Reinforcing Bar Couplers-UK-IRE-Edition June 2014 - Version 3
Reinforcing Bar Couplers-UK-IRE-Edition June 2014 - Version 3
Reinforcing Bar Couplers-UK-IRE-Edition June 2014 - Version 3
Reinforcing
Bar Couplers
for the Construction Industry
Compliant with
BS 8597: 2015
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Simplify the design and construction of concrete
Lapped joints are not always an the concrete could significantly
appropriate means of connecting affect the performance of
reinforcing bars. The use of laps the joint. The strength of a
can be time consuming in terms mechanical splice is independent
of design and installation and of the concrete in which it is
can lead to greater congestion located and will retain its
within the concrete because of strength despite loss of cover as
the increased amount of rebar a result of impact damage or
used. seismic event.
Ancon couplers can simplify The Ancon range of reinforcing
the design and construction of bar couplers is the most
reinforced concrete and reduce comprehensive available and
the amount of reinforcement includes tapered threaded,
required. parallel threaded, mechanically
Lapped joints are dependent bolted and grouted couplers.
upon the concrete for load Stainless steel couplers
transfer. For this reason any complete the range.
degradation in the integrity of
Contents
Coupler Selection 4-5 Bartec Plus Transition Couplers 17-19
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Eurocode 2 compliant BS 8597: 2015 compliant HAPAS approval Technical approval Technical approval
OHSAS18001 for MBT ET TA1-B 5015 for TA1-A 5050 for
Couplers Tapered Thread Couplers Bartec Plus Couplers
Refer to the approval reports for coupler sizes and types covered.
3
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
For many years the use of mechanical couplers to join reinforcing bars has been regarded as a means of
reducing the use of long bars. Engineers and contractors now recognise the benefits of using couplers to
accelerate the speed of construction, increase productivity and simplify design details.
Coupler Selection
The Ancon range of reinforcing bar couplers require different fixing methods. This, together with
the quantity to be fixed and the location, will determine which is the most appropriate coupler for
a particular situation.
Refer to the approval report for coupler types and sizes covered. TA1-B 5015
Bartec Plus (pages 14-21)
Bartec Plus couplers provide a full strength
joint and are the smallest couplers in the
Ancon range. They are particularly appropriate
for applications where fatigue is an issue. The
ends of the bars are cut square and marginally
enlarged. A parallel thread is then rolled onto
the ends to suit the threaded sleeve. The
coupler is installed using a pipe or chain
wrench. Calibrated torque wrenches are not
required. Refer to the approval report for coupler types and sizes covered. TA1-A 5050
Availability of Couplers
Bar Diameter (mm) 12 16 20 25 32 40
Tapered Thread Standard
Tapered Thread Positional
Tapered Thread Transition
Tapered Thread Weldable
Tapered Thread Anchor
Bartec Plus Standard
Bartec Plus Transition
Bartec Plus Anchor
Bartec Plus Weldable
MBT ET
MBT Transition
MBT Continuity
MBT Anchor
Application Guide
The following table provides a guide when selecting the most appropriate couplers for specific
applications. Recommendations are based upon typical usage. Please contact Ancon for further
assistance on the correct selection and specification of couplers.
5
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Tapered Thread
The Ancon range of Tapered Thread couplers is designed to suit the
majority of applications which call for the joining of reinforcing bars.
Available to suit bar sizes 12mm to 40mm, the couplers are installed
quickly and easily on site without the need for specially trained
personnel or specialised, expensive machinery.
The compact design of each coupler ensures suitability for use in confined situations where space
is restricted or where the loss of cover must be minimised. The couplers are normally supplied
fitted to the end of threaded bar, requiring only the engagement and tightening of the adjoining
bar on site. In order to ensure correct installation, Ancon Building Products specifies the use of a
torque wrench. The range of Tapered Thread couplers is available through major rebar suppliers.
Please contact Ancon for further details.
Standard Coupler
The Standard Tapered Thread coupler is suitable for connecting two bars of the same diameter,
where one bar can be rotated. It comprises an internally threaded sleeve with two right hand
threads which are tapered towards the middle of the coupler. The bar ends are square cut and
a tapered thread is cut onto the bar. A nominal allowance of +25mm should be allowed per
threaded bar end for square cutting the bar end.
