Splicing of reinforcement bars

• Reinforcement is needed to be joined to make it longer by overlapping

sufficient length or by welding to develop its full design bond stress.
They should be away from the sections of maximum stress and be
staggered. Some codes recommends that splices in flexural members
should not be at sections where the bending moment is more than 50
percent of the moment of resistance and not more than half the bars
shall be spliced at a section.

• The most effective means of continuity in reinforcement is to weld the

cut pieces without reducing the mechanical or strength properties of
the welded bar at the weld.
Splicing of reinforcement bars are carried
out by following methods:

1. Lapping of bars

2. Mechanical joint

3. Welded joints
LAPPING OF BARS
Lap splicing is the most common splicing methods. It is also very economical to use this type of method.
However, there are some limitations of using this type of method. Lap splices may cause congestion at
the splice location; making it difficult for concrete to pass through. In this case, it becomes impossible to
use such splices. Insufficient splice length may also cause difficulty in making use of it.

Contact splices--in which the bars touch and are wired together--are preferred because they are more
secure against displacement during construction. Non-contact lap-spliced bars should not be spaced too
far apart.
MECHANICAL JOINT
Mechanical Splicing method uses a mechanical device for coupling two pieces of rebar. Some of the
mechanical splicing techniques can be installed fast and easily while others require threaded rebar ends
for coupling. This method can be used when it is not feasible to use lap splicing method.

Mechanical rebar splices for rebars in concrete construction is an effective method of joining
reinforcing bars. These are designed based on codes of standard practice.
Types of Mechanical Splices for Rebars

1. Compression only mechanical splices or end bearing splices

2. Tension and compression mechanical splices

3. Mechanical lap splices or tension only mechanical splice

4. Dowel bar mechanical splices

Compression Only Mechanical Splices or End
Bearing Splices
Compression only mechanical splices can be used when tension stress is not occurred. Therefore, if
this condition cannot be guaranteed, then it is advised to avoid the use of compression only
mechanical splices for reinforcement bars.

Steel filled coupling sleeve and strap type steel coupling sleeve are the two most commonly used
examples of end bearing splices.
Tension and Compression Mechanical Splices
for Rebars
Tension and compression mechanical splices types, designated bar sizes to be spliced by each
splice type, the grade of the steel bar which is spliced using certain type of tension and
compression mechanical splice, and installation condition of each mechanical splices are provided.
Mechanical Lap Splices or Tension Only
Splices
Comparatively, mechanical lap splices are shorter than lap splices because of the use of coupling
sleeves to connect reinforcement bars. Therefore, mechanical lap splices are considerably suitable for
repairing structures because smaller concrete area need to be removed compared with lap splices.
Dowel Bar Mechanical Splices
This splice is nailed to the end or sides of the formworks through holes created in the flange. The
connection between reinforcement bars and the splice is through internal threads of the splice.

Dowel bar mechanical splices are suitable for construction joints to transfer tension and
compression loads.
Welded joints
This type of splicing requires meeting certain rules and criteria. Welded splicing method
is adopted if there are special requirements for splicing.