Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) have emerged as a fundamental component in the reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, particularly through the Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) technique. Despite its widespread use, premature debonding at the FRP–concrete interface often limits the effectiveness of this technique, curtailing the full utilization of FRP’s mechanical capacity. To overcome this challenge, this study introduces an innovative approach involving the use of bent FRP anchors installed prior to the application of FRP sheets. This method maintains fiber alignment, simplifies the installation process, and improves bond integrity. A total of 48 RC prism specimens were created and reinforced with FRP sheets alongside bent FRP anchors, forming a cohesive EBR system. Extensive single-lap shear tests were conducted to evaluate the bond behavior under controlled conditions. Importantly, a new predictive model was formulated to estimate the ultimate bond strength at the FRP-to-concrete interface, taking into account critical factors such as anchor geometry, bonding configuration, and material characteristics. Validation against experimental data demonstrated that the proposed model accurately predicted the bond strength for 75% of the specimens not used in the model calibration, with a deviation of less than 5%. The findings underscore the synergistic impact of bent FRP anchors on bond performance and illustrate the model’s effectiveness in capturing the intricate interaction mechanisms. This research presents a dependable and practical advancement for enhancing the efficiency and predictability of FRP-based retrofitting systems in structural engineering contexts.

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