The couplers are generally torqued onto the reinforcing bar in the bar threading shop, the internal
threads protected by plastic end caps. The threaded ends of the continuation bar are protected
by plastic thread protectors.
Engagement of the bar within the coupler is simplified by the tapered thread design which aids
alignment. When the bar is fully engaged within the coupler, the continuation bar is tightened
using a torque wrench.
The Ancon Standard Tapered Thread coupler is designed for use in concrete structures to meet
the requirements of BSEN 1992-1-1: 2004 (Eurocode 2) and BS 8110 for mechanical splices.
They are designed to achieve failure loads in excess of 115% of the characteristic strength of
grade 500 rebar.
The coupler is normally supplied fixed to the After casting the concrete and when ready to
reinforcing bar, ready to be installed and cast extend, remove the plastic end cap from the
in concrete. coupler. Position the continuation bar in the
sleeve and rotate the bar into the coupler.
3 4
Continue to screw the bar into the coupler To ensure correct installation, tighten the joint
until tight. to the specified torque using a calibrated torque
wrench on the continuation bar. Tightening
torques are shown in the table opposite.
7
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
lc
li
d2
Female component
Locknut Position the continuation bar as near as
Male component
possible to the coupler fitted to the cast-in bar.
ls
le
3
In
la
lm
Bar Diameter 12 16 20 25 32 40
External Dia. d1 25 30 36 48 55 70
External Dia. d2 22 25 30 36 48 60
Female Sleeve Length ls 84 95 112 132 153 190
Locknut Length ln 13 13 13 13 15 15
Closed Length lc 138 155 180 207 243 296
Max. Open Length lo 178 196 231 266 305 374
Bar Insertion Prior to Engagement li 9 15 8 16 28 40
Bar Insertion Full Engagement le 26 32 33 42 53 66
Adjustable Length la 23 24 26 34 37 52
Max Distance between Bar Ends lm 126 132 165 182 199 242
Weight (kg) 0.44 0.67 1.12 2.21 3.51 6.91
Coupler Torque (Nm) 60 110 165 265 285 330
Locknut Torque (Nm) 20 30 50 70 90 110
Part No. TTP12 TTP16 TTP20 TTP25 TTP32 TTP40
Correct Installation
Incorrect Installation
9
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
l
Rotate the bar into the coupler until tight.
d
4
Accessories
Threading Machine Torque Wrenches
The Ancon threading machine provides a In order to ensure the correct assembly of
fast, simple and reliable threading operation. tapered thread couplers the use of a calibrated
The machine is compact, making it completely torque wrench is essential. Details of wrenches
portable and easy to locate. It is of a robust are included in the table below. Each Ancon
design to provide a long, low maintenance life. wrench is supplied with a certificate of
Threading machines are generally located in calibration.
stockists yards. For larger projects Ancon
machines can be made available for hire.
Please contact Ancon for further information.
