Effect of sleeve length on deformation properties of grouted splices
Tests on 12 grouted splices were performed to investigate their deformation properties under tensile loading. Test variables included diameter and type of spliced bars and the size of splicing sleeves. Finite element method based models of the splices were built, verified and used to investigate the effect of sleeve length on the deformation properties of the grouted splices. The sleeve length significantly affected the failure modes and further affected the splices’ deformation properties. A recommendation was proposed to maximize deformation properties of a specific splice by using a critical sleeve length associated with failure mode of bar fracture.
Feasibility study of grouted splice connector under tensile load
The conventional bar lapping approach to connect steel bars requires long development length and always leads to bar congestion problems. For this reason, grouted splice connectors are used to confine the grout surrounding the bars to improve the bond between the grout and the bars. Four series of specimens with a total of 35 specimens were tested under incremental tensile load. These specimens vary in terms of configurations and were assessed for feasibility in the aspects of bond strength, ductility response and failure modes. Equations are derived to evaluate the structural performance of the specimens. The typical modes of failure are bar tensile failure, grout-bar bond failure, grout-sleeve bond failure, and sleeve tensile failure. These failures reveal the factors to be considered during the design of a splice connector. Under confinement, the required anchorage length of the bars can be shortened to nearly nine times the diameter of the spliced bar.
Durable Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bar Splice Connections for Precast Concrete Structures
The goal of this research was to develop and test alternative methods for connecting precast concrete structural members with non-metallic FRP components. Durable and non-corrosive FRP connection details were developed to be efficient and economical alternatives to current steel precast connection methods. Prototypes of FRP bar splice connections using FRP tube couplers were constructed and tested for proof of concept. Spliced FRP rebar specimens were tested in tension until failure which occurred as a result of either tube bursting, bar slip or bar rupture depending on embedment length and splice confinement. Based on laboratory experimentation it was determined that the bond stress of FRP rebar could not be reliably increased through tube splice confinement, and that a sufficient embedment length was required to develop the full tensile capacity of the FRP bars in the FRP tubes.