Technical Note

Engineering Technical Note

ETN-D-1-15

Tension Development and Lap

Splice Lengths of Reinforcing
Bars Under ACI 318-14
Introduction

Section 26.6.1.1 in the ACI 318 Building Code

[2014] lists 9 design informational items that must
be shown in construction documents, which includes project drawings and project specifications. Five items, 26.6.1.1(b), (d), (e), (f) and (g),
are concerned with anchorage and splicing of reinforcement:
(b) Type, size, location requirements, detailing,
and embedment of reinforcement;
(d) Location and length of lap splices;
(e) Type and location of mechanical splices;
(f) Type and location of end-bearing splices;
(g) Type and location of welded splices and other required welding of reinforcing bars.
This Technical Note focuses on Items (b)
and "(d)", i.e., on determining tension development lengths and tension lap splice lengths of reinforcing bars. A reinforcing bar must be embedded or anchored a sufficient distance or length
in concrete so the bar is capable of developing
its design strength. The basic premise is the anchorage length or embedment length must be
equal to or greater than the required tension development length of the bar given by the Code.
Regarding the other items, provisions in other
parts of the Code include performance requirements for mechanical and welded splices. Further information on mechanical splices is presented in the CRSI publication, Reinforcing Bars:
Anchorages and Splices. Commentary Section
R26.6.4 discusses welded splices. The ACI Code
cites Structural Welding Code Reinforcing
Steel (AWS D1.4/D1.4M:2011) as the standard
for welding reinforcing bars.
Development Length. The concept of development length of reinforcing bars was introduced in the 318-71 ACI Building Code [1971].

Provisions in the Code attempt to account for the

many variables affecting the tension development length, d , of a straight bar. These variables
include:
Bar size
Yield strength of the bar
Compressive strength of the concrete
Lateral spacing of the bars
Concrete cover
Bar position other bar or top bar
Type of concrete normal weight or lightweight aggregate
Presence of transverse reinforcement
(stirrups or ties)
Uncoated or epoxy-coated bars
Since the 1971 Code, major changes were
made to the provisions for calculating d in ACI
318-89 and -95 [1989, 1995]. No major technical revisions were introduced in the 1999 edition
through the current 2014 edition, i.e., the provisions for calculating d in the 2014 Code are essentially the same as those in the 1995, 1999,
2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011 Codes. This Technical Note discusses the provisions in ACI 318-14.
Several examples are presented to demonstrate
application of the two procedures for calculating
d .

2014 ACI Building Code

Under ACI 318-14, as with the 1995, 1999,
2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011 Codes, the Architect
/ Engineer has a choice of two procedures for calculating d , which are presented in Code Sections
25.4.2.2 and 25.4.2.3.
Section 25.4.2.2. This section provides a
short-cut approach for calculating d . The expressions for calculating d are reproduced in Table 1,
which is based on Table 25.4.2.2 of the Code. Use
of Section 25.4.2.2 requires selection of the applicable expression from the four expressions given
in Table 1. The applicable expression is based on:
Bar size; expressions are given for #3
through #6 bars, and for #7 bars and larger.

Table 1 Tension Development Length Section 25.4.2.2 in ACI 318-14*

Conditions

Bar Sizes #3 to #6

Clear spacing of bars or wires being developed or

lap spliced not less than db , clear cover not less
than db , and stirrups or ties throughout d not less
than the Code minimum; or
Clear spacing of bars or wires being developed or
lap spliced not less than 2db and concrete cover not
less than db
Other cases

(
(

Bar Sizes #7 to #18

(a)

(c)

fy t e
db
25fc

3fy t e
db
50fc

(b)

(d)

fy t e
db
20fc

3fy t e
db
40fc

* The notation is defined in the discussion of Code Section 25.4.2.2.

