Influence of Stirrups on Overlap Splice Strength of Epoxy Coated Deformed Bars

Abstract

This paper reports the effect of transverse reinforcement on tensile reinforcement splice strength of epoxy coated reinforcing bars. Thirty six (36) full size beams of varying lengths and sectional dimensions with lap spliced bars in constant moment region were cast and tested in a four point bending system. The beams were cast with three high yield diameter bars, namely 16 mm, 20 mm and 28 mm. 8 mm and 10 mm diameter high yield stirrups were introduced over the lap in an attempt to study the effect of stirrups on bond performance of epoxy coated reinforcing bars. The ultimate moment from the tests were used to determine the stress developed in the steel rods. The ratios of the test bond stresses and bond stress values using the tensile reinforcement yield stress τt/τy were used for comparison of the parameter under investigation. Transverse reinforcement was found to increase the splice strength of epoxy coated reinforcing bars and the larger the diameter of stirrup the better the improvement of the bond efficiency.