Safety reduction in anchor groups due to uneven crack distribution

In the present paper, the safety reduction in anchor groups composed of cast-in place headed anchors was experimentally investigated. In particular, groups of two anchors were installed in concrete members designed such that one of the anchors was located in a crack and the other one in plain concrete. The samples were loaded in tension, thus simulating a connection with clamped rotation under both monotonic and cyclic conditions. The results are commented and discussed demonstrating how the presence of uneven crack distribution could lead to a safety reduction, which should be properly taken into account in the design of anchor groups. (paper)