Summary of Test
ASTM A1034 is a testing standard that covers the testing of mechanical splices for reinforcing bars. The bar-splice assembly consists of two reinforcing bars connected with a mechanical splice and represents the mechanical splice used in practice. Results obtained from testing the bar-splice assembly can be used to determine the acceptability of the mechanical splice for use in reinforced concrete structural members under specific design criteria.
The various test methods described in this standard are applicable to any type of mechanical splice manufactured to join steel reinforcing bars of any grade, uncoated or coated. The standard covers tension, compression, cyclic load, high-cycle fatigue, and slip tests. It is also recommended to run each test in low temperatures to ascertain the behavior of the bar-splice assembly under temperatures at the critical zone. Finally, features of one or more of the tests can be combined to run combination tests.
Prior to conducting ASTM A1034, it is important to read the entire specification in the relevant ASTM publication.
Recommended Equipment
Testing Procedure
Procedure A – Baseline Tension Test
- Measure and record the specimen dimensions in MTESTQuattro. The software will calculate the cross sectional area of the sample.
- Mark the gauge length with a center punch, scribe marks or draw with ink. The distance between the gauge marks after the specimen is broken is used to determine the percent elongation at break.
- Zero the testing machine without the specimen inserted in the grips. Install the specimen in the grips and attach at least two axial extensometers to the specimen. Please note that the extensometer needs to be removed prior to specimen failure. ADMET software stops test and prompts the removal of the extensometer once the total strain data has been satisfactorily obtained. See Figure 1 for more information on extensometer configuration.
- Begin the test procedure. The speed of testing is determined in one of three manners: a) free running, unloaded crosshead speed (inches/minute; b) free running, loaded crosshead speed (inches/minute) c) stress rate (psi/minute or mpa/minute); or d) strain rate (inch/inch/minute axial strain). Any convenient speed of testing may be used up to one half the specified yield point and down to 1/10 the specified maximum rates for determining yield strength and tensile strength.
- Run the test until specimen failure or fracture.
- Record the stress-strain behavior and the yield and tensile strength of the bar.
Procedure B – Monotonic Tension Test
- Follow the same instructions on Procedure A, above. Up to the yield point, apply load at a rate between 70 MPa/min (10 ksi/min) and 700 MPa/min (100 ksi/min).
- Run the test until specimen reaches the yield strength of the bar. Once the yield point is reached, remove the extensometers and continue test until specimen failure.
- Record the stress-strain behavior and elongation of the test specimen continuously.
Procedure C – Monotonic Compression Test
- Follow the same instructions as Procedure A, above, using a compression test set up and compression platens. Deflectometers for measuring compressive strain is not required for this test.
- Apply the load at a constant speed where the minimum strain rate is equal to 0.005/min in the elastic range.
- Run the test until compressive load reaches that specified.
Procedure D – Cyclic Load Test
- Follow the same instructions as Procedure B, above, until the strain specified has been reached.
- Reverse the crosshead loading direction once the specimen reaches the compressive loads specified. Apply the load at a minimum strain rate equal to 0.005/min in the elastic range. After reaching the yield, load the specimen at the strain rate specified.
- Apply the load in tension to the specified tensile strain and then in compression. Repeat this procedure until the specified number of cycles at this maximum tensile strain is completed.
- Repeat this procedure for each strain group increment until all of the tension-compression cycles for all strain group increments specified have been completed.
- Following the last cycle, apply tensile load to failure.
Procedure E – High Cycle Fatigue Test
- Follow the same instructions as Procedure B, above, until the upper tensile stress specified has been reached. Then, decrease the tensile force to the lower tensile or compressive force specified.
- Refer to section 10.6.3 of the standard to determine the appropriate sine frequency for the diameter of the sample being tested.
- Repeat this procedure until the specified number of cycles has been reached.
- Following cycling loading, apply tensile load to failure.
Procedure F – Slip Test
- Clamp the bar splice assembly into the machine. The force applied during clamping can not exceed 4MPa (600psi). Record the zero extensometer reading over the gauge length across the splice.
- Then, load the bar-splice assembly in tension to a predetermined load. Up to the yield point, apply load at a rate between 70 MPa/min (10 ksi/min) and 700 MPa/min (100 ksi/min).
- Unload the specimen at the same near zero load and measure and record the extensometer reading.
- Calculate the difference between the extensometer readings at near zero under load under step 1 and step 3 as the slip within the bar-splice assembly.
Just Ask!
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