Training on the correct usage of the threading
machine is provided by Ancon technicians. Torque Wrench
Machine Consumables
The following consumables are available:
Chaser Sets
Chaser sets are available on a regrindable or Torque Wrenches
disposable basis. Each set can be reground up Torque Wrenches for Couplers and Locknuts
to 3 times in order to extend cutting life. Please Part No. E879008 E879009 E879010
contact Ancon Building Products for details. Torque (Nm) 60 - 285 85 - 350 20 - 90
Coolant
Ancon Building Products recommends the use Torque Values (Nm)
of Batoyle Solmaster EPS or a similar water Bar Diameter (mm) 12 16 20 25 32 40
based coolant. Standard Coupler 60 110 165 265 285 330
Positional Coupler 60 110 165 265 285 330
Thread Protectors Positional Locknut 20 30 50 70 90 110
Plastic sleeves are available to protect the
tapered threads on reinforcing bars. Bar Diameter (mm) 12/16 16/20 20/25 25/32 32/40
Transition Coupler 60/110 110/165 165/265 265/285 285/330
BT-S Couplers
Bar Diameter (mm) 16 20 25 32 40
External Diameter (mm) 30 35 42 52 65
Coupler Length (mm) 40 48 60 72 90
Thread Form M20 x 2.5 M24 x 3.0 M30 x 3.5 M36 x 4.0 M45 x 4.5
Weight (kg) 0.14 0.22 0.37 0.72 1.37
Coupler Reference BTS16 BTS20 BTS25 BTS32 BTS40
BT-S Locknuts
Bar Diameter (mm) 16 20 25 32 40
Type A connections use an internal plastic
External Diameter (mm) 30 35 42 52 65
Locknut Length (mm) 13 16 20 24 30 cap to protect the thread in the coupler. In
Thread Form M20 x 2.5 M24 x 3.0 M30 x 3.5 M36 x 4.0 M45 x 4.5 cases such as deep concrete pours, additional
Weight (kg) 0.05 0.07 0.12 0.24 0.46 protection may be required to prevent the
Coupler Reference BTS16LN BTS20LN BTS25LN BTS32LN BTS40LN ingress of concrete fines.
13
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Bartec Plus
Bartec Plus couplers offer a full strength connection together with enhanced fatigue resistance, yet are
the smallest in the Ancon range. They are suitable for projects of any size, including those requiring a high
volume of couplers, such as road and rail bridges.
Each end of the rebar to be joined is cut It is the application of the rolled thread Ancon Bartec Plus Type A standard couplers
square and enlarged using a cold forge that differentiates Bartec Plus from other in the size range 16mm to 32mm and Type C
process. A thread is then formed on the threaded rebar systems. Each thread-rolled positional couplers in the size range 16mm to
bar end is proof-loaded to a force equal to 40mm are covered by UK CARES Technical
enlarged bar end using a thread rolling
the characteristic yield strength of the rebar. Approval TA1-A 5050, having been evaluated
machine. The thread is such that the cross-
for use as follows:
sectional area of the bar ends are not reduced It is the combination of these processes that
provide the connection with enhanced fatigue T
A1-B: Eurocode 2 and BS 8110 for static
ensuring the strength of the connection
resistance. applications in tension only with BS4449
matches or exceeds that of the parent bars. Grade B500C reinforcement
Types A and C, in the bar diameters below, are
T
A1-A: Class D fatigue requirements with
compliant with BS 8597: 2015. BS4449 Grade B500C reinforcement
l
d
1 2 3
Run the coupler to the end of the thread on Remove the plastic cap from the coupler. Tighten the joint using a wrench on the
the fixed bar. Position and rotate the continuation bar in continuation bar.
the coupler.
Run the coupler to the end of the thread on Position the continuation bar with the coupler Run the coupler from the continuation bar onto
the continuation bar. against the end of the fixed bar. the fixed bar.
4
Tighten the joint using a wrench on the
continuation bar.
15
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Installation
Bartec Plus Type C
1 2 3
Run the locknut onto the fixed bar. Run the second locknut followed by the Position the continuation bar with the coupler
coupler to the end of the thread on the against the end of the fixed bar.
continuation bar.
4 5
Run the coupler from the continuation bar onto Run the locknut along the continuation bar to
the fixed bar and using a wrench lock tight abut the coupler and lock tight with a wrench.
against the locknut.
17
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Installation
Bartec Plus Transition Type A
1 2 3
Run the coupler to the end of the thread on Remove the plastic cap from the coupler. Tighten the joint using a wrench on the
the fixed bar. Position and rotate the continuation bar in continuation bar.
the coupler.
Screw the coupler to fully engage on the long Position the continuation bar with the coupler Rotate the coupler from the smaller diameter
thread of the smaller diameter bar. against the end of the larger diameter bar. bar to engage against the rear of the thread on
the opposing bar and lock tight with a wrench.
Using a wrench, rotate the continuation bar to lock the two bar ends against each other within the
coupler. After tightening, the length of exposed thread should be no more than half of the coupler
length plus 2-4mm depending on the diameter of the rebar.
