Strength and rigidity of lap welded splices in precast reinforced concrete framing members

Abstract

Four box girders with lap welded splices were tested to determine the effect of rotation of eccentrically loaded lap welded reinforcing bars on the lateral rigidity of the splice and precast thin-shelled concrete framing members. Each specimen was made of six precast thinshelled elements that were welded and spliced together to form a hollow box girder 1-by 2-ft in cross section and 8 ft 10 in. long. These girders were used to compare the relative rigidities of lap welded splices with and without transverse reinforcement.The comparative results of flexural tests of these girders indicate that there was little difference in the observed lateral displacements up to stresses in splices of about 35,000 psi.However, at higher stresses, the lateral movement of the end portion of the girders and the concrete surrounding the splices was significantly greater in the girders which contained no transverse reinforcement .