Bar-lock coupler

systems for splicing

reinforcement bars
Description Installation
The Bar-Lock Coupler Systems L- and S-series couplers The first rebar is inserted halfway into the coupler, to
mechanically butt-splice deformed steel reinforcing bars the center pin, and the coupler is held in place while the
(rebar) in reinforced concrete construction. The couplers corresponding bolts are tightened in an alternating pattern
are used to splice No. 4 through No. 14 rebar; the largest (e.g., 2-4-3-1 for a four-bolt coupler) until each bolt is
S-series coupler is used to splice No. 18 rebar. See Figure medium-tight. The second bar is inserted and the bolts
1 and Tables 1 and 2 for additional details. are tightened following the same procedure. The bolts are
then tightened in a random, alternative pattern. At least two
The S-Series couplers comply as tension and compression passes of tightening each bolt must be done before the bolt
mechanical connections of ASTM A615 Grade 60 heads are sheared.
deformed reinforcing bars in accordance with Section
1912.14.3 of the 1997 Uniform Building Code™ (UBC),
Special Inspection
and comply with the requirements for the Type I splices in
Special inspection must be provided for coupler
Section 1921.2.6.1.2 of the UBC. The S-Series couplers
installations in accordance with UBC Section 1701 or
also comply with the Type I mechanical splice requirements
IBC Section 1704, as applicable. The special inspector
of Section 21.2.6.1 of ACI318-99 (ACI 318-99 is referenced
must verify that the coupler is identified and installed in
in Section 1901 of the 2000 International Building
accordance with this report. Verification must include rebar
Code® [IBC] and Section R612 of the 2000 International
insertion length and the bolt tightening pattern.
Residential Code® [IRC]) for ASTM A 615 Grade 60
reinforcing bars.
Identification
The L-Series couplers comply with the requirements Each coupler is stamped with the coupler size designation,
for Type 2 splices for ASTM A 615 Grade 60 reinforcing the production lot number, the Bar-Lock Coupler Systems
bars in Section 1921.2.6.1.2 of the UBC. The L-Series mark or logo, and the Series designation “S” or “L”. Series
couplers also comply with the Type 2 mechanical splice S couplers are stamped with the designation “Type 1,” and
requirements for ASTM A 615 Grade 60 reinforcing bars of Series L couplers are stamped with the designation “Type
Section 21.2.6.1 of ACI 318-99. 2”. Each bundle, pallet or skid of couplers has a shipping
tag bearing the Bar-Lock Coupler Systems company name,
the product designation and size, the production lot
Materials
Couplers: The couplers are illustrated in Figure 1. Land
S-series couplers consist of lock shear bolts threaded into
the side of seamless, hot-rolled tubing. The couplers have
two serrated steel strips, the same length as the coupler,
inside the tubing. The lock-shear bolts have conical ends,
designed to embed themselves into the rebar. The heads
of the lock-shear bolts are designed to shear off when
tightened to the appropriate installation torque specified
in Tables 1 and 2. The bolts are manufactured of steel
complying with ASTM A 331 Grade 41L40 The couplers are
manufactured of steel having a minimum tensile strength
of 100,000 psi (689 MPa) and conforming to a proprietary
grade of steel having qualities midway between those
specified for ASTM A 519 Grades 1030 and 1035. The
S-series couplers are the same as the L-series couplers,
except the S-series couplers are shorter in length and use
fewer lock-shear bolts.

Rebar: Rebar must be uncoated, deformed, steel

reinforcing bars complying with ASTM A 615, Figure 1. Coupler Installation
Grade 60, specifications.

400-38
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Bar-lock coupler
systems for splicing
reinforcement bars
number, the installation instructions, and the evaluation the 1997 Uniform Building Code™, the 2000 International
report number (ER-5064). Building Code® and the 2000 International Residential
Code®, subject to the following conditions:
4.1 The splice locations comply with the applicable code
Evidence Submitted and are detailed on plans approved by the
Data in accordance with the ICC-ES Interim Criteria for
building official.
Mechanical Connectors for Steel Bar Reinforcement
4.2 Minimum concrete cover is in accordance with the
(AC133), dated April 2002.
applicable code and is measured from the outer surface
of the coupler, for both fire-resistance-rated and non fire-
Findings resistance-rated construction.
That the Bar-Lock Coupler Systems for Splicing 4.3 Special inspection in accordance with Section 2.4 of
Reinforcement Bars described in this report comply with this report is required during splicing.

400-39
For Your DOT Product Specialist, Call: 800.936.6626