Author
J H Greenwald1and J J Thompson
1 P.E., National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association
2 National Concrete Masonry Association

Abstract
Research was conducted to investigate the effects of confinement provided by lateral reinforcement on lap splice performance. Recognition of beneficial effects from lateral reinforcement by building codes may result in smaller required splice lengths. Twenty-seven concrete masonry panels were constructed using 203mm concrete masonry units, consisting of nine sets of wall specimens, each with three identical panels. All specimens were solidly grouted. In each sample panel, one set of lap spliced M#19 reinforcing bars was placed in the center of two separate cells, each incorporating a lap splice length of 914mm. To evaluate the effects of confinement reinforcement on splice behavior, nine different arrangements of transverse reinforcement were considered: no transverse reinforcement, M#11 bed joint reinforcement in each course, one M#19 bar at each end of the splice, two M#19 bars at each end of the splice, one M#19 bar in each course, one M#10 deformed hoop top and bottom, one M#10 deformed hoop each course, one M#6 smooth hoop top and bottom, and one M#6 smooth hoop each course. The spliced bars were loaded in direct tension to determine the capacity of the splice.