A novel easy-to-splice mechanical coupler (EtSMC) involving a sleeve, two caps, two racks, two rack guides, and two springs is introduced; this coupler easily and tightly connects two rebars through a simple manual operation (without any tool) on a construction site. The mechanical performance (including the pull force/stroke curve of the EtSMC assembly) is experimentally examined via tensile testing in air. A finite element analysis (FEA) model that minimizes simplification of the conceptual design is presented; the spring reaction is assumed to be mechanically symmetrical. The experimental tensile test is numerically analyzed using a fully implicit elastoplastic FEA function and a multi-body treatment scheme based on the tetrahedral MINI-element technique. The predictions are in qualitatively good agreement with the experimental data in terms of both the pull force/stroke curve and the damaged regions of the racks and rack guides. Small differences between the curves can be attributed to some experimental slip between parts.
Sukhwan Chung and Seongmin Jang — MFRC, Research and Development Center, 1209-A, 12, Dongbu-ro 169beng-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52818, Republic of Korea
Ildong Seo and Nakyoung Lee — Dae Jung Metal Co.,Ltd, Research and Development Center, 26-62, Sangdong-ro 375ben-gil, Sngdong-myeon, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 50805, Republic of Korea
Wanjin Chung — Department of Mechanical System Design Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, 232, Gongneung-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01811, Republic of Korea
Mansoo Joun — Engineering Research Institute, School of Mechanical Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, 103-403, 501, Jinju-daero, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, Republic of Korea
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