Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have gained popularity in a number of structuralx000D
engineering applications due to their high strength/weight ratio, non-corrosive nature, and excellent fatiguex000D
properties. Among these applications is the use of FRP plates for repair, rehabilitation and design of concretex000D
structures. However, the high strength of FRP materials has not been satisfactorily utilized due to significantx000D
challenges associated with their attachment to structures attributed to their weakness in the lateral direction ofx000D
the fiber axis despite their high strength in the longitudinal direction, preventing adequate anchorage to otherx000D
structural components.x000D
Recently, a new wedge-type anchor for a carbon FRP (CFRP) plate has been developed at the University ofx000D
Waterloo that consists of an outer casing that support a wedge to grip the CFRP plate. The system is simple,x000D
reusable, easy to machine, and compact in size especially when compared to traditional anchor systems. Also,x000D
this patent pending technology enabled the utilization of full tensile strength of the CFRP plate. Furthermore,x000D
unlike other available epoxy based anchors, the system can be used instantaneously as it is self-seated andx000D
requires no curing time for installation.x000D
Market assessment will be conducted by a private firm to help Waterloo research and commercialization groupx000D
to assess the opportunities, and challenges associated with commercializing this high potential technology.