Experimental investigation of using mechanical splices on the cyclic performance of RC columns

Abstract

In this study, the influence of using mechanical splices on the cyclic performance of RC columns under axial and cyclic loads was investigated experimentally. Totally six specimens were fabricated and examined; the first one was fabricated by non-spliced reinforcement bars which was considered as reference specimen. Overlap splice in the middle of the column was used in the second specimen. Threaded mechanical splices were used for the all of the longitudinal bars at 50 mm above the column-foundation interface in the third column. The fourth column was fabricated the same as the third one but half of the couplers were staggered at 600 mm above the bottom couplers. The fifth and sixth specimens were fabricated similar to the third and fourth column but shear screw-threaded couplers were incorporated instead of threaded couplers. Force-displacement hysteresis loops were presented as the output and parameters including lateral load bearing capacity, ductility, absorbed energy and stiffness are considered and discussed. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that mechanical splices can considerably affect cyclic behavior of RC columns.