Headed Bars for Anchor Tension Reinforcement?

[JR55]

I am designing anchors that see tension, and in an attempt to preclude side face blowout, we want to shorten the anchor embedment length as much as possible (for limited edge distances). Because ACI 17.5.2.1 states the reinforcement must develop on each side of the breakout surface, I initially thought of using hooked bars and lapping with the anchor Ldh, similar to what is shown in Figure R17.5.2.1a, but am wondering if there is a way to reduce the anchor lap further.

Has anyone seen headed bars used instead of hooks to reduce the Ldh to Ldt (and then extend an additional ld into the pier)? Is it even a valid approach to put the head at the top when applying an upwards tension load?

 

[KootK]

I've done this and feel that it's fine, possibly and improvement relative to hooks. It can certainly be an improvement for congestion. One way or another, it's an offset lap between the pier reinforcing and the anchors. Whatever checking would apply to hooked bars should apply to the headed bars +/-.

I do not, however, see how this would improve anchor side face blow out unless it draws your anchor heads up so high that they wind up within an area of denser ties.