Concrete cover and clear spacing of the bars are

compared with the limiting values under the Conditions heading of Table 1.
If the structural member is a beam or a column, another consideration is the quantity of stirrups or ties
being provided throughout the distance d .
Section 25.4.2.3. This section presents a general approach in which particular values of concrete cover and
bar spacing, as well as the amount of transverse reinforcement, is taken into account. Code Eq. 25.4.2.3a in
Section 25.4.2.3 includes the effects of several of the
major variables:
d =

fy
40 f

))

cb+Ktr
db

db

(Code Eq. 25.4.2.3a)

The confinement term (cb + Ktr )/db is limited to a maximum value of 2.5.
Atr = total cross-sectional area of all transverse reinforcement within the spacing s that crosses the
potential plane of splitting through the bars being
developed, in.2
cb = see discussion in text, in.
db = nominal diameter of bar, in.
f c = specified compressive strength of concrete, psi
fy = specified yield strength of reinforcing bars, psi
K tr = 40 Atr sn, in.
n = number of bars being developed or lap spliced
along the plane of splitting
s = center-to-center spacing of transverse reinforcement within d , in.
= 1.0 for normal weight concrete
= 0.75 for lightweight concrete
= 1.0 for uncoated and galvanized bars
e
= 1.5 for epoxy-coated or zinc and epoxy dual

coated bars with clear cover < 3db,
or clear spacing < 6db

= 1.2 for epoxy-coated or zinc and epoxy dual

coated bars with clear cover 3db,
and clear spacing 6db
= 0.8 for bar sizes #3 to #6
= 1.0 for bar sizes #7 to #18

= 1.3 for top bars

= 1.0 for other bars

The product of t e need not be taken greater than 1.7.
t

Based on experience in fielding inquiries from designers and in presenting seminars, there seems to be a
tendency among some Code users to categorize Section 25.4.2.3 as being applicable only to structural
members with transverse reinforcement. Or that Section 25.4.2.3 is most advantageous for use with structural members having stirrups or ties. Presumably,
the presence of the K tr term in the denominator of
Eq. 25.4.2.3a has an influence for such actions.
The Code is clear as to the use or applicability of the
K tr term. At the end of Section 25.4.2.3, following the
equation for K tr , the Code states:
It shall be permitted to use K tr = 0 as a design simplification even if transverse reinforcement is present.
Thus, for those structural members without transverse reinforcement, or if the stirrups in beams or the
ties in columns are ignored, the part of the denominator
of Eq.25.4.2.3a with the K tr term reduces to determining
the value of (cb /db) for the particular conditions. The value
cb is the smaller of: (1) one-half of the center-to-center
spacing of the bars; and (2) the distance from center of the
bar to the nearest concrete surface. The definition of cb
presents new concepts. Center-to-center bar spacing (actually one-half of the c.c. spacing) is used rather than the
clear spacing, which is used in Section 25.4.2.2. Instead
of concrete cover to the bar as used in Section 25.4.2.2
and prescribed in Section 20.6, cover as used in Section
25.4.2.3 is the distance from the center of the bar to the
nearest concrete surface.

Tension Development and Lap Splice Lengths of Reinforcing Bars under ACI 318-14 [ETN-D-1-15]

Table 2 Tension Lap Splice, st

As,provided/As,required
Over Length of splice

2.0
< 2.0

Max. percent of
As spliced within
required lap length

Splice
Type

50

Class A

100

Class B

All cases

Class C

Section 25.5.1. This section presents the Code requirements for tension lap splices, st. Table 2, which is based
on Table 25.5.2.1 in the Code, defines the conditions under which lap Class A or B can be used, where Class A is
defined as 1.00 ld, and Class Bis defined as 1.3 ld.
Note that the 12 in. minimum is not imposed on d if
it is used to determine lap lengths, so the Code imposes
this limit after lap length has been calculated. For example, if d without the 12 in. minimum is determined to be
10 in., a Class A st would be 1.0 x 10 = 10 in., increased
to 12 in. and Class B st would be 1.3 x 10 = 13 in. Other
key points for lap splices:
Tension lap splices are not permitted for #14 or #18
bars.
Lap spliced reinforcing bars are permitted not to be
in contact, but the maximum center-to-center spacing of lap splices bars cannot be the lesser of onefifth the required lap splice length and 6 in.
When calculated for lap splice lengths, d cannot
be reduced by ratio of As,provided /As,required.

Solution:
(A) d by Section 25.4.2.2
Clear spacing of the bars = 10.0 0.75
= 9.25 in. or 12.3db

1.0 d and 12 in.

