An experimental study of welded splices of reinforcing bar

Manufacturing, fabrication, and transportation limitations make it impossible to provide full length continuous bars in some reinforced concrete structures. In general, reinforcing bars are stocked by suppliers in lengths of 12–18 m. For that reason, and because it is often more convenient to work with shorter bar lengths, it is frequently necessary to splice bars in the field. Proper splicing of reinforcing bars is crucial to the integrity of reinforced concrete. ACI Code states: “splices of reinforcement shall be made only as required or permitted on the design drawings, in the specifications, or as authorized by the engineer.” Great responsibility for design, specification, and performance of splices rests with the engineer who is familiar with the structural analysis and design stresses, probable construction conditions and final conditions of service can properly evaluate the variables to select the most efficient and economical splice method. Lap splicing, which requires the overlapping of two parallel bars, has long been accepted as an effective, economical splicing method. In projects with smaller bar sizes such as φ19 mm and smaller, lap splices have performed well over the long run. Continuing research, more demanding designs in concrete, new materials and the development of hybrid concrete/structural steel design have forced designers to consider alternatives to lap splicing such as welded splices. In this study, welding is explored as an alternative to the traditional splicing methods.