Anchor Design and Performance in Concrete Structures

Anchors are critical in connecting structural and non-structural elements to concrete substrates. Recent advances focus on both mechanical and adhesive systems, exploring how embedment depth, concrete composition and installation method influence load-bearing behaviour under tensile, shear and dynamic loads. In parallel, high-performance concretes—particularly steel fibre reinforced and ultra-high-performance variants—present challenges and opportunities for anchorage design. Research seeks to extend traditional design rules, such as the Concrete Capacity Design method, to accommodate fibre effects, higher compressive strengths and rapid loading scenarios. Numerical tools, especially finite element models, now enable detailed simulation of stress distributions and failure mechanisms, informing experimental programmes. Global case studies have demonstrated the practical significance of refined anchor design in infrastructure, energy and seismic applications, emphasising safety, durability and cost efficiency.

Research from Nature Portfolio

One study introduced an enhanced finite element model for predicting the pull-out capacity and dynamic response of cast-in-place anchors under high strain-rate effects. Through calibration against static and dynamic tests, the model accurately reproduces tensile capacity, dynamic increase factors and the influence of embedment depth and anchor diameter. This work emphasises rapid numerical assessment of anchorage performance in applications ranging from bridge deck restraints to power-plant installations.

Research from all publishers

A comprehensive review of anchorage performance in steel fibre reinforced concrete synthesised results from over nine hundred tests, highlighting the effects of fibre content, orientation and type on tensile and shear capacities. It proposes modification factors for existing design equations to account for the improved post-cracking behaviour of high-strength fibre-reinforced substrates. Another investigation developed an analytical model for the shear strength of post-installed anchors subjected to pure shear loading. Backed by non-linear numerical simulations and targeted experiments, it offers a predictive framework for anchors without edge or group effects, refining current provisions. A third study assessed headed anchors in both plain and fibre-reinforced concretes under static axial loads in cracked and uncracked states. Findings demonstrate that steel fibres enhance both capacity and ductility, suggesting adjustments to design guidelines for connections in demanding service conditions.

Anchor Design and Performance in Concrete Structures publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in anchor design and performance in concrete structures across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Cast-in-place anchor: A fastening element embedded in fresh concrete before curing, providing bond via mechanical expansion or adhesive interactions.

Post-installed anchor: A fastener installed into hardened concrete using drilling, adhesive bonding or mechanical expansion after initial curing.

Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC): Concrete matrix incorporating discrete steel fibres to improve tensile strength, crack control and post-peak ductility.

Concrete Capacity Design (CCD) method: A calculation framework for predicting the tensile breakout capacity of anchors based on concrete strength and embedment geometry.

Finite Element Model (FEM): A numerical simulation technique dividing structures into discrete elements to predict stress, strain and failure patterns under load.

Dynamic Increase Factor (DIF): A scalar accounting for the rise in material strength under high strain-rate loading compared to quasi-static conditions.

Concrete breakout failure: A failure mode in which a cone of concrete fractures from the substrate around an anchor under tensile or shear loading.

References

1. Effective prediction finite element model of pull-out capacity for cast-in-place anchor in high strain rate effects. Scientific Reports (2023).
2. Load-bearing behaviour of anchors in fibre-reinforced concrete – A state of the art review. Journal of Building Engineering (2024).
3. Shear strength of an anchor post-installed into a hardened concrete member. Engineering Structures (2024).
4. Tensile Performance of Headed Anchors in Steel Fiber Reinforced and Conventional Concrete in Uncracked and Cracked State. Materials (2022).