Greater of:

1.3 d and 12 in.

For this example, the factors t , e and are equal

to 1.0. Thus,
(60,000)(1.0)(1.0)(0.75)
d =

25 (1.0) 4,000
= 28.5 or 29 in.*

If the bars are epoxy-coated, the coating factor, e ,
has to be determined. Because the concrete cover value of 2.7db is less than 3db , the coating factor e = 1.5.
Thus, for the #6 epoxy-coated bars:
d =
1.5(28.5) = 42.7 or 43 in.

(B) d by Section 25.4.2.3
Determine the value of cb which is the smaller of:
2.0 + 0.75 / 2 = 2.4 in. governs: cb = 2.4 in.
or 10 / 2 = 5.0 in.

The provisions in Section 25.4.2.3 can be used advantageously for certain structural members and conditionsthose applications that may be ignored if K tr is
regarded as being relevant only to structural members
with transverse reinforcement. Generally, slabs, footings
and walls, in which the reinforcing bars have relatively
large concrete cover and spacing, will be the candidates
where the use of Eq. 25.4.2.3a and taking K tr = 0 will
often result in significantly shorter values of d .

Find: d and st for the #6 bars using Code Sections

25.4.2.2 and 25.4.2.3:

Greater of:

Concrete cover = 2.0 in. or 2.7db

From Table 1; under the heading Conditions with
clear spacing > 2db , concrete cover > db , and bar size
#6, the applicable expression is:
fy t e
d =
db
25 fc

Examples

Example No. 1
Given: An 8-in. thick slab is reinforced with #6 Grade
60 uncoated bars with a center-to-center spacing of
10 in. Concrete cover is 2 in.; normal-weight concrete
with fc= 4,000 psi.

st

Determine the value of (cb + K tr )/db where K t r = 0:

(cb + K tr )/db = (2.4 + 0)/0.75 = 3.2 > 2.5, use 2.5.
Calculate d using Code Eq. 25.4.2.3a:
d =

fy
40 f

))

cb+Ktr
db

db

For this solution, the factor s = 0.8 for the #6 bars,

and the factors t , e and are equal to 1.0. Thus,
3
60,000
(1.0)1.0(0.8)
d =
0.75

40 (1.0) 4,000
2.5

= 17.1 or 17 in.
If the #6 bars are epoxy-coated, the coating factor
= 1.5 as determined in the preceding section:
e
d =
1.5(17.1) = 25.6 or 26 in.

*It is CRSI practice in technical publcations to round the development and lap splice lengths
up to the next whole number if the decimal is 0.2 or higher.

CRSI Technical Note

(C) st by Section 25.4.2.2

For uncoated bars, d = 28.5 in.

Class A st = 1.0 x 28.5 = 28.5 = 29 in.

Class B st = 1.3 x 28.5 = 37.1 = 37 in.
For epoxy-coated bars, d = 42.7 in.

Class A st = 1.0 x 42.7 = 42.7 = 43 in.

Class B st = 1.3 x 42.7 = 55.5 = 56 in.
(D) st by Section 25.4.2.3
For uncoated bars, d = 17.1 in.

Class A st = 1.0 x 17.1 = 17.1 = 17 in.

Class B st = 1.3 x 17.1 = 22.2 = 23 in.
For epoxy-coated bars, d = 25.6 in.

Class A st = 1.0 x 25.6 = 25.6 = 26 in.

Class B st = 1.3 x 25.6 = 33.3 = 34 in.
Comments: The results are summarized in Table 3. Note
that d for the uncoated #6 bars under Section 25.4.2.2
is 71% longer than the d required by Section 25.4.2.3.
For epoxy-coated #6 bars, Section 25.4.2.2 requires an
d which is 65% longer than the d required by Section
25.4.2.3. Similar results were observed for Class A and
Class B st .
Table 3 Results of Example No.1
Tension Development Length,
d and Class A st
2014 Code
Section
Uncoated
Epoxy-Coated
25.4.2.2

29 in.

43 in.

25.4.2.3

17 in.

