Influence of the shape of head anchors on the durabilityof reinforced concrete elements

This paper looks into how the shape of headed bars may influence the durability of reinforced concrete structures. Nowadays the only heads used in site works are cylindrical in shape. An alternative shape of head is studied in this piece of work. The new head reduces the concentration of stresses and so the appearance of cracks. In this work durability is studied based on both, first cracking and failure mode. An experimental campaign of 12 specimens and finite element modelling are described. The specimens were subjected to an accelerated corrosion process using an electrical current supply. Direct current was impressed on the specimens until breaking. Test results and the results obtained from numerical models are presented. Results are presented in term of comparison between the two shapes of heads studied. It was shown that the shape of the head has a significant influence on durability of reinforced concrete structures with headed reinforcing bars.