Splice Strength of High Relative Rib Area Reinforcing Bars

The reinforcing bar deformation patterns currently used in the U.S. were established over 45 years ago. In the interim, material properties and design procedures have changed, resulting in more congested reinforcement, the use of higher strength materials, and the application of coatings to provide corrosion protection. Based on an improved understanding of the interaction between reinforcing steel and concrete, changes have been made in the design provisions for reinforced concrete buildings and bridges to account more accurately for structural behavior and material properties. However, corresponding changes have not been made in steel reinforcement.