Strengthening of short splices in RC beams using Post-Tensioned Metal Straps

This paper investigates the effectiveness of a novel and cost-effective strengthening technique using Post-Tensioned Metal Straps (PTMS) at enhancing the bond behaviour of short lap spliced steel bars in reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Twelve RC beams with a short lap splice length of 10d (b) (d (b) = bar diameter) at the midspan zone were tested in flexure to examine the bond splitting failure. The effect of confinement (no confinement, internal steel stirrups or external PTMS), bar diameter and concrete cover were examined. The results show that, whilst unconfined control beams failed prematurely due to cover splitting, the use of PTMS confinement enhanced the bond strength of the spliced bars by up to 58 % and resulted in a less brittle behaviour. Based on the test results, a new analytical model is proposed to predict the additional bond strength provided by PTMS confinement. The model should prove useful in the strengthening design of substandard lap spliced RC elements.