Resources

Splices, Development & Standard Hooks for Concrete Masonry Based on the 2009 & 2012 IBC

INTRODUCTION

Building codes include requirements for minimum reinforcement development lengths and splice lengths, as well as requirements for standard hooks, to ensure the adequate transfer of stresses between the reinforcement and the masonry. This TEK presents these requirements, based on the provisions of both the 2012 and 2009 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) (refs. 1, 2). Masonry design in these codes is primarily based on Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (MSJC) (refs. 3, 4). Differences between the MSJC and IBC are noted in the text when they occur.

There are two main differences between the 2008 and 2011 editions of the MSJC that impact reinforcement development and splice lengths in the corresponding 2009 and 2012 editions of the IBC:

  1. under 2011 MSJC allowable stress design, the allowable tensile stress, Fs, of Grade 60 steel was increased from 24,000 psi (166 MPa) to 32,000 psi (221 MPa), and
  2. the 2011 MSJC includes new lap splice length provisions for when confinement reinforcement is used at lap splices.

TEK 12-04D (ref. 5) includes basic material requirements, corrosion protection and placement tolerances for reinforcement used in concrete masonry construction. In addition, prestressing steel is discussed in Post-Tensioned Concrete Masonry Wall Construction, TEK 03-14 (ref. 6).

SPLICES AND DEVELOPMENT LENGTH

Minimum development lengths are necessary to adequately transfer stresses between reinforcement and the grout or mortar in which it is embedded. Splicing of reinforcement serves a similar purpose: to adequately transfer stresses from one reinforcing bar to another.

Reinforcement can be developed by embedment length, hook, or mechanical anchoring device. The development of the reinforcing bars relies on mechanical interlock of the bar deformations, hook, and/or anchor along with sufficient masonry cover to prevent splitting of the masonry. Reinforcing bars may be spliced by lapping the reinforcement, by proprietary mechanical splices or by welding.

The required length of lap or development is determined according to the design procedure used (allowable stress design or strength design). In addition, these detailing requirements have been frequently revised in recent years. As a result, the minimum lap and development lengths can vary considerably from one code to the next as well as from one design method to another.

The following sections present the requirements for both the 2009 IBC and 2012 IBC for both allowable stress and strength design.

2009 IBC SPLICE & DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

2009 IBC Allowable Stress Design

Development Length & Lap Splicing

While the 2008 MSJC includes an equation to determine development and lap splice lengths, the 2009 IBC modifies the MSJC lap splice length. In accordance with the 2009 IBC, the minimum required lap length for spliced reinforcing bars is determined using Equation 1 (see Table 1).

Further, in regions of flexure where the design tensile stresses in the reinforcement, fs, exceed 80% of the allowable steel tensile stress, Fs, the IBC requires that the required length of lap determined by Equation 1 must be increased by 50%. Alternatively, equivalent means of stress transfer to accomplish the same 50% increase is permitted. Where epoxy coated bars are used, lap length is also required to be increased by 50% but does not apply to the 12 in. (305 mm) minimum.

Development length requirements for allowable stress design are determined in accordance with Equation 3 except that there is no maximum length limit of 72db.

When noncontact lap splices are used, the bars must be spaced no farther apart than one-fifth the required length of lap nor more than 8 in. (203 mm).

When using the allowable stress design method, development of wires in tension is determined using Equation 2 (see Table 2). The development length of epoxy-coated wires is increased 50% above the value determined using Equation 2 but does not apply to the 6 in. (152 mm) minimum.

Alternatives to Lap Splicing

Reinforcing bars can also be spliced by welding, mechanical splicing and in some cases end-bearing splicing. Reinforcing bars larger than No. 9 (M#29) are required to be spliced using mechanical connectors.

Welded splices require the bars to be butted or shortly lapped and welded to develop in tension at least 125% of the specified yield strength of the bar. All welding is required to conform to AWS D1.4 (ref. 7), and steel for welded splices must conform to ASTM A706 (ref. 8). In practice, however, welding tends to be an expensive splicing option.

