This type of mechanical rebar splice can resist tension and compression stress. There are sizable numbers of commercially manufactured tension and compression mechanical splices for rebars.

Tension and compression mechanical rebar splices types, designated bar sizes to be spliced by each splice type, the grade of the steel bar which is spliced using certain types of tension and compression mechanical rebar splice, and installation condition of each mechanical rebar splices are provided.

Mechanical Lap Splices or Tension Only Splices

This type of splice is suitable for the case where tension forces are present only. Therefore, if such a condition is not guaranteed, then it is recommended to avoid its use.

Comparatively, mechanical lap splices are shorter than lap splices because of the use of coupling sleeves to connect reinforcement bars. Therefore, mechanical lap splices are considered suitable for repairing structures because the smaller concrete area needs to be removed compared with lap splices.

Shear screw and double wedge coupling sleeve and steel coupling sleeve with a wedge are two examples of mechanical lap splices. The former is suitable for bar numbers 10 to 22 and the latter suitable for bar numbers 13 to 19.