Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Mechanical Anchorage ‎on the Torsional Performance of T-Shaped Beams Strengthened with CFRP

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Civil Engineering, No.C. Islamic Azad University, Noor, Iran
2 Profesor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Babol, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, No.C. Islamic Azad University, Noor, Iran
10.22065/jsce.2026.566893.3899
Abstract
Enhancing the performance of‏ ‏reinforced concrete (RC) members through ‎strengthening techniques offers a cost-effective alternative to reconstruction by ‎reducing service interruptions and extending structural service life. Fiber-‎reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, borrowed from aerospace and automotive ‎industries have emerged as a leading retrofit material for existing RC elements. ‎However, in T-beams and slab connected beams, full FRP bonding around the ‎section perimeter is often unachievable, leading to premature debonding and ‎underutilization of the composite’s capacity. Mechanical anchorage has been ‎proposed to address this limitation.In this study, thirteen RC beams were ‎categorized into three groups: unstrengthened controls; beams strengthened with ‎carbon FRP (CFRP) sheets; and beams strengthened with CFRP plus mechanical ‎anchors. Numerical models were developed in Abaqus and calibrated against ‎experimental data. Key performance metrics‏-‏including ultimate torsional ‎capacity, energy dissipation, and stiffness‏-‏were evaluated.Results demonstrate ‎that CFRP strengthening alone increased the ultimate torsional capacity by 27 %, ‎whereas the combined CFRP-anchor system yielded a 94 % gain over control ‎specimens. These findings confirm that mechanical anchorage is essential for ‎preventing FRP debonding and for achieving the full torsional capacity of ‎retrofitted beams. Appropriate use of CFRP in conjunction with mechanical ‎anchorage thus provides a robust, efficient solution for upgrading RC members ‎under torsional loading.‎
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 April 2026

  • Receive Date 17 December 2025
  • Revise Date 15 February 2026
  • Accept Date 21 April 2026