Lapping Reinforcing coupler bars: Structural benefits, peculiarities and differences
Rebars in RCC members at construction site are conventionally connected with lap joints. Many difficulties are faced during execution of lap joints. Common issues like bar congestion, poor concrete flow, honeycombs are faced by engineering team on site. Also in case of Lap joints the load transfer through reinforcement bars is dependent on the concrete.
Vruddhi Couplers is an experienced company that addresses several issues related to lapping reinforcing bars. We have experts coordinating with customers to save efforts on design, and reduce material costs. But, essentially, we focus on resolving bar congestion issues for smooth operations and structural benefits.
The overview
Reinforced concrete structures need lapping bars at some point for structural continuity. as they are easy to handle and transport. During construction, lapping is used to join two bars as a usual procedure and this method can be faulty. With the innovation of mechanical splicing, the rebars act as a continuous unit. There is no chance of breakage in this method. It is a huge benefit for engineers supervising the site to stabilize the structural integrity.
Why does bar congestion occur?
New building structures have evolved and are erected with complex designs. However, the engineers and designers have to continuously focus on the tolerance and the behaviour of reinforcements. It ensures that construction activity is not hampered. Bar congestion is a major probability that depends on the built-up structure’s behavioural instincts.
The congestion factors affecting rebar geometry relate to:
- Large bar diameters
- Rebar hooks
- Tie hooks (T-heads are fitted to reduce congestion)
- Issues in fabrication design/drawings
- Specified 90-degree replaced by T-hooks impact the congestion angle
- Fixing steel and inadequate spaces
- Compact concrete and its placement
Loading mechanism & load transfer
A structure has the major function to transfer load at the ground level with safety and dimensional control to reduce buckling under pressure. Lapping rebars in heavily reinforced structures are responsible for the blockage. This method is also not the right way to connect rebars. Compact concrete helps in lesser risks due to vibration. It is also capable of increasing the quality of concrete. Parallel threaded couplers are ideal to meet the joining requirement of most applications.
Rusting bars expose the concrete grade in many job sites. This leads to dangerous cracks and weakening of the foundation, walls, and slabs. Even though concrete is strong material it does not have tensile strength. Hence it requires rebars for reinforcements.
Vruddhi Couplers takes care of these issues and even peculiar difficulties. We work in accordance with the structural codes in practice to avoid bar congestion with better design. The reinforced concrete reduces the requirements for stability. Proper maintenance assures the quality of a strong structure.
Do let us know if you are facing any problems and we can offer our assistance.