Splicing of reinforcement bars with epoxy joints

The splicing of reinforcement bars in tension using epoxy-sleeve joints is described. The optimum length of the splicing sleeve required and the optimum bonding layer of epoxy resin in the joint were determined in direct tension tests. The performance of the epoxy-sleeve joint made to these optimum dimensions is then compared to that of a lap splice made according to the provisions of CP 110 in a beam flexure test. A sleeve length of 12 bar diameters and an optimum average thickness of 2 mm of the bonding layer of epoxy are shown to develop the full strength of the splices bar. Tensile reinforcement bars spliced using epoxy-sleeve joints are shown to perform satisfactorily as flexural reinforcement in beams and compare favourably with the standard CP 110 lap splice. Epoxy-sleeve joints are shown to produce stiffer beams and reduced crack width at the joints.