1 2 3
Screw the locknut to engage on the rear of the Screw the locknut followed by the coupler to Position the smaller diameter bar with the
thread on the larger diameter bar and tighten fully engage on the long thread of the smaller coupler against the end of the larger diameter
using a wrench. diameter bar. bar.
4 5
Rotate the coupler from the smaller diameter Rotate the locknut on the smaller diameter
bar and using a wrench, lock tight against the rebar and using a wrench, lock tight against
locknut on the larger diameter rebar. the coupler.
19
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Bartec Plus Type A and Type C Couplers, Forth Replacement Crossing, UK (Photo courtesy of Transport Scotland)
p
l
Bartec Plus Weldable Couplers Tightening the continuation bar using a wrench.
Bar Diameter (mm) 16 20 25 32 40
Coupler Diameter (mm) d 33 38 48 57 72
Coupler Length (mm) l 40 48 60 72 90
Thread Form M20x2.5 M24x3.0 M30x3.5 M36x4.0 M45x.4.5
Weld Preparation (mm) p 5.5 4.0 6.0 7.5 10.5
Weight (kg) 0.18 0.30 0.58 0.96 1.91
Coupler Reference BTP16W BTP20W BTP25W BTP32W BTP40W 21
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
MBT
The MBT range of couplers provides a cost-effective method of joining reinforcing bars, particularly when
the fixed bar is already in place and there is insufficient space for a hydraulic swaging press.
MBT Couplers are easy to install and Testing & Approvals Lockshear bolt
achieve failure loads higher than 115% of Full destructive tests are Reduced diameter
the characteristic yield strength of grade 500 carried out on selected shear plane
reinforcing bar. Neither bar end preparation couplers from our
to form threads, nor bar rotation are required. stocks. MBT couplers
MBT couplers can also be used to join are designed and manufactured in accordance
imperial, plain round or deformed reinforcing with BSEN ISO 9001. The most common
bars. sizes of ET series couplers are approved by Serrated saddle
The bar ends are supported within the coupler HAPAS (Highway Authorities Product Approval
by two serrated saddles, and as the lockshear Scheme) covered by certificate 15/H240
bolts are tightened, the conical ends embed issued by the BBA, including the bar sizes
Section showing the embedment of the
themselves into the bar. As this happens the featured in the table below. This range also
lockshear bolts and saddles into the bar
serrated saddles bite into both the bar and complies with BS 8597: 2015. and the shell of the coupler
the shell of the coupler. The lockshear bolts of
couplers up to and including the ET20 can be
tightened using a ratchet wrench. For larger
couplers a nut runner is recommended. l
No. of Bolts 6 6 8 8 10 14
Approx Weight (kg) 0.72 1.25 1.96 3.00 6.50 11.30
Torque (Nm) 55 108 108 275 360 525
Part No. ET12 ET16 ET20 ET25 ET32 ET40
Note: Other sizes available on request. For details contact Ancon Building Products.
Place the coupler over the end of the bar to Place the other bar end into the coupler until On one half of the coupler, starting from the
half the coupler length +/- 6mm and finger it pushes up against the first bar and finger centre and working outwards, partly tighten the
tighten the lockshear bolts onto the bar. tighten the remaining lockshear bolts. Check lockshear bolts using either a ratchet wrench or
Check the alignment and make any necessary alignment and make any adjustments. a nut runner as appropriate. Do not use impact
adjustments. tools. Repeat again, this time fully tightening the
lockshear bolts until the bolt heads shear off.
Repeat the above for the other half of the
coupler.
Repair and Remedial Work Electric Wrench
For applications involving replacement of Ancon Electric Wrenches are available for purchase or hire. The smooth continuous action of the
corroded or damaged bars, the replacement wrench prevents the early shearing of the lockshear bolts and damage to threads. The wrench is
bar is cut approximately 5mm shorter supplied with specially hardened heavy duty sockets. For details please contact Ancon.
to allow clearance for insertion between
the sound ends of the original bars. MBT
couplers are pushed fully over both ends of
the replacement bar and temporarily held in
position.
The replacement bar is then correctly
positioned and the couplers moved to a
previously marked position on the existing
bars indicating half the length of the coupler.