Mechanical splicing of reinforcement typically employs proprietary couplers specifically designed for this application. Mechanical splices are required to have the bars connected to develop in tension or compression, as required, at least 125% of the specified yield strength of the bar.

Reinforcing bars can also be spliced using end-bearing splices, but only in members containing closed ties, closed stirrups or spirals for bars subject to compression only. End-bearing splices rely on the transmission of compressive stress by bearing of square-cut ends held in concentric contact by a suitable device. The bar ends are required to terminate in flat surfaces within 11/2 degrees of a right angle to the axis of the bars and be fitted within 3 degrees of full bearing after assembly. 

2009 IBC Strength Design

Development Length & Lap Splice Length

For development and lap splice length requirements, the 2009 IBC references the 2008 MSJC (see Equation 3 and Table 3), but adds a maximum length limit of 72db.

For Equation 3, the reinforcement size factor, g, is taken equal to 1.0 for No. 3 through No. 5 (M#10–M#16) reinforcing bars; 1.3 for No. 6 and No. 7 (M#19, M#22) bars; and 1.5 for No. 8 and No. 9 (M#25, M#29) bars. When epoxy coated bars are used, the development length determined by Equation 3 is required to be increased by 50%.

Bars spliced by noncontact lap splices must be spaced no farther apart than one-fifth the required length of lap and no more than 8 in. (203 mm).

Alternatives to Lap Splicing

Mechanical splices are required to have the bars connected to develop at least 125% of the specified yield strength of the bar in tension or compression, as required.

The IBC further stipulates that mechanical splices be classified as Type 1 or 2 according to Section 21.2.6.1 of ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary (ref. 10). Type 1 splices may not be used within the plastic hinge zone nor within a beam-column joint of intermediate or special reinforced masonry shear walls or special moment frames. Type 2 are permitted at any location.

A Type 2 splice is defined as a full mechanical splice that develops in tension or compression, as required, at least 1.25fy of the bar. This requirement is intended to avoid a splice failure when the reinforcement is subjected to expected stress levels in yielding regions. Type 1 splices are not required to satisfy the more stringent requirements for Type 2 splices, and so their use is limited as noted above.

Welded splices must have the bars butted and welded to develop at least 125% of the bar’s specified yield strength in tension or compression, as required. Welded splices must use ASTM A706 (ref. 9) steel reinforcement. Welded splices are not permitted to be used in plastic hinge zones of intermediate or special reinforced walls nor in special moment frames of masonry.

2012 IBC SPLICE & DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Regarding development and splice lengths, two significant changes were incorporated into the 2011 MSJC, which are included by reference in the 2012 IBC:

  1. in the 2011 MSJC, the allowable tensile stress, Fs, of Grade 60 steel when using allowable stress design was increased from 24,000 psi (166 MPa) to 32,000 psi (221 MPa), and
  2. the 2011 MSJC includes new provisions for confinement reinforcement, for both allowable stress and strength design methods.

2012 IBC Allowable Stress Design

Equation 1 is still applicable for use in the 2012 IBC but with the increase in F the splice lengths of fully stressed bars will increase by 33%. Significant reductions of splice lengths in low stress areas are achieved, however. The minimums of 12 in. (305 mm) or 40db whichever is greater still apply as well.

The 2012 IBC allows the MSJC development length equation (Equation 3) to be used as an alternate to the IBC equation (Equation 1). When using Equation 3 under the 2012 IBC, however, the value of K is defined as the least of the masonry cover, 9db (vs. 5db in the 2009 IBC) and the clear spacing between adjacent reinforcement.

Tabulated values are presented in Tables 4a through 4d. Note, however, that there is no maximum length limit of 72db for allowable stress design.

