes, are incorporated in the proposed equation. It was found that the proposed equation predicts a more realistic bursting force in line with the newly introduced parameters.