This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: A1034/A1034M − 10a (Reapproved 2015) A1034/A1034M − 23

Standard Test Methods for

Testing Mechanical Splices for Steel Reinforcing Bars1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A1034/A1034M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope Scope*

1.1 These test methods cover the testing of mechanical splices for reinforcing bars. The various tests herein described can be
specified in total or individually.

1.2 The test methods herein described are applicable to any type of mechanical splice manufactured to join steel reinforcing bars
of any grade (specified minimum yield strength), uncoated or coated.

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1.3 This standard describes only the methods for testing mechanical splices for steel reinforcing bars, but does not quantify the
parameters for testing nor acceptance criteria, which must be specified.

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NOTE 1—Various code-writing bodies specify various parameters, such as test loads, number of cycles and test temperature, for testing.

Documenteach system shall bePreview

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
ASTM
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate A1034/A1034M-23
safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
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the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:2

A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
E4 Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines
E8E8/E8M Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials [Metric] E0008_E0008M
E9 Test Methods of Compression Testing of Metallic Materials at Room Temperature
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Extensometer Systems
E466 Practice for Conducting Force Controlled Constant Amplitude Axial Fatigue Tests of Metallic Materials

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These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
A01.05 on Steel Reinforcement.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2015July 1, 2023. Published December 2015July 2023. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
A1034/A1034M – 10a.A1034/A1034M – 10a (2015). DOI: 10.1520/A1034_A1034M-10AR15.10.1520/A1034_A1034M-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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E467 Practice for Verification of Constant Amplitude Dynamic Forces in an Axial Fatigue Testing System
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

3.1.1 bar-splice assembly—assembly, n—an assembled specimen consisting of two reinforcing bars connected with a mechanical
splice.

3.1.2 clip gage—gage, n—an electrical device used to measure small displacements in test specimens whose voltage output is
convertible into strain.

3.1.3 coupler—coupler, n—threaded device for joining reinforcing bars for the purpose of providing transfer of either axial
compression or axial tension or both from one bar to the other.

3.1.4 coupling sleeve—sleeve, n—non-threaded device for joining reinforcing bars for the purpose of providing transfer of either
axial compression or axial tension or both from one bar to the other.

3.1.5 data acquisition system—system, n—a computer based data logging system to record the output of electrical transducers
reporting load, strain or displacement.

3.1.6 differential elongation—elongation, n—the difference between the total movement measured on the splice specimen from
zero load to a predetermined test load and the total movement measured on an unspliced bar specimen under the same
predetermined load.

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3.1.7 linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)—(LVDT), n—an electrical device used to measure displacements, whose

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voltage output is convertible into strain.

3.1.8 mechanical splice—splice, n—the complete assembly of a coupler or a coupling sleeve and possibly additional intervening
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material or other components to accomplish Preview
the splicing of two reinforcing bars.

3.1.9 slip—slip, n—the difference in extensometer readings over the gage length across the splice, measured at an initial nominal
zero load and, after having loaded the bar-spliceASTM A1034/A1034M-23
assembly to a test load and unloaded it again, at the same nominal zero load.
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3.1.10 splice components—components, n—all components that make up a mechanical splice for reinforcing bars, including
coupler, coupling sleeve, locknuts, bolts, grout, epoxy, ferrous filler metal and/or other components.
4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 Various test methods are used to determine the performance of a mechanical splice under loading.

4.1.1 Monotonic Tension Test—This test measures the performance of the bar-splice assembly under an increasing tension load.
The specimen is placed in the testing machine and pulled to failure.

NOTE 2—Testing of specimens in tension to failure should be approached with caution. Some types of mechanical splices may shatter while failing in
tension.

4.1.2 Monotonic Compression Test—This test is used to ascertain the performance of the bar-splice assembly under an increasing
compressive load. The specimen is placed in the testing machine and is loaded in compression until failure or a specified load is
applied.

NOTE 3—Typical maximum compressive load imposed in this test is 125 % of the specified yield strength of the reinforcing bar. Testing of specimens
in compression should be approached with caution. The buckling load predicted by Euler Column formula may be less than the compression load
specified.

4.1.3 Cyclic Load Test—This test is used to ascertain how the bar-splice assembly performs when the specimen is subjected to
alternating tension and compression cycles. The specimen is placed in the testing machine and is loaded in tension, then in

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compression until the specified number of cycles is reached. Each cycle may exceed the yield strain of the bar and is intended to
simulate the demands of earthquake loading on the specimen.