Tables 4a and 4b present minimum lap splice lengths for reinforcement placed in the center of the wall, for f’m = 1,500 and 2,000 psi (10.3 and 13.7 MPa), respectively.

Tables 4c and 4d present minimum lap splice lengths for reinforcement offset in the wall, for f’m = 1,500 and 2,000 psi (10.3 and 13.7 MPa), respectively.

Other requirements for lap, mechanical, welded and end-bearing splices are identical to those under the 2009 IBC, with the exception of the new provisions for confinement reinforcement, presented below.

2012 IBC Strength Design

Requirements for development length as well as lap, mechanical and welded splices are identical to those for allowable stress design, and are presented in Tables 4a through 4d.

2012 IBC Lap Splices With Confinement Reinforcement

The 2012 IBC, by reference to the 2011 MSJC, includes new lap splice criteria where confinement reinforcement is placed. The criteria are the same for both allowable stress design and strength design.

The confinement reinforcement criteria allow a reduced lap splice length when reinforcement is provided transverse to lapped bars. Research has found that the transverse, or confinement, reinforcement increases the lap performance significantly, as long as there is at least one No. 3 (M#10) or larger transverse bar placed within the last 8 in. (203 mm) of each end of the lap (see Figure 1). Because of this effect, calculated lap splice lengths are permitted to be reduced by a confinement factor, ξ, determined using Equation 4:

where

db is the bar diameter of the vertical reinforcement

The reduced lap splice length is not permitted to be less than 36db. The clear space between the transverse bars and the lapped bars may not exceed 1.5 in. (38 mm), and the transverse bars must be fully developed in grouted masonry at the point where they cross the lapped reinforcement (see Figure 1). These provisions are included in Tables 4a through 4d

STANDARD HOOKS

Figure 2 illustrates the requirements for standard hooks, when reinforcing bars are anchored by hooks or by a combination of hooks and development length. These requirements apply to both the 2009 and 2012 IBC, for both allowable stress and strength design. Table 5 lists minimum dimensions and equivalent embedment lengths for standard hooks of various sizes. A combination of hook and development length must be used when the equivalent embedment length of the hook, le, is less than the required minimum development length, ld. In this case, development length equal to (ldle) must be provided in addition to the hook. This additional development length is measured from the start of the hook (point of tangency with the main portion of the bar).

JOINT REINFORCEMENT SPLICES

Joint reinforcement must have a minimum splice length of 6 in. (152 mm) to transfer shrinkage stresses. Slippage of the deformed side wires is resisted by surface bond as well as by mechanical anchorage of the embedded portions of the cross wires.

NOTATIONS:

Asc = area of the transverse bars at each end of the lap splice, in.² (mm²)
Di = min. inside diameter of bend for standard hooks, in. (mm)
db = nominal diameter of reinforcement, in. (mm)
K = the least of the masonry cover, 9db for the 2012 IBC (5db for the 2009 IBC) and the clear spacing between adjacent reinforcement, in. (mm)
Fs = allowable tensile stress in reinforcement, psi (MPa)
f’m = specified compressive strength of masonry, psi (MPa)
fs = calculated tensile or compressive stress in steel, psi (MPa)
fy = specified yield strength of steel, psi (MPa)
ld = embedment length or lap splice length of straight reinforcement, in. (mm)
le = equivalent embedment length provided by standard hooks measured from the start of the hook (point of tangency), in. (mm)
lt = length of bar extension of hooked confinement reinforcement, in. (mm)
γ = reinforcement size factor
ξ = lap splice confinement reinforcement factor

REFERENCES

  1. International Building Code 2012. International Code Council, 2012.
  2. International Building Code 2009. International Code Council, 2009.
  3. Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, TMS 402-11 /ACI 530-11/ASCE 5-11. Reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Committee, 2011.
  4. Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, TMS 402-08 /ACI 530-08/ASCE 5-08. Reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Committee, 2008.
  5. Steel Reinforcement for Concrete Masonry, TEK 12-04D. Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, 2007.
  6. Post-Tensioned Concrete Masonry Wall Construction, TEK 03-14. Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, 2002.
  7. Structural Welding Code—Reinforcing Steel, AWS D 1.4-05. American Welding Society, 2005.
  8. Standard Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement, ASTM A706/A706M-09b. ASTM International, Inc., 2009.
  9. Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary, ACI 318-11. American Concrete Institute, 2011.

