Two different types of fasteners are used to form the connection: Cast-In systems and Post-installed systems. The cast-in system is installed by securing it in a pre-defined location inside the formwork and cast into the concrete. To enable an efficient load transfer, the fastener is so-formed as to develop a mechanical interlock. Post-installed fasteners offer a versatile solution to the problem of anchoring in hard concrete, which typically consist of drilling a hole in the concrete member and installing the anchor. Typical load-transfer mechanisms utilized by post-installed anchors include mechanical interlock, bond and friction (also in combination). Some of the major topics of research on anchorages being pursued by me include:
- Anchorages with supplementary reinforcement under tension loading
- Anchorages with supplementary reinforcement under shear loading
- Anchorages with supplementary reinforcement under combined tension and shear loading
- Anchorages under seismic loading
- Anchorages of irregular configurations
- Anchorages of circular configuration
- Computational modeling of anchorages
- Advanced methods for modeling and design of anchorages