Design of Anchorages in Connections Using Post-installed Reinforcing Bars

The use of post-installed reinforcing bars to connect existing concrete elements to newly cast concrete has increased significantly in the last decade. Very common applications are connections between reinforced concrete beams/slabs and columns/walls or reinforced concrete columns/walls and foundations. The design of such connections is clearly limited by the need to use straight reinforcing bars. Consequently, a clear understanding of the unique load-displacement properties of the post-installed reinforcing bars, the necessary loading and installation conditions, and the stresses introduced in the concrete members is required. In this paper design methods based on Eurocode 2 and a new approach considering the actual bond-splitting performance of the adhesive are compared and applied to some case studies where post-installed reinforcing bar systems are used for moment resisting connections. Through the design of typical connections, the challenges and the opportunities associated with the use of post-installed reinforcing bars and their proper design are explored.