Mechanical Coupler Testing Report

Abstract

Three styles of Barsplice couplers were tested at the University of Kansas Structural Engineering and Materials Laboratory. The couplers tested and reported include six 8XL-2Y Bargrip XL Swagged (orange), six 8XL-2Y Bargrip XL Part Swagged (red) and eight 8B-2Y Bargrip Swagged (yellow) systems. This report includes the test setup, procedures, results, and evaluation of these testing activities. The summary of results indicates that the three types of No. 8 bar coupler models performed quite well under monotonic, step cyclic, and uniform cyclic loading. No systematic failures were encountered in any coupled assembly under the strength and strain criteria that were set forth in the testing program. The results indicate that these systems can = achieve the levels of ductility typically required of reinforced concrete connections under severe lateral loading.