5.1 Significance: 

5.1.1 The bar-splice assembly test specimen shall closely represent the mechanical splice used in practice. The behavior of the bar-splice assembly embedded in concrete, however, may differ from its behavior during testing where it is not embedded in concrete.

5.2 Usefulness: 

5.2.1 Testing of mechanical splices for reinforcing bars shall establish the behavior of the bar-splice assembly under the loading conditions described herein for the various test methods to determine the acceptability of the mechanical splice for use in reinforced concrete structural members under specific design criteria.

5.3 Interpretation of Test Results: 

5.3.1 Similar or better performance of mechanical splices installed in structural members shall be expected only if materials and methods of assembly are similar to the materials and methods used in the tests.

1.1 General—This specification covers the qualification requirements and test methods of mechanical splices for reinforcing bars. Qualification requirements are located in Annex A1. The various tests herein described can be specified in total or individually.

1.2 The test methods herein described are applicable to any type of mechanical splice manufactured to join steel reinforcing bars of any grade (specified minimum yield strength), uncoated or coated.

Note 1: Various code-writing bodies specify various parameters, such as test loads, number of cycles and test temperature, for testing.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.