Title: Review of New Anchorage and Lap Splicing Design Rules for Steel Reinforcing Bars

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
Anchorage and lap splicing design rules are of fundamental importance when detailing steel reinforcing bars in concrete structures. These rules determine the amount of additional steel that is required to maintain the effectiveness of reinforcing bars acting in tension or compression in critical regions. Therefore, they significantly affect the economy of this form of construction, especially in slabs and walls, where it is estimated that by length, approximately 80 percent of all reinforcing steel is laid, which normally comprises N12 and N16 bars. Rules that affect anchorage and lap lengths of these small diameter bars are of critical importance for economy. Non-contact splices are commonly used in slabs and walls in accordance with AS 3600. While using AS 3600, design engineers and steel reinforcement schedulers have normally not differentiated between anchorage and lap lengths, and nor have they concerned themselves with the differences between non-contact and contact splices. This has significantly simplified their detailing task, and been a boon during construction. A review of major overseas Standards for concrete structures shows that these and other variables, including the order layers of bars are laid, staggering of splices, ultimate transverse bending pressure, and the presence of transverse confining reinforcement, may all need to be considered at the design stage, which can significantly complicate design and construction.