Title: Development of Design Criteria for Reinforcing Steel Splices in Blast Resistant Concrete Structures

Author(s): William H. Zehrt Jr. and Paul M. LaHoud

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 175

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 131-140

Keywords: blast resistant construction; dynamic loads; explosions; mechanical properties; I reinforced concrete; shock resistance; splicing

DOI: 10.14359/5920

Date: 12/1/1998

Abstract:
Department of Defense (DOD) facilities which may be subjected to blast effects from accidental explosions are required to satisfy the safety requirements delineated in DOD 6055.9-STD, "DOD Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards."(l) In the safety standard, Army Technical Manual 5-1300, "Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions, "(2) is referenced for specific criteria to be used in the analysis, design, and construction of blast resistant structures. Design procedures for concrete elements are provided in chapter 4 of the manual. According to chapter 4 of TM 5-1300, mechanical splices must be capable of developing the ultimate dynamic strength of the reinforcement without reducing its ductility before they can be used in blast resistant concrete elements. Unfortunately, no mechanical splicing system is currently available which can fully satisfy these requirements. Numerous splicing systems can develop the ultimate dynamic strength of the reinforcement but none can do so without some reduction in ductility. An effort is currently underway to more accurately define the performance of mechanical splices under rapid dynamic loading. It is hoped that the results of this research will permit the use of mechanical splices in blast resistant concrete structures. Preliminary investigations have indicated that some splicing systems may be safely used in low ductility regions. In this paper, available data from dynamic tests i of mechanical splicing systems will first be reviewed. The current research effort will then be outlined, and I