Bar Lock Coupler

Bar-lock coupler systems for splicing reinforcement bars Description

The Bar-Lock Coupler Systems L- and S-series couplers mechanically butt-splice deformed steel reinforcing bars (rebar) in reinforced concrete construction. The couplers are used to splice No. 4 through No. 14 rebar; the largest S-series coupler is used to splice No. 18 rebar. See Figure 1 and Tables 1 and 2 for additional details. The S-Series couplers comply as tension and compression mechanical connections of ASTM A615 Grade 60 deformed reinforcing bars in accordance with Section 1912.14.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code™ (UBC), and comply with the requirements for the Type I splices in Section 1921.2.6.1.2 of the UBC. The S-Series couplers also comply with the Type I mechanical splice requirements of Section 21.2.6.1 of ACI318-99 (ACI 318-99 is referenced in Section 1901 of the 2000 International Building Code® [IBC] and Section R612 of the 2000 International Residential Code® [IRC]) for ASTM A 615 Grade 60 reinforcing bars. The L-Series couplers comply with the requirements for Type 2 splices for ASTM A 615 Grade 60 reinforcing bars in Section 1921.2.6.1.2 of the UBC. The L-Series couplers also comply with the Type 2 mechanical splice requirements for ASTM A 615 Grade 60 reinforcing bars of Section 21.2.6.1 of ACI 318-99.

Materials

Installation

The first rebar is inserted halfway into the coupler, to the center pin, and the coupler is held in place while the corresponding bolts are tightened in an alternating pattern (e.g., 2-4-3-1 for a four-bolt coupler) until each bolt is medium-tight. The second bar is inserted and the bolts are tightened following the same procedure. The bolts are then tightened in a random, alternative pattern. At least two passes of tightening each bolt must be done before the bolt heads are sheared.

Special Inspection

Special inspection must be provided for coupler installations in accordance with UBC Section 1701 or IBC Section 1704, as applicable. The special inspector must verify that the coupler is identified and installed in accordance with this report. Verification must include rebar insertion length and the bolt tightening pattern.

Identification

Each coupler is stamped with the coupler size designation, the production lot number, the Bar-Lock Coupler Systems mark or logo, and the Series designation “S” or “L”. Series S couplers are stamped with the designation “Type 1,” and Series L couplers are stamped with the designation “Type 2”. Each bundle, pallet or skid of couplers has a shipping tag bearing the Bar-Lock Coupler Systems company name, the product designation and size, the production lot

Couplers: The couplers are illustrated in Figure 1. Land S-series couplers consist of lock shear bolts threaded into the side of seamless, hot-rolled tubing. The couplers have two serrated steel strips, the same length as the coupler, inside the tubing. The lock-shear bolts have conical ends, designed to embed themselves into the rebar. The heads of the lock-shear bolts are designed to shear off when tightened to the appropriate installation torque specified in Tables 1 and 2. The bolts are manufactured of steel complying with ASTM A 331 Grade 41L40 The couplers are manufactured of steel having a minimum tensile strength of 100,000 psi (689 MPa) and conforming to a proprietary grade of steel having qualities midway between those specified for ASTM A 519 Grades 1030 and 1035. The S-series couplers are the same as the L-series couplers, except the S-series couplers are shorter in length and use fewer lock-shear bolts. Rebar: Rebar must be uncoated, deformed, steel reinforcing bars complying with ASTM A 615, Grade 60, specifications. 400-38

Figure 1. Coupler Installation

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Bar-lock coupler systems for splicing reinforcement bars number, the installation instructions, and the evaluation report number (ER-5064).

Evidence Submitted

Data in accordance with the ICC-ES Interim Criteria for Mechanical Connectors for Steel Bar Reinforcement (AC133), dated April 2002.

Findings

That the Bar-Lock Coupler Systems for Splicing Reinforcement Bars described in this report comply with

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the 1997 Uniform Building Code™, the 2000 International Building Code® and the 2000 International Residential Code®, subject to the following conditions: 4.1 The splice locations comply with the applicable code and are detailed on plans approved by the building official. 4.2 Minimum concrete cover is in accordance with the applicable code and is measured from the outer surface of the coupler, for both fire-resistance-rated and non fireresistance-rated construction. 4.3 Special inspection in accordance with Section 2.4 of this report is required during splicing.

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