Proposal for a new test methodology for reinforcement mechanical connections: Impact loading at freezing temperatures

Presentation

When – 26th October 2023

Where – CaseRoom3 / Building 260-055, 12 Grafton Road (Sir Owen G Glenn Building). Access from Grafton Road (Refer City Campus Map Link).

Agenda –
17:30 pre-presentation refreshments
18:00 presentation

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Abstract

In New Zealand, mechanical splices and mechanical anchors for reinforcing bars are required to possess resistance against brittle fracture: 8.6.11.4 and 8.7.5.2 (a) of NZS 3101 A3 (Standards New Zealand, 2017) and 4.2.1 (f) (iv) of NZTA Bridge Manual 3rd Ed. A4 (New Zealand Transport Agency, 2022). However, both standards don’t have provisions on a suitable test procedure for the mechanical connection assembly. The Charpy V-notch impact test, which is referenced by the NZTA Bridge Manual, is only capable of testing the resilience of a small sample cut out from the mechanical coupler. What about the connected bars’ ends, particularly when those are cold forged and threaded, and the behaviour of the mechanical connection as a whole? Unfortunately, other relevant international standards, such as ISO 15835 (International Organization for Standardization, 2009) and ISO 15698 (International Organization for Standardization, 2012) also lack provisions on this matter. To fill this normative gap, Emanuele Naccini (Reid CS), Sam Adshead and Des Bull (Holmes ANZ) are presenting a proposal to introduce a “low-temperature impact load test” to be performed on the whole mechanical connection assembly, which will allow assessment of resistance to brittle fracture at the lowest probable service temperature.

Biography

Emanuele Naccini is a Structural Engineer who moved to New Zealand in 2015, after 14 years of practice as Professionally Charted Consultant in Italy. Experienced in structural design, non-destructive testing and structural assessment, in 2016 he joined ramsetreid, a major and reputable supplier in the construction industry across New Zealand and Australia. Starting as Project Engineer in Auckland, he is now the Technical Development Engineer for Reid Construction Systems in New Zealand.

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