4.1.4 High-Cycle Fatigue Test—This test is conducted with alternating tension load cycles or alternating tension to compress load
cycles, with the load staying below the yield strength of the reinforcing bar. This test is conducted until failure or a specified
number of cycles are reached and simulates the demands on mechanical splices placed in bridges or other structures subjected to
frequent elastic load cycles.

4.1.5 Slip Test—This test is used to ascertain the plastic movement (slip) between reinforcing bars within the bar-slice assembly,
when loaded in tension.

4.1.6 Low-Temperature Test—This test is run using the test methods described in 4.1.1 through 4.1.5, to ascertain the behavior of
the bar-splice assembly under low temperatures.

4.1.7 Combination Tests—Features of one or more of the test methods described in 4.1.1 through 4.1.6 can be combined.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 Significance:

5.1.1 The bar-splice assembly test specimen shall closely represent the mechanical splice used in practice. The behavior of the
bar-splice assembly embedded in concrete, however, may differ from its behavior during testing where it is not embedded in
concrete.

5.2 Usefulness:
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conditions described herein for(https://standards.iteh.ai)
5.2.1 Testing of mechanical splices for reinforcing bars shall establish the behavior of the bar-splice assembly under the loading
the various test methods to determine the acceptability of the mechanical splice for use in
reinforced concrete structural members under specific design criteria.

5.3 Interpretation of Test Results:

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5.3.1 Similar or better performance of mechanicalASTM
splicesA1034/A1034M-23
installed in structural members shall be expected only if materials and
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methods of assembly are similar to the materials and methods used in the tests.

6. Apparatus

6.1 Equipment:

6.1.1 A suitable testing machine or load frame shall be used. The test apparatus shall have sufficient capacity to prevent yielding
of its components and shall ensure that the applied tension loads or compression loads or both remain parallel to the axis of the
test specimen during testing. The equipment shall be capable of applying cyclic loads within the time periods specified herein for
the individual tests.

6.2 Load Measurements:

6.2.1 The load in the specimen shall be measured by load cell or other external load measuring method. The load cell shall be
capable of providing electronic output of load measurements and sending to a data acquisition system for later data reduction. If
a data acquisition system is used, it shall be capable of recording at least one measurement per second. Strain gages or other
instrumentation that may be damaged or lose accuracy when the bar yields shall not be used to measure force.

6.2.2 It shall be permissible to mark bars and couplers or coupling sleeves with punch marks, or other legible scribe or stylus
markings for measuring elongation at post yield rupture.

6.2.3 The loading systems shall be calibrated in accordance with Practices E4.

6.3 Elongation Measurements:

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6.3.1 The displacements of the reinforcing bar ends within the coupler or coupling sleeve, as well as elastic and plastic
deformations in the reinforcing bar and coupler or coupling sleeve materials, shall be measured, if required, using a mechanical
extensometer or an LVDT, clip gage or other electronic means. The equipment need only be capable of measuring the sum of all
displacements and elongations. The elongation measuring devices shall be at least of Class C, in accordance with Practice E83.

6.3.2 The motion of the testing machine grips or cross head shall not be used for determining specimen elongation.

6.4 Compression Test Measurements:

6.4.1 Unless otherwise specified, it shall not be required to monitor strain in monotonic compression tests.

NOTE 4—Only the compressive strength of the test specimen is of interest for evaluating a mechanical splice in compression and not the strain.

7. Materials

7.1 Steel Reinforcing Bars:

7.1.1 The minimum yield strength (grade) of the reinforcing bars shall be specified. The pattern and the dimensional aspects of
the reinforcing bar deformations shall be representative of the bars used in practice.

7.2 Splice Components:

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7.2.1 The couplers or coupling sleeves and any other components needed for the proper functioning of the mechanical splice shall
correspond to the size and specified minimum yield strength (grade) of the reinforcing bars tested.

7.3 Mechanical properties of the(https://standards.iteh.ai)

splice components used in the test shall be documented prior to testing of the bar-splice assembly.
Certified mill test reports shall be considered adequate proof of these properties. Properties to be documented for these components
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shall include the yield and tensile strength, as well as the ultimate elongation. For components made by forging or casting, a
chemical analysis and hardness tests shall be considered to be sufficient.

