FINAL REPORT: Design Requirements for Mechanically Spliced High-Strength Reinforcing Bars in Hinge Regions (RGA 3-22)
The Charles Pankow Foundation is pleased to announce the completion of RGA #03-22, Design Requirements for Mechanically Spliced High-Strength Reinforcing Bars in Hinge Regions. The completed report is available for download at the link below.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FINAL REPORT
- Principal Investigator was Wassim Ghannoum, Ph.D., P.E. of the University of Texas at San Antonio.
- Industry Champions were: Tim Cartwright, Manuel Conde, David Fanella, Joe Ferzli, David Fields, Cathy French, Robbie Hall, Jon Hankenhof, Dominic Kelly, Jeff Kramer, Andres LePage, Qingzhi Liu, Ann Masek, Eric Nissen, Conrad Paulson, Jose Pincheira, Jacob Selzer, and Amy Trygestad.
- CPF Allies and Supporters included the American Concrete Institute Foundation, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Insitute Foundation, BarSplice, Cascade Steel, CMC, Dayton Superior, HRC, Nucor, nVent, and Splice Sleeve.
Abstract: The overarching objective of this study was to provide experimental evidence supporting the safe use of mechanical couplers in hinge regions of reinforced concrete members. Of particular interest was the performance of coupler with Grade 80 (550 MPa) reinforcing bars that are seeing increasing use and are overtaking Grade 60 (420 MPa) in critical seismic members in regions of high seismicity in the U.S.
Summary of Key Findings: The study underscores the importance of developing reliable testing protocols for mechanical splices in high-strength reinforcing bars.
- Mechanical splices must be evaluated under realistic seismic demands to ensure safety and performance.
- The findings will inform future design guidelines and specifications for using mechanical couplers in hinge regions of reinforced concrete structures.