Integrated Application of Couplers

by NG CHANG SIN JEFFREY

Publisher - NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd

Category - General Novel

Mechanical splicing couplers have been used extensively in place of conventional lapping of reinforcement steel bar (rebar). This has been predominantly applied in earthquake zones where consistency of tensile force transfers across rebar laps are critical considerations in building designs. However, with the increase in rebar prices relative to coupler prices and optimization of building designs (minimizing column dimensions) to maximize usable floor space in buildings, the application of couplers becomes more extensive. In Singapore, maximization of usable floor space is critical. This results in building and infrastructural rebar design for various reinforced concrete elements (columns and foundation works) becoming more congested with rebar at the lapping zones. The congestion in rebar results in poor constructability (long lap times and poor concrete flow) of the elements on site. With proper and more proactive proposition of suitable coupler systems, the construction of such elements will be faster and technically more viable.

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