Abstract
Connection of reinforcing bars by couplers is a common form of reinforcement splicing. However, the variation of stiffness at the location of couplers and the potentially excessive residual slips are suspected to cause adverse impact on the serviceability, especially for structural members subjected to repeated loading. This paper studies the role of couplers in the serviceability performance of concrete members. Relevant provisions in design codes are reviewed and compared. Laboratory tests are conducted to investigate the slip behaviour of couplers. A section analysis approach based on equivalent stiffness model is proposed to account for the effects of couplers, and formulations of crack width calculation are explored for use in structural design.
Highlights
In precast and in-situ concrete construction, couplers are commonly used for splicing of reinforcements
This paper studies the role of couplers in the serviceability performance of concrete members
A section analysis approach based on equivalent stiffness model is proposed to account for the effects of couplers, and formulations of crack width calculation are explored for use in structural design
Summary
In precast and in-situ concrete construction, couplers are commonly used for splicing of reinforcements. In assessing the compliance of couplers, JGJ 107 refers to average residual slip values, whereas both CoP-HK and BS 8110 do not clearly state the basis of assessment, which may lead to practical difficulties in the enforcement of coupler quality control. This forms the basis for developing the equivalent stiffness model of a coupler [13].
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