26 in.
Class B st

2014 Code
Section

Uncoated

Epoxy-Coated

25.4.2.2

37 in.

56 in.

25.4.2.3

23 in.

34 in.

A substantial reduction in reinforcement could be realized by using Section 25.4.2.3 if the 8-in. thick slab had
large plan dimensions and the #6 bars at 10 in. were
typical reinforcement. Savings in reinforcement would
result from shorter lap splice lengths, because tension
lap lengths are multiples of tension development length:
Class A = 1.0 d and Class B = 1.3 d .
The preceding calculated values of d , using Sections
25.4.2.2 and 25.4.2.3, would not be affected if the bars
are lap spliced. Lap splicing would reduce the clear spacing by one bar diameter, i.e., the clear spacing = 10 0.75
0.75 = 8.5 in. or 11.3dd , which is still greater than the
clear spacing criterion of 2db in Table 1 (Section 25.4.2.2).
And with regard to Section 25.4.2.3, one-half of the c.c.
4

spacing of the bars = (8.5 + 0.75) / 2 = 9.25/2 = 4.6 in.,

which is still greater than the governing value of cb= 2.4 in.
If the concrete cover to the #6 bars was 3/4 in. rather
than 2 in., i.e., cast-in-place concrete not exposed to
weather or earth (Code Section 20.6.1.3.1), the calculated d by Section 25.4.2.2 or Section 25.4.2.3 would be
the same. Confirming this:
Using Section 25.4.2.2, the applicable expression for
d from Table 1 is:
fy t e
d =
db
25 fc

As in the previous Section 25.4.2.2 solution, the factors t , e and are equal to 1.0. Thus,
(60,000)(1.0)(1.0)(0.75)
d =

25 (1.0) 4,000


= 28.5 or 29 in.
Using Section 25.4.2.3 and Code Eq. 25.4.2.3a:

cb is smaller of (0.75 + 0.75/2) = 1.1 in. governs

or 10/2 = 5.0 in.
cb = 1.1 in.
(cb+ Kt r )/db = (1.1 + 0)/0.75 = 1.5 < 2.5, use 1.5
d =

))

fy
t
e
s
db

40 fc cb+Ktr
db
3

Here again, as in the previous Section 25.4.2.3 solution, the factor s = 0.8 for the #6 bars, and the factors
, and are equal to 1.0. Thus,
t
e
3
60,000
(1.0)1.0(0.8)
d =
0.75

40 (1.0) 4,000
1.5

= 28.5 or 29 in.
For 3/4 in. concrete cover, d = 29 in. using Section
25.4.2.2 or Section 25.4.2.3.
The rationale for d being the same value, based on
Section 25.4.2.2 or 25.4.2.3, is: the value of (cb + Kt r )/
db in Eq.25.4.2.3a is equal to 1.5; then dividing the 3/40
in Eq.25.4.2.3a by (cb + Kt r )/db and multiplying by s results in ((3/40)/1.5)0.8=0.04=1/25, which is the constant
in the expression from Table 1.
Example No. 2
Given: A spread footing has plan dimensions of
13'-6" 13'-6" and an overall depth of 56 in. The footing
is reinforced with 17 #10 Grade 60 uncoated bars each
way; normal-weight concrete with fc = 3,000 psi; the column dimension is 2'-6" square.

Tension Development and Lap Splice Lengths of Reinforcing Bars under ACI 318-14 [ETN-D-1-15]

Find: Check the required tension development length of

the #10 bars versus the available embedment.
Solution:

Calculate d using Code Eq. 25.4.2.3a:

d =

fy
40 f

))

cb+Ktr
db

db

For this example, the factors t , e , s and are equal

to 1.0. Thus,
3
60,000
(1.0)1.0(0.8)
d =
1.27

40 (1.0) 3,000
2.5

= 41.7 or 42 in.

