Simplified Design Equation of Lap Splice Length in Compression

Abstract

With the emergence of ultra-high strength of concrete, the compression lap splice has become an important area of interest. According to ACI 318-08, a compression splice can be longer than a tension splice when high-strength concrete is used. By reevaluating the test results of compression splices and performing regression analysis, a simplified design equation for splice length in compression was developed based on the basic form of design equations for development/splice lengths of deformed bars and hooks in tension. A simple linear relation between <TEX>$l_s/d_b$</TEX> and <TEX>$f_{sc}\sqrt{f'_c}$</TEX> was assumed, and yields good values for the correlation coefficient and the mean and the COV (coefficient of variation) of the ratios of tests to predictions of splice strengths in compression. By including the 5% fractile coefficient of 0.83, a design equation for splice length in compression was developed. The splice length calculated using the proposed equation has a reliability that is equivalent to other provisions for reinforcing bars.