Title: Lap Splices in Unconfined Boundary Elements

Author(s): John N. Hardisty, Enrique Villalobos, Brian P. Richter, and Santiago Pujol

Publication: Commentary Reference

Volume:

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 51-58

Keywords: wall, beam, reinforcement, drift

DOI:

Date: 1/1/2015

Abstract:
Lap splices are not used near critical sections of frames that are required to resist earthquakes' demands because they are believed to limit frame toughness. The current building code nevertheless allows lap splices at the bases of structural walls, where large inelastic deformations are expected to take place during strong ground motions. The article presents tests conducted on six test beams and two scaled walls that were designed to represent 8 in. (200 mm) thick structural walls with lap splices in unconfined boundary elements.