8. Sampling and Test Specimens ASTM A1034/A1034M-23

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8.1 Sampling:

8.1.1 The samples for one series of tests of the reinforcing bars, as well as the mechanical splice components, shall be selected
from the same respective heat of steel.

NOTE 5—Using samples from the same respective heat permits an improved statistical evaluation of the test results.

8.1.2 Testing of mechanical splices from different heats of steel shall be permitted, unless otherwise specified.

8.1.3 The reinforcing bar segments within a test specimen shall be nominally of equal length and shall be clean and free of surface
imperfections that would cause the sample to fail to conform to either the specified tensile or the specified bending requirements.

8.1.4 The heat numbers, mill certificates and essential dimensions of all splice components used in the test shall be documented.

8.2 Specimen Length:

8.2.1 The length of the reinforcing bar segment for tension and cyclic load tests shall be chosen such that there is sufficient space
in between the cross beams of the testing machine and either side of the coupler or coupling sleeve to allow the attachment of the
elongation measuring device at a distance equal to one to three bar diameters from the coupler or coupling sleeve on each side,
plus sufficient clearance and gripping length.

8.2.2 The length of compression test specimens shall be such that the distance between the ends of the coupler or coupling sleeve
and the grips does not exceed one bar diameter.

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8.3 Specimen Preparation:

8.3.1 The test specimens shall be prepared following the splice manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of steel, minimum
yield strength (grade) and size of the reinforcing bar, for which the mechanical splice is being tested.

NOTE 6—Construction project conditions that may affect the performance of certain types of mechanical splices include the position of the splice during
assembly (vertical, diagonal or horizontal position), temperature, humidity, degree of rusting on the reinforcing bar, and bar end preparation.

8.3.2 The mechanical splice shall be installed on the bar ends in accordance with the splice manufacturer’s recommendations and
safety instructions. The amount of torque or other means for installing the splice shall be measured and recorded.

8.3.3 Mechanical splices where grout or other cementitious or epoxy material is used to secure the reinforcing bars within the
splice shall be prepared in conformance with the splice manufacturer’s requirements. Curing of the grout material shall be
conducted in conformance with the splice manufacturer’s requirements.

9. Conditioning

9.1 When low-temperature testing is required, the splice specimens shall be cold soaked for a minimum of 24 h prior to testing
at a temperature equal to or less than the temperature specified for this test.

NOTE 7—Some Building Codes require such testing on mechanical splices.

10. Test Procedures

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10.1 Test Set-up:
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and without any eccentricity. The ends ofDocument
the specimen shall be heldPreview
10.1.1 The test specimen shall be placed into the testing machine such that tension and/or compression loads can be applied axially
in the test machine such that tension loads or compression
loads or both can be applied to the specimen without movement of the specimen within the grips of the test apparatus.

10.1.2 Suitable means for avoiding buckling of ASTM

the test A1034/A1034M-23
specimen under compression loads shall be employed.
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10.1.3 At least two elongation measuring devices (extensometers), that continuously monitor elongation, equally spaced around
the test specimen, shall be attached to the reinforcing bars next to the coupler or coupling sleeve such that the resulting total gage
length equals the length of the coupler or coupling sleeve plus two to six bar diameters. A suitable test set-up is shown in Fig. 1.

10.1.4 If required for the test, additional extensometers shall be placed on the coupler or coupling sleeve or the reinforcing bar
segments at one or both ends of the mechanical splice or both.

10.1.5 Gages for measuring compressive strain in monotonic compression tests shall not be required.

10.1.6 Testing of specimens, which use components that need time to cure, shall not commence before these components have
reached sufficient strength.

10.2 Baseline Tension Test:

10.2.1 A tension test shall be conducted on a reinforcing bar of the same size and heat of steel as those used in the bar-splice
assembly specimens. The stress-strain behavior of the reinforcing bar shall be recorded in accordance with the provisions of Test
Methods A370, including the yield and tensile strength of the bar. If specified, the strain shall be measured at the determined or
specified yield strength. If the reinforcing bar tested does not have a well-defined yield point, the yield strength shall be determined
in accordance with the instructions of Test Methods A370, Annex 9.A9.

10.2.2 When certifying or qualifying a mechanical splice, if the baseline tension test result is lower than the minimum load
requirement for the mechanical splice, the tests of the mechanical splices shall not be conducted, and new specimens shall be
produced from another lot of steel reinforcement.