Design Requirements for Mechanically Spliced High-Strength Reinforcing Bars in Hinge Regions

Design Requirements for Mechanically Spliced High-Strength Reinforcing Bars in Hinge Regions

Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-19) applies a restriction to use of mechanical splices for high strength rebar (Gr80 and 100 bars) in hinge regions. This restriction puts Gr80 and 100 bars at a constructability disadvantage compared with Gr60 bars. The main objectives for the proposed research are to 1) develop design criteria for mechanical splices in hinge regions that would result in adequate performance for Gr80 and 100 bars, and 2) redefine performance criteria for mechanical splices to allow their use in hinge regions.