Advancements with hybrid concrete/steel design and standards
Modern constructions techniques
Demand for increased speed in construction
Decrease labor costs
Safety performance criteria
Mechanical Splicing System:
Mechanical systems are more reliable than lap systems because they don’t depend on the concrete for load transfer
Mechanical connections offer greater structural integrity. Mechanical splices offer strength and toughness during man-made, seismic or other natural events
Codes require that mechanical splices deliver higher performance than typical design lengths for lap splices. This is typically 125% to 150% greater capacity* provided by the mechanical splice versus the lap splice
Lap splicing increases rebar congestion at the lap zone and is one of the major causes for forming rock pockets and voids in the concrete. Mechanical splices eliminate these congestion problems and will make the overall job more cost effective through minimized job site problems
Building codes stipulate a steel ratio of under 8% and this makes it nearly impossible to achieve a balanced design with lap splicing. Mechanical splices allow the designer to achieve an ideal balance of steel and concrete by eliminating the additional rebar in the lap zone
