Mechanical Performance and Stress–Strain Relationships for Grouted Splices Under Tensile and Cyclic Loadings

Feng Lin,Xiaobao Wu

doi:10.1007/s40069-016-0156-5

Feng Lin, Xiaobao Wu

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40069-016-0156-5

Copy DOI

Abstract

Experimental studies were conducted on 36 grouted splices to investigate their mechanical performance under four loading schemes: (1) incremental tensile loading, (2) repeated tensile loading, (3) cyclic loading at high stress, and (4) cyclic loading at large strain. Load-deformation responses of the grouted splices under cyclic loadings were featured with pinching effect and stiffness degradation compared to those responses under tensile loadings. The shape of the hysteresis loops of load-deformation curves was similar to that under incremental tensile loading. For the purpose of structural analysis, stress–strain relationships were presented for grouted splices under various loadings.

Highlights

The most commonly used methods to splice reinforcing steel bars are lap splices, welded splices and mechanical connections
The stresses of bars at ultimate loads averaged 92 and 91 % of the ultimate stresses of the embedded bars for the incremental tensile (IT)- and repeated tensile (RT)-series specimens, respectively. This meant that repeated loading of about 0.6Fys had a minor effect on the ultimate loads of the specimens
Experimental studies were performed on 36 specimens of grouted splices under four loading schemes involving incremental tensile and repeated tensile loadings, cyclic loadings at high stress and at large strain

Summary

Introduction

The most commonly used methods to splice reinforcing steel bars are lap splices, welded splices and mechanical connections. Since the 1970s when grouted splices (to be referred to as splices from this point forward) were invented (Yee 1973), they have been used as a preferred technology to splice bars in precast concrete elements. This type of splice can provide continuity of reinforcement between precast elements and develop quality connections maintaining structural integrity. The grout-filled coupling sleeve came in different sizes to splice reinforcing bars of the adjacent precast members. Ribs were produced on the sleeve’s interior surface to increase the resistance force of the bond between the sleeve and grout. Lateral confinement to the bars was generated to enhance the grout-bar bond, resulting in a transfer of axial force between discontinued bars

Results

Discussion

Conclusion