Development of Design Criteria for Reinforcing Steel Splices in Blast Resistant Concrete Structures

Department of Defense (DoD) facilities which may be subjected to blast effects from accidental explosions are required to satisfy the safety requirements delineated in DoD 6055.9-STD, "DOD Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards."(1) In the safety standard, Army Technical Manual 5-1300, "Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions,"(2) is referenced for specific criteria to be used in the analysis, design, and construction of blast resistant structures. In this paper, available data from dynamic tests of mechanical splicing systems will first be reviewed. The current research effort will then be outlined, and initial findings will be examined. Finally, recommendations for future work will be detailed and discussed.