Influence of head-size on concrete cone capacity: A comparison for two cast-in solutions

The request of flexibility coupled with the complexity of modern buildings has gradually moved the construction practice toward post-installed fasteners. However, there are structural applications, in which cast-in place anchors are still preferred. Headed studs are a common cast-in solution, which transfers the applied load to the base material mainly by bearing. In literature, it was found how increasing of the head-size leads to an increasing of the ultimate load but with reduced displacement capacity. Within this context, the influence of the head-size on concrete cone capacity was investigated for two cast-in solutions. Experimental tests and numerical analyses are discussed, accounting for the differences in the strain gradient in correspondence of the bearing head.