Moment Coupler - Codal Requirements
Moment Coupler - Codal Requirements
Moment Coupler - Codal Requirements
(Chapter 12 Dev & Splices of Reinforcement Pg 211 and Chapter 21 Special provisions for seismic design Pg 311 312)
BS 8110 : Part 1 : 1985 Section Three, Issue 2, May 1989 (page 3/51 clause 3.12.8.16.2)
3.12.8.16.2 - Bars in tension
The only acceptable form of full-strength butt joint for a bar in tension comprises a mechanical satisfying the following
criteria.
(a) When a test is made of a representative gauge length assembly comprising reinforcement of the size, grade
and profile to be used and a coupler of the precise type to be used, the permanent elongation after loading
to 0.6fy should not exceed 0.1mm.
(b) The tensile strength of the coupled bar should 287.5 N/mm2 for grade 250, 529 N/ mm2 for grade 460, hot
rolled steel and 506 N/mm2 for grade 460, cold worked steel.
BS 5400 : Part 4 : 1990 (Page 31 Clause 5.8.6.6)
5.8.6.6 Laps and joints.
Continuity of reinforcement may be achieved by a connection using any of the following jointing methods:
(a) Lapping bars;
(b) Butt welding (see 4.7);
(c) Sleeving (see 7.3.2.2);
(d) Threading of bars, parallel threads (see 7.3.2.2);
(e) Threading of bars, taper threads.
Such connections should occur, if possible, away from points of high stress and should be staggered appropriately.
The use of the jointing methods given in (c) and (d) and any other method not listed should be verified by test
evidence.
In the tests the following criteria should be satisfied.
(a) When a test is made of a representative gauge length assembly comprising reinforcement of the size,
grade and profile to be used and a coupler of the precise type to be used, the permanent elongation
after loading to 0.6fy should not exceed 0.1mm.
(b) The design ultimate strength of the coupled bar should exceed the specified characteristic strength by
the percentage specified in clause 10 of BS 4449 : 1988.
7.3.2.3 Threading.
The following methods may be used for joining threaded bars.
(a) The threaded ends of bars may be joined by a coupler having left and right hand threads. This type of
threaded connection requires a high degree of accuracy in manufacture in view of the difficulty of ensuring
alignment.
(b) One set of bars may be welded to a steel plate that is drilled that is drilled to receive the threaded ends of
the second set of bars; the second set of bars are fixed to the plate by means of nuts.
(c) Threaded anchors may be cast into a precast unit to receive the threaded ends of reinforcement.
Where there is a risk of the threaded connection working loose e.g. during vibration of in situ concrete, a locking
device should be used.
Where there is difficulty in producing a clean thread at the end of a bar, steel normally specified for black bolts (see
BS 4190) having a characteristic strength of 430 N/ mm2 should be used.
The structural design of special threaded connections should be based on tests in accordance with Part 1, including
behaviour under fatigue conditions where relevant. Where test have shown the strength of the threaded connection
to be at least as strong as the parent bar, the strength of the joint may be based on 80% of the specified
characteristic strength of the joined bars in tension and on 100% for bars in compression, divided in each case by the
appropriate ym factor.