The use of mechanical couplers

The use of mechanical couplers:

1. Increase tensile and compressive capacity of RC structures elements. Common in the constructions of inclined columns, long columns, long beams cantilevered structures where tensile loadings are greater than normal situation.

2. Avoid congestion of reinforcement bars in heavily reinforced structures due to laps. Reduce concrete / steel ratio and improve concrete quality by having bigger space between bars.

3. Avoid formation of voids or honey-comb in concrete element.

4. Protect expensive system formwork from being damaged by starter bars.

5. Avoid stains, corrosion and breakage of starter bars left for future extension of buildings and other structures. Promote construction of bridge in stages to ensure constant flow of traffic during construction.

6. Avoid bend and re-bend of bigger reinforcement bars in construction of diaphragm walls.

7. Where spacing between bars are insufficient to allow for laps e.g. in construction of micropiles.

8. Reduce size of concrete sections and ensure maximum usage of expensive floor space in office towers.

9. Where a full tension splice is required e.g. in connecting precast members to cast-in-situ members.