TEK 12-06A, Revised 2013. CMHA and the companies disseminating this technical information disclaim any and all responsibility and liability for the accuracy and the application of the information contained in this publication.

Steel Reinforcement for Concrete Masonry

INTRODUCTION

Reinforcement in concrete masonry walls increases strength and ductility, increases resistance to applied loads, and in the case of horizontal reinforcement, also provides increased resistance to shrinkage cracking. This TEK covers non-prestressed reinforcement for concrete masonry construction. Prestressing steel is discussed in Post-Tensioned Concrete Masonry Wall Construction, TEK 03-14 (ref. 1). Unless otherwise noted, the information is based on the 2003 International Building Code (IBC) (ref. 2). For masonry design and construction, the IBC references Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures and Specification for Masonry Structures (MSJC Code and Specification) (refs. 4, 5). In some cases, the IBC has adopted provisions different from the MSJC provisions. These instances have been noted where applicable.

MATERIALS

Reinforcement used in masonry is principally reinforcing bars and cold-drawn wire products. Wall anchors and ties are usually formed of wire, metal sheets or strips. Table 1 lists applicable ASTM Standards governing steel reinforcement, as well as nominal yield strengths for each steel type.

Reinforcing Bars

Reinforcing bars are available in the United States in 11 standard bar sizes designated No. 3 through 11, No. 14 and No. 18 (M#10-36, M#43, M#57). The size of a reinforcing bar is designated by a number corresponding to its nominal diameter. For bars designated No. 3 through No. 8 (M#10-25), the number indicates the diameter in eighths of an inch (mm), as shown in Table 2.

To help address potential problems associated with reinforcement congestion and grout consolidation, the IBC limits the reinforcing bar diameter to the lesser of one-eighth the nominal member thickness, and one-fourth the least dimension of the cell, course or collar joint into which it is placed. For typical single wythe walls, this corresponds to a maximum bar size of No. 8, 9 and 11 for 8-, 10- and 12- in. walls, respectively (M#25, 29 and 36 for 203-, 254- and 305-mm walls). In addition, the following limits apply:

  • maximum bar size is No. 11 (M#36),
  • the area of vertical reinforcement may not exceed 6% of the grout space area (i.e., about 1.26 in.² , 1.81 in.² , or 2.40 in.² of vertical reinforcement for 8-, 10- and 12-in. concrete masonry, respectively (815, 1,170 or 1,550 mm² for 203-, 254- and 305-mm units, respectively), and
  • for masonry designed using strength design procedures, the maximum bar size is No. 9 (M#29) and the maximum area of reinforcement is 4% of the cell area (i.e., about 0.84 in.² , 1.21 in.² , or 1.61 in.² of vertical reinforcement for 8-, 10- and 12-in. concrete masonry, respectively (545, 781 or 1,039 mm² for 203-, 254- and 305-mm units, respectively).

The prescriptive limits on reinforcement sizes, above, are construction-related. Additional design limits to prevent over-reinforcing and brittle failures may also apply depending on the design method used and the design loads resisted. Manufacturers mark the bar size, producing mill identification and type of steel on reinforcing bars (see Figure 1). Note that the bar size indicates the size in SI units per ASTM standards.

The ASTM standards include minimum requirements for various physical properties including yield strength and stiffness. While not all reinforcing bars have a well-defined yield point, the modulus of elasticity, Es , is roughly the same for all reinforcing steels and for design purposes is taken as 29,000,000 psi (200 GPa).

