Any given size sleeve can connect the bar designated or any combination of smaller bars. For example, the #11U-X sleeve can connect, #11, #10, #9, #8, #7, etc. The minimum embedment length for the bars in the sleeve must follow the requirements for the sleeve size, not the bar size.

Type 1 is the old 125% of specified yield minimum. The definition of Type 2 depends on the code being referenced. ACI-318-02 requires 100% of specified ultimate strength which is the same as 150% of specified yield for ASTM A615. UBC-97 and IBC-2000 require Type 2 to meet 160% of specified yield and the ICBO Evaluation Service adds cyclic testing under Acceptance Criteria (AC) 133. The NMB has been reviewed for Type 2 as noted in Evaluation Report ER-5645.

Type 2 splices are only needed if the coupler is deemed to be in a plastic hinge zone in the structural system and the building is in a high seismic zone that requires following provisions of Chapter 21 of the ACI 318 code.

No, it’s the same sleeve. The minimum grout strength changes from 9,300-psi for Type 1 (125%) to 11,000-psi for Type 2 (160%).

No, the only grout approved for use in the NMB Splice-Sleeve; is SS Mortar^®. We have designed SS Mortar to achieve well over 11,000-psi at 28-days when mixed as directed.

Yes, this is called Pre-Grout position. The sleeve is filled (pre-grouted) just before the precast piece above is erected. This is especially good to create blind architectural connections. If you want the option of pumping grout after erecting, you can detail the use of the 14mm PVC tube and seal off the 22mm port.

No, sleeves are not usually staggered. It is highly impractical to stagger sleeves on either side of a joint. Many tests have been done over 33 years that show staggering is not necessary. Further, you can refer to the ACI Committee 349 “Code Requirements for Nuclear Safety Related Concrete” that gives design criteria for eliminating staggering that normally is required in Chapter 21 of the ACI 318 code.

The NMB is treated like it’s the rebar. You must be able to get concrete around it. If the maximum size aggregate is ?”, then you should maintain at least 1” between sleeves.

The NMB is treated like it’s the main bar. Depending on the exposure, you need to maintain the cover that would have been required over the main bars.

The NMB is considered to be part of the bar and its length is part of the embedment length for the situation in question.

Yes and the coating does not have to be removed. The NMB should also be specified as epoxy coated if the bar is coated.

No, we recommend you specify epoxy coated sleeves to connect galvanized bars.

Call Splice Sleeve North America at (877) 880-3230 or email to info@splicesleeve.com

Call Splice Sleeve North America at (877) 880-3230 or FAX (734) 838-0422 or email to: order@splicesleeve.com

The Rubber Plug (RP) is a standard accessory that fits over the narrow end of the sleeve and seals the factory bar coming into the sleeve. The Setter Rubber (SR) is part of the Cam-Type Sleeve Setter (STR-CT). It fits in the wide end of the sleeve and holds it to the form. If production calls for more rubbers, you need to ask which ones, for the sleeve or the setter?

That depends on the application. You will probably need PVC tubing if the sleeves are located in Post-Grout position (bottom of piece, above the joint). You will need Cam-Type Setters (STR-CT) for each sleeve in each form. The field crew will need SS Mortar, a hand grout pump and mixer blade among other common items. Call us for help with your specific situation.

We have warehouses in California and Pennsylvania. Most orders are shipped by truck to arrive within one week. We can air freight overnight for stocked items by your instruction.

Flexible tubing is not recommended because the grouting crew may have to clear a plugged port in the field. It is much easier to clear a straight tube with a rod or drill bit. If you must use a flexible tube, make sure the interior is smooth and the tubing as stiff as possible to minimize the risk of collapse. Check all tubing in the plant before shipping precast to the field. Field crews should check tubing on the truck before erecting.

The preferred method is to use thick PVC cement. You can also use electrical tape wrapped around the end to wedge and seal the tube in the sleeve’s port for short lengths (less than 6”).

The setter should be just tight enough that the sleeve cannot be rotated by hand. Over-tightening is not a problem. The Setter Rubber (SR) just wears out faster. It is recommended that you release the cams before overnight curing to prolong rubber life.

The NMB has Bar-Stops in the middle of the sleeve to set the embedment length. It is also recommended to mark the bar using a jig tube such that the mark appears just outside the Rubber Plug (RP) as a visual pre-pour check.

Check the Rubber Plug (RP) to make sure it is sealing around the bar as it enters the sleeve. Add duct tape or wrap the RP with a tie wire to make sure the seal is tight. Make sure the bar is fully embedded in the sleeve (see answer above).

No, you can use a saw, shear or torch.

Those accessories can be re-ordered separately. For emergency measure;If you lose the Rubber Plug (RP), cut tubular foam pipe insulation into donuts and duct tape them to the end of the sleeve and bar. See the procedure in the User’s Manual for the #18U sleeve. Duct tape can also be used to cap the grout tubes. You can substitute ?” and ?” ASTM Schedule 40 PVC tubing for our standard metric tubing, but you will have to bevel grind the ends of the ?” size to fit the port. The Grout Washer is used in the field and can be re-ordered and shipped overnight.

Weld a short length of rebar or a small nut on the short bar to bring it into tolerance.

If the bar is within a bar diameter of correct position, drill a hole similar to the diameter of the bar on the side you need to move it. Bend the bar over such that it is in proper location at the base and insert a steel wedge to hold the position. Then, bend the bar back to vertical pivoting at the wedge. Epoxy or grout the hole around the wedge.

If the bar is more than a bar diameter away, cut it off and drill and epoxy anchor a new bar in the correct location. Choose an epoxy anchoring system that develops the ultimate strength of the rebar.

No.

It depends on temperature. In warm weather (70°F+ daytime), it should cure overnight to over 4,000-psi, which should be sufficient to allow removal of bracing. Freezing weather requires the use of radiant heaters to first get the sleeves over 50°F and then to maintain heat overnight.

No, a hand-operated grout pump is quite sufficient. We recommend the Kenrich Model GP-2HD/SS. It works well for SS Mortar and can be used all around the job site for other grouting applications.

Our ICC ER-5645 report states that “special inspection” is required. This means that a quality assurance technician should check the rebar anchor dowel lengths to make sure they meet the minimum embedments specified in the User’s Manual. The technician should monitor the grouting operation to verify that all sleeves have been filled and the grout mixed properly. Finally, they should take 2” cube specimens of the grout to test before the removal of bracing and at 28-days.

No, they must use heavy brass molds with cover plates.

No, the test machine must be fitted with the proper supports for 2” cubes. The test values are very high (reaching 14,000-psi) and ASTM procedures must be strictly followed.

The proper grouting procedure is to pump into the lower inlet port and catch the grout in a cup. The sleeve should be over-pumped by a few strokes to show that all the air has been pushed out and only a smooth flow of grout is coming from the upper outlet port. Then, stop pumping, wait for the flow to subside and immediately put a stopper in the upper port. This insures that the grout cannot backflow. Remove the nozzle and put a stopper in the lower inlet port.

If you are doing Pre-Grout sleeves, you can look down inside and see that the sleeve is filled with grout. If the grout is somewhat stiff, use a wire to stir it to remove any entrapped air at the very bottom. Shooting the grout down in the sleeve with the grout pump nozzle is a good alternative to pouring it by hand. It’s faster, too.

The performance of the NMB is related to the embedment length of the bars and the compressive strength of the grout. Charts and data are available to show the effect of bar embedment and grout strength. As long as the bars meet minimum embedment lengths and the grout meets minimum compressive strengths, the splice will perform as specified.