STRENGTH OF EPOXY-COATED REINFORCING BAR SPLICES CONFINED WITH TRANSVERSE REINFORCEMENT

This study determined the effect of epoxy-coated transverse reinforcement on the strength of epoxy-coated bar splices. Existing recommendations for design of splices and anchorage of epoxy-coated reinforcement were reviewed and modifications are suggested. Test results show that the presence of transverse reinforcement in the splice region increased deformation capacity of the beams and improved anchorage strength of epoxy-coated bar splices relative to uncoated bar splices. The improvement was independent of the number of splices, bar size, or bar spacing. Using results of this study and results of other tests on epoxy-coated bar splices in the literature, a comprehensive review of the effect of epoxy coating on structural aspect of epoxy-coated bar splices was performed. Design equations are recommended, and modifications to the ACI Building Code (ACI 318-89) development and splice length provisions are suggested.