Innovative mechanical anchors for CFRP plates

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Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have gained popularity in a number of structuralengineering applications due to their high strength/weight ratio, non-corrosive nature, and excellent fatigueproperties. Among these applications is the use of FRP plates for repair, rehabilitation and design of concretestructures. However, the high strength of FRP materials has not been satisfactorily utilized due to significantchallenges associated with their attachment to structures attributed to their weakness in the lateral direction ofthe fiber axis despite their high strength in the longitudinal direction, preventing adequate anchorage to otherstructural components.Recently, a new wedge-type anchor for a carbon FRP (CFRP) plate has been developed at the University ofWaterloo that consists of an outer casing that support a wedge to grip the CFRP plate. The system is simple,reusable, easy to machine, and compact in size especially when compared to traditional anchor systems. Also,this patent pending technology enabled the utilization of full tensile strength of the CFRP plate. Furthermore,unlike other available epoxy based anchors, the system can be used instantaneously as it is self-seated andrequires no curing time for installation.Market assessment will be conducted by a private firm to help Waterloo research and commercialization groupto assess the opportunities, and challenges associated with commercializing this high potential technology.