Figure 1 Spread FootingSide Elevation

(A) d by Section 25.4.2.2
Bar spacing and concrete cover:
c.c. spacing #10 bars
= [(13.5)(12) (2)(3) 1.27 ] /16 = 9.7 in.
Clear spacing = 9.7 1.27 = 8.4 in. or 6.6db
Concrete cover = 3.0 / 1.27 = 2.4db
The applicable expression from Table 1 is:
fy t e
d =
db
20 fc

For this example, the factors t , e and are equal to

1.0. Thus,
(60,000)(1.0)(1.0)(0.75)
d =

20 (1.0) 3,000


Table 4 Results of Example No. 2

2014 Code
Section

Available
Embedment

Properly
Anchored?

25.4.2.2

70 in.

63 in.

No

25.4.2.3

42 in.

63 in.

Yes

Example No. 3
Given: This example demonstrates the use of Sections
25.4.2.2 and 25.4.2.3 for calculating d for beam bars with
stirrups. Grade 60, uncoated bottom bars in the interior
span of a continuous beam. Other data are: bw = 24 in.;
h = 30 in.; concrete cover to the stirrups is 1.5 in.; normalweight concrete with fc = 4,000 psi; #4 U-stirrups are
spaced at 13 in. on center and provided throughout d .

= 69.6 or 70 in.

Maximum factored moment occurs at the face(s) of

the column. Thus, the available embedment length for
the #10 bars = (13.5)(12)/2 (15 + 3) = 63 in. Because
the available embedment length of 63 in. is less than the
calculated d of 70 in., the #10 straight bars are unacceptable according to Code Section 25.4.2.2. (If the reinforcement were changed to 22 #9 bars, d , according
to the Table 1 expression would be 62 in. Because d of
62 in. is less than the available embedment, the #9 bars
would be acceptable.)
(B) d by Section 25.4.2.3
cb is smaller of (3.0 + 1.27/2) = 3.6 in. governs

or 9.7/2 = 4.9 in.

Because the d of 42 in. is less than the available embedment length of 63 in., the #10 bars are satisfactory
according to Section 25.4.2.3. The results are summarized in Table 4.

Figure 2 Beam Cross-Section

Find: Compute the tension development length for the
5 #10
Solution: From Figure 3, dimension X is the larger of:
2dbt = 2(0.5) = 1.0 in. governs
dbl /2 = 1.27/2 = 0.64 in.

(cb + K tr )/db = (3.6 + 0)/1.27 = 2.8 > 2.5, use 2.5

CRSI Technical Note

3
60,000
(1.0)1.0(1.0)
d =
1.27

40 (1.0) 4,000
2.0
= 45.2 or 46 in.
If K tr is taken as zero:
(cb + K tr )/db = (2.25 + 0)/1.27
= 1.8 < 2.5, use 1.8
Figure 3 Assumed Location of #10 Bar at
Corner of #4 Stirrup
Bar spacing and concrete cover:
From side face of beam to center of outermost #10
bar, the distance is: 1.5 (cover) + 0.5 (stirrup diameter)
+ 1.0 (X) = 3.0 in.
c.c. spacing of the 5 #10 bars

= (24 (2)(3))/4

= 4.5 in.

Clear spacing = 4.5 1.27 = 3.2 in. or 2.5db

Concrete cover = 1.5 + 0.5 = 2.0 in. or 1.6db

(A) d by Section 25.4.2.2

The applicable expression from Table 1 is:

fy t e
d =
db
20 fc

For this example, the factors t , e and are equal to

1.0. Thus,
(60,000)(1.0)(1.0)(1.27)
d =

20 (1.0) 4,000


Then d = (45.2)(2.0)/1.8 = 50.2 or 51 in.

This example shows a reduction in d using Section
25.4.2.3 instead of Section 25.4.2.2 of 25% when taking
the #4 stirrups into account, and 16% when the stirrups
are neglected. The results are summarized in Table 5.
Table 5 Results of Example No. 3
d
2014 Code Section
12.2.2

61 in.

25.4.2.3 (with K tr = 0.25)

46 in.

25.4.2.3 (with K tr = 0)

51 in.

Example No. 4
Given: Consider the base slab of a cantilever retaining
wall. The concrete is normal weight with fc = 3,000 psi.
Assume that the #11 bars, spaced at 8 in. c. to c., are
required to resist the factored moment at Point A, i.e., the
tension d cannot be reduced by the ratio of As (required)
to As (provided).
Figure 4 Base Slab of Retaining Wall

= 60.2 or 61 in.