The lockshear bolts are tightened to
complete the installation.
23
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
No. of Bolts a:b 3:3 3:3 3:3 2:3 3:3 2:4 3:4 5:5
Approx Weight (kg) 1.30 1.13 1.56 1.51 2.23 2.55 3.70 7.47
Torque (Nm) 108:55 108:55 108:108 275:108 275:108 360:108 360:275 525:360
Part No. ET16/12 ET20/12 ET20/16 ET25/16 ET25/20 ET32/20 ET32/25 ET40/32
Installation
MBT Transition Series
1 2 3
Place the coupler over the end of the bar to Place the other bar end into the coupler until On one half of the coupler, starting from the
the appropriate depth +/- 6mm and finger it pushes up against the first bar and finger centre and working outwards, partly tighten the
tighten the lockshear bolts onto the bar. tighten the remaining lockshear bolts. Check lockshear bolts using either a ratchet wrench or
Check the alignment and make any necessary alignment and make any adjustments. a nut runner as appropriate. Do not use impact
adjustments. tools. Repeat again, this time fully tightening the
lockshear bolts until the bolt heads shear off.
Repeat the above for the other half of the
coupler.
No. of Bolts 6 6 8 8 10 14
Nail Plate Diameter x Thickness (mm) 75 x 5 75 x 5 75 x 5 100 x 5 100 x 5 127 x 5
Approx Weight (kg) 1.40 2.20 3.70 5.15 11.5 18.8
Torque (Nm) 55 108 108 275 360 525
Installation Part No. C12 C16 C20 C25 C32 C40
MBT Continuity C Series
1 2 3
Fix the nail plate to the formwork and fully Starting from the nail plate end and working Remove the formwork and unscrew the nail
screw the female component onto the plate. outwards, partly tighten the lockshear bolts plate. The male component can now be fully
Insert the bar into the coupler, ensuring that using either a ratchet wrench or a nut runner screwed into the fixed female component.
it does not encroach into the threaded section. as appropriate. Do not use impact tools. The male component can be rotated up to a
Finger tighten the lockshear bolts. Check Repeat again, this time fully tightening the full turn to allow the bolts to be located in an
alignment and make any adjustments. lockshear bolts until the bolt heads shear off. accessible position for tightening.
Cast in concrete.
4 5
Place the continuation bar into the male Note: The Continuity Coupler male component will be
Run the locknut along the threaded male stud delivered with the threaded stud already in place and
to abut the female component. Fully tighten component and finger tighten the bolts. Check the locknuts located on the threaded stud. If the female
component is to be left insitu for an extended period, the
the locknut against the female section using alignment and make any adjustments. Starting threads must be greased to prevent corrosion.
a wrench. from the centre and working outwards, partly
tighten the lockshear bolts using either a ratchet
wrench or a nut runner as appropriate. Do not
use impact tools. Repeat again, this time fully
tightening the lockshear bolts until the bolt
heads shear off. Fully tighten the locknut. 25
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
27
Masonry Support Systems
Lintels
Masonry Reinforcement
Windposts and Parapet Posts
Wall Ties and Restraint Fixings
Channel and Bolt Fixings
Tension and Compression Systems
Insulated Balcony Connectors
Shear Load Connectors
Punching Shear Reinforcement
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Reinforcement Continuity Systems
Stainless Steel Fabrications
Flooring andFormed Sections
Refractory Fixings
Ancon Building Products Ancon Building Products Ancon (Schweiz) AG Ancon GmbH
President Way, President Park 98 Kurrajong Avenue Gewerbezone Widalmi 10 Bartholomusstrasse 26
Sheffield S4 7UR Mount Druitt 3216 Ried bei Kerzers 90489 Nuremberg
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The construction applications and details provided in this literature are indicative only. In every case, project working
These products are available from: details should be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced persons.
Whilst every care has been exercised in the preparation of this document to ensure that any advice, recommendations or
information is accurate, no liability or responsibility of any kind is accepted in respect of Ancon Building Products.
With a policy of continuous product development Ancon Building Products reserves the right to modify product design
and specification without due notice.