Experimental study on monotonic, cyclic mechanics and fatigue performance of pressed cone sleeve splices

Abstract

The fundamental uniaxial monotonic, cyclic mechanical properties and fatigue performance of a novel mechanical coupler, namely pressed cone sleeve (PCS) splice, are examined and compared with that of the parallel threaded coupler (PTC) in this paper. The material properties and specimen details are firstly introduced. An experimental study consisting of 6 rebar specimens, 8 PCS specimens and 8 PTC specimens for the uniaxial monotonic and cyclic mechanical test is described to evaluate the strength as well as deformation characteristics of the mechanical splices. Then the fatigue performance of 17 PCS specimens and 16 PTC specimens are investigated. The effects of tension–tension loading and tension–compression loading path on fatigue performance are considered. The main macroscopic fatigue fracture morphology of PCS and PTC are also reported. The findings show that the strength of PCS is close to that of reinforcement and traditional PTC, and meets the strength requirements under the alternating tension and compression test with high stresses, and ductility requirements under the alternating tension and compression test with large plastic strains in the specifications. The slope of fatigue life S-N curve of PCS and PTC are basically consistent with the design curve given by GB 50010–2010 Code in China. However, the overall fatigue strength of mechanical splices including PCS and PTC is lower than the specified fatigue strength value of reinforcement to a large extent. Considering the remarkable connection efficiency and convenience of the novel PCS connection, on the premise of meeting the mechanics and fatigue strength, the PCS has relatively better technical advantages in the mechanical connection of rebars.