(B) d by Section 25.4.2.3

cb is smaller of 4.5/2
= 2.25 in. governs

or (1.5 + 0.5 + 1.27/2) = 2.6 in.
cb = 2.25 in.
K tr =
 40At r /sn
= 40 (2) (0.20)/13(5) = 0.25 in.

(cb + K tr )/db = (2.25 + 0.25)/1.27

= 2.0 2.5, use 2.0
Calculate d using Code Eq. 25.4.2.3a:

fy
d =
40 f

))

cb+Ktr
db

db

For this example, the factors t , e , s and are

equal to 1.0. Thus,

Find: Using Code Sections 25.4.2.2 and 25.4.2.3,

calculate the tension d for the #11 Grade 60 uncoated bars in the top of the slab. And determine
whether the bars can be anchored in the available
embedment length.
Solution:
(A) d by Section 25.4.2.2
Clear spacing of the bars = 8.0 1.41

= 6.59 in. or 4.7db
Concrete cover = 2 in. or 1.4db
The applicable expression from Table 1 is:
fy t e
d =
db
20 fc

Tension Development and Lap Splice Lengths of Reinforcing Bars under ACI 318-14 [ETN-D-1-15]

Table 7 Tension Development and Lap Splice Lengths for Bars in Walls, Slabs and Footings (ACI 25.4.2.3)
fc = 3,000 psi
Bar
Size
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11

Lap
Class
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B

Concrete Cover = 0.75 in.

Concrete Cover = 1.50 in.

Concrete Cover = 2.00 in.

Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated

Epoxy-Coated

Epoxy-Coated

Epoxy-Coated

Concrete Cover = 3.00 in.

Uncoated

Epoxy-Coated

Top

Other

Top

Other

Top

Other

Top

Other

Top

Other

Top

Other

Top

Other

Top

Other

13
17
22
28
32
41
43
56
69
90
86
111
104
135
125
162
146
190

12
13
17
22
24
32
33
43
53
69
66
86
80
104
96
125
113
146

17
22
28
37
41
54
56
73
90
117
112
146
136
176
163
212
191
248

15
20
25
32
37
47
50
64
80
104
99
128
120
155
144
187
169
219

13
17
17
23
22
28
26
34
43
55
54
70
66
86
81
105
97
125

12
13
13
17
17
22
20
26
33
43
41
54
51
66
62
81
74
97

17
22
23
29
28
37
34
44
55
72
70
91
86
112
106
137
126
164

15
20
20
26
25
32
30
39
49
64
62
80
76
99
93
121
111
145

13
17
17
23
22
28
26
34
38
49
43
56
53
69
66
85
79
102

12
13
13
17
17
22
20
26
29
38
33
43
41
53
51
66
61
79

17
22
23
29
28
37
34
44
49
64
56
73
70
90
86
111
103
134

15
20
20
26
25
32
30
39
43
56
50
64
61
80
76
98
91
118

13
17
17
23
22
28
26
34
38
49
43
56
48
63
55
71
61
79

12
13
13
17
17
22
20
26
29
38
33
43
37
48
42
55
47
61

17
22
23
29
28
37
34
44
49
64
56
73
63
82
71
93
79
103

15
20
20
26
25
32
30
39
43
56
50
64
56
73
63
82
70
91

Table Tension Development and Lap Splice Lengths for Bars in Walls, Slabs and Footings (ACI 25.4.2.3)
fc = 4,000 psi
Bar
Size
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11

Lap
Class
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B
A
B

Concrete Cover = 0.75 in.

Uncoated
Epoxy-Coated
Top Other Top Other

Concrete Cover = 1.50 in.

Uncoated
Epoxy-Coated
Top Other Top Other

12
15
19
24
28
36
37
48
60
78
74
96
90
117
108
140
127
165

12
15
15
20
19
24
22
29
37
48
47
60
57
74
70
91
84
109

12
12
15
19
21
28
29
37
46
60
57
74
69
90
83
108
98
127

15
19
24
32
36
47
49
63
78
102
97
126
117
153
141
183
166
215

13
17
22
28
32
41
43
56
69
90
86
111
104
135
125
162
146
190

12
12
12
15
15
19
17
22
28
37
36
47
44
57
54
70
64
84

15
19
20
25
24
32
29
38
48
62
61
79
75
97
92
119
109
142

13
17
17
22
22
28
26
34
42
55
54
70
66
86
81
105
97
125

Concrete Cover = 2.00 in.

