Performance evaluation of innovative hybrid rebar coupler in reinforced concrete beams subjected to monotonic loading

This paper presents the outcome of an experimental study on the performance of mechanical rebar coupler (MRC) in broken reinforcement connection over the conventional technique. An in-house-made hybrid MRC is introduced to connect broken rebars ranging from 10 to 16mm in diameter. A detailed experimental program is conducted to explore the influence of MRC with filler as a broken rebar connector. Four types of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with different reinforcement configurations are used with and without MRC at tension zone. RC beams with and without MRC are used and tested under monotonic loading. Rebar connector in different locations is used to examine the load distribution behavior of the connector. The effectiveness of rebar connector is investigated using the uni-axial tensile test of rebar with MRC, load-deflection behavior, energy dissipation, stiffness behavior, and failure pattern of RC beams and is compared with conventional specimens. The significant enhancement in post-yield behavior and energy dissipation of RC beam specimen with rebar connector authenticates the effectiveness of employed technique in structural engineering work.