When designing by the allowable stress design method, allowable tensile stress is limited to 20,000 psi (138 MPa) for Grade 40 or 50 reinforcing bars and 24,000 psi (165 MPa) for Grade 60 reinforcing bars. For reinforcing bars enclosed in ties, such as those in columns, the allowable compressive stress is limited to 40% of the specified yield strength, with a maximum of 24,000 psi (165 MPa). For strength design, the nominal yield strength of the reinforcement is used to size and distribute the steel.

Cold-Drawn Wire

Cold-drawn wire for joint reinforcement, ties or anchors varies from W1.1 to W4.9 (MW7 to MW32) with the most popular size being W1.7 (MW11). Table 3 shows standard wire sizes and properties. Because the IBC limits the size of joint reinforcement to one half the joint thickness, the practical limit for wire diameter is 3/16 in. (W2.8, 4.8 mm, MW18) for a in. (9.5 mm) bed joint. Wire for masonry is plain with the exception that side wires for joint reinforcement are deformed by means of knurling wheels.

Stress-strain characteristics of reinforcing wire have been determined by extensive testing programs. Not only is the yield strength of cold-drawn wire close to its ultimate strength, but the location of the yield point is not clearly indicated on the stress-strain curve. ASTM A 82 (ref. 15) defines yield as the stress determined at a strain of 0.005 in./in. (mm/mm).

CORROSION PROTECTION

Grout, mortar and masonry units usually provide adequate protection for embedded reinforcement provided that minimum cover and clearance requirements are met. Reinforcement with a moderate amount of rust, mill scale or a combination is allowed to be used without cleaning or brushing, provided the dimensions and weights (including heights of deformations) of a cleaned sample are not less than those required by the applicable ASTM standard. When additional corrosion protection is needed, reinforcement can be galvanized or epoxy coated.

Joint Reinforcement

Carbon steel can be protected from corrosion by coating the steel with zinc (galvanizing). The zinc protects in two ways: first, as a barrier separating the steel from oxygen and water, and second during the corrosion process, the zinc is sacrificed before the steel is attacked. Increasing the zinc coating thickness improves the level of corrosion protection.

Required levels of corrosion protection increase with the severity of exposure. When used in exterior walls or in interior walls exposed to a mean relative humidity over 75%, carbon steel joint reinforcement must be hot-dip galvanized or epoxy-coated, or stainless steel joint reinforcement must be used. When used in interior walls exposed to a mean relative humidity less than or equal to 75%, it can be mill galvanized, hot-dip galvanized, or be stainless steel. The corresponding minimum protection levels are:

  • Mill galvanized—ASTM A 641 (ref. 16) 0.1 oz/ft² (0.031 kg/m²)
  • Hot-dip galvanized—ASTM A 153 (ref. 17), Class B, 1.5 oz/ft² (458 g/m²)
  • Epoxy-coated—ASTM A 884 (ref. 18) Class A, Type 1 ≥ 7 mils (175 µm) (ref. 3). Note that both the 2003 IBC and 2002 MSJC code incorrectly identify Class B, Type 2 epoxy coated joint reinforcement, which is not applicable for masonry construction.

In addition, joint reinforcement must be placed so that longitudinal wires are embedded in mortar with a minimum cover of ½ in. (13 mm) when not exposed to weather or earth, and in. (16 mm) when exposed to weather or earth.

Reinforcing Bars

A minimum amount of masonry cover over reinforcing bars is required to protect against steel corrosion. This masonry cover is measured from the nearest exterior masonry surface to the outermost surface of the reinforcement, and includes the thickness of masonry face shells, mortar and grout. The following minimum cover requirements apply:

  • masonry exposed to weather or earth
    bars larger than No. 5 (M#16) …………………….2 in. (51 mm)
    No. 5 (M#16) bars or smaller……………………1½ in. (38 mm)
  • masonry not exposed to weather or earth … 1½ in. (38 mm)

PLACEMENT

Installation requirements for reinforcement and ties help ensure that elements are placed as assumed in the design, and that structural performance is not compromised due to mislocation. These requirements also help minimize corrosion by providing for a minimum amount of masonry and grout cover around reinforcing bars, and providing sufficient clearance for grout and mortar to surround reinforcement and accessories so that stresses can be properly transferred.

