Shear creep behavior of load transfer component for variable‐stiffness fiber‐reinforced polymer cable anchoring system

Abstract The static shear properties and 1000‐h creep of load transfer components (LTCs) for anchoring cable was experimentally determined by considering the modified material, volume fraction, hybrid ratio, and stress level, respectively. 1000‐h and million‐hour creep strains were theoretically predicted. The effect of LTC creep on bonded anchorage relaxation was numerically analyzed. The results revealed that vacuuming increased shear strength by 20.8% to 43.6% and shear modulus by 3.1% to 16.0%. Adding fibers can concurrently increase both shear strength and shear modulus, while hybrid ratio had minimal impact on these properties. High stress can cause cracking of single quartz sand‐modified resin (SSMR). Adding fibers or sand can reduce resin creep but the deformation resistance of single glass microfiber‐modified resin (SFMR) surpassed that of SSMR. The creep coefficients of the plain and modified resins rapidly increased when stress levels reached 0.7 f_u (f_u = ultimate strength). Both the Findley and logarithmic models can reasonably forecast 1000‐h creep. Shear stress levels should be restricted below 0.5 f_u to control creep. The experimental LTC strains can be accurately described by the established finite element model. Shear stress concentration showed an S‐shaped trend along the LTC thickness. Higher stress levels and greater LTC thickness led to increased stress losses. Highlights The shear‐enhancing effect of fibers and sand was experimentally evaluated. The 1000‐h and million‐hour shear creep coefficients of LTCs were revealed. The effect of LTC creep on bonded anchorage relaxation was numerically clarified.