Numerical Modeling of Anchoring Headed Connectors Under the Influence of Edge and Group Effects on Reinforced Concrete Elements Under Tension

Headed connectors are a promising alternative for anchoring elements of reinforced concrete structures, replacing hooks, curves and straight bars, which in situations of geometric limitation, such as in the beam-column connection, may restrict the necessary embedding of the anchors, which is not a problem with the headed connector. However, this application is not trivial, and the knowledge of rupture mechanisms and tensile strength of anchorage in reinforced concrete elements needs advances, mainly in the computational field. So, the critical point of this application is to know the parameters that influence the pull-out resistance of anchorages under tension. In this sense, this work aimed to develop 3D models of finite elements to simulate the tensile strength of connectors with headers embedded in reinforced concrete under edge and group effects. For this, computational simulations were produced with the Abaqus software, applying a dynamic analysis explicitly, to represent the pulling-out of the anchorages and the rupture of the concrete. With the calibrated numerical model, a parametric numerical study was developed to evaluate the influence of several factors on the anchorage resistance capacity. Load-slip values, reinforcement strain and failure modes were consistent with experimental tests. Therefore, the proposed numerical model accurately predicted the mechanical pull-out behaviour of the headed connector embedded in concrete elements.