Reinforcing Bars

Tolerances for placing reinforcing bars are:

  • variation from d for walls and fl exural elements:
    d ≤ 8 in. (203 mm) ………………………. ±½ in. (13 mm)
    8 in. (203 mm) < d ≤ 24 in. (610 mm) ±1 in. (25 mm)
    d > 24 in. (610 mm) ……………………. ±1¼ in. (32 mm)
  • for vertical bars in walls ………..±2 in. (51 mm) from the specified location along the length of the wall.

In addition, a minimum clear distance between reinforcing bars and the adjacent (interior of cell) surface of a masonry unit of ¼ in. (6.4 mm) for fine grout or ½ in. (13 mm) for coarse grout must be maintained so that grout can flow around the bars.

DEVELOPMENT

Development length or anchorage is necessary to adequately transfer stresses between the reinforcement and the grout in which it is embedded. Reinforcing bars can be anchored by embedment length, hook or mechanical device. Reinforcing bars anchored by embedment length rely on interlock at the bar deformations and on sufficient masonry cover to prevent splitting from the reinforcing bar to the free surface. Detailed information and requirements for development, splice and standard hooks are contained in TEK 12-06A, Splices, Development and Standard Hooks for CM Based on the 2009 & 2012 IBC (ref. 19).

REFERENCES

  1. Post-Tensioned Concrete Masonry Wall Construction, TEK 03-14. Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, 2002.
  2. International Building Code 2003. International Code Council, 2003.
  3. International Building Code 2006. International Code Council, 2006.
  4. Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures, ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-02/TMS 402-02. Reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Committee, 2002.
  5. Specification for Masonry Structures, ACI 530.1-02/ASCE 6-02/TMS 602-02. Reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Committee, 2002.
  6. Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Billet-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement, ASTM A615/A615M-00. ASTM International, Inc., 2000.
  7. Standard Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement, ASTM A706/A706M- 01. ASTM International, Inc., 2001.
  8. Standard Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement, A767/A767M-00b. ASTM International, Inc., 2000.
  9. Standard Specification for Epoxy-Coated Steel Reinforcing Bars, A775/A775M-01. ASTM International, Inc., 2001.
  10. Standard Specification for Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement, A996/A996M-00. ASTM International, Inc., 2000.
  11. Standard Specification for Masonry Joint Reinforcement, ASTM A951-00. ASTM International, Inc., 2000.
  12. Standard Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Wire, ASTM A580-98. ASTM International, Inc., 1998.
  13. Standard Specification for Steel Wire, Deformed, for Concrete Reinforcement, A496/A496M-01. ASTM International, Inc., 2001.
  14. Manual of Standard Practice, MSP 1-01. Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, 2001.
  15. Standard Specification for Steel Wire, Plain, for Concrete Reinforcement, ASTM A82-01. ASTM International, Inc., 2001.
  16. Standard Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Carbon Steel Wire, ASTM A641-98. ASTM International, Inc., 1998.
  17. Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware, ASTM A153-01a. ASTM International, Inc., 2001.
  18. Standard Specification for Epoxy-Coated Steel Wire and Welded Wire Fabric for Reinforcement, ASTM A884/A884M-99. ASTM International, Inc., 1999.
  19. Reinforcement Detailing Requirements for Concrete Masonry, TEK 12-06A. Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, 2007.

TEK 12-04D, Revised 2006. Disclaimer: Although care has been taken to ensure the enclosed information is as accurate and complete as possible, CMHA does not assume responsibility for errors or omissions resulting from the use of this TEK.