Uncoated
Epoxy-Coated
Top Other Top Other
12
15
15
20
19
24
22
29
33
42
37
48
46
60
57
74
68
89

12
12
12
15
15
19
17
22
25
33
29
37
36
46
44
57
53
68

15
19
20
25
24
32
29
38
43
55
49
63
60
78
74
97
89
116

13
17
17
22
22
28
26
34
38
49
43
56
53
69
66
85
79
102

Concrete Cover = 3.00 in.

Uncoated
Epoxy-Coated
Top Other Top Other
12
15
15
20
19
24
22
29
33
42
37
48
42
55
47
61
52
68

12
12
12
15
15
19
17
22
25
33
29
37
32
42
36
47
40
52

15
19
20
25
24
32
29
38
43
55
49
63
55
71
62
80
69
89

13
17
17
22
22
28
26
34
38
49
43
56
48
63
55
71
60
79

Notes:
1. Tabulated values are based on a minimum yield strength of 60,000 psi and normal-weight concrete. Lengths are in inches.
2. Tension development lengths and tension lap splice lengths are calculated per ACI 318-14, Sections 25.4.2.3 and 25.5.1, respectively, with bar
sizes limited to #3 through #11.
3. When the variable cb from ACI 25.4.2.3 was calculated, it was assumed that concrete cover controlled. That is, c. c. spacing was assumed
to be greater than 1.0 db plus twice the concrete cover.
4. Lap splice lengths (minimum of 12 inches) are multiples of tension development lengths; Class A = 1.0 d and Class B = 1.3 d
(ACI 318 25.5.1). When determining the lap splice length, d is calculated without the 12-inch minimum of ACI 25.4.2.1.
5. Top bars are horizontal bars with more than 12 inches of concrete cast below the bars.
6. For epoxy-coated bars, if the c.-c. spacing is at least 7.0 db and the concrete cover is at least 3.0 db, then lengths may be multiplied by 0.918
(for top bars) or 0.8 (for other bars).
7. For Grade 75 reinforcing bars, multiply the tabulated values by 1.25. For Grade 80 reinforcing bars, multiply the tabulated values by 1.33.
8. For lightweight concrete, divide the tabulated values by 0.75.

For this example, the bar location factor t = 1.3 for

top bars, and the factors e and are equal to 1.0. Thus
d =


60,000)(1.3)(1.0)(1.41)

20 (1.0) 3,000

The available embedment length to the left of Point

A is 6 ft.-9 in. or 81 in. Because the required d = 101 in.
is greater than the available embedment length, the #11
bars cannot be anchored as straight bars according to
Section 12.2.2.

= 100.4 or 101 in.

CRSI Technical Note

(B) d by Section 25.4.2.3

Enter Table 8; for Lap Class A and other bars:

cb is smaller of (2.0 + 1.41/2) = 2.7 in. governs

or 8/2 = 4.0 in.
cb = 2.7 in.

d = 17 in. for uncoated bars

d = 26 in. for epoxy-coated bars

(cb + K tr )/db = (2.7 + 0)/1.41 = 1.9 < 2.5, use 1.9

Calculate d using Code Eq. 25.4.2.3a:
d =

fy
40 f

))

cb+Ktr
db

db

For this example, the bar location factor t = 1.3, and

the factors e , s and are equal to 1.0. Thus,
3
60,000
(1.3)1.0(1.0)
d =
1.41

40 (1.0) 3,000
1.9

= 79.3 or 80 in.
Because d = 80 in. does not exceed the available embedment length of 81 in., the #11 bars can be anchored
as straight bars. This example clearly demonstrates the
significant reduction in d that is possible, under certain
conditions, by using Section 25.4.2.3 instead of Section
25.4.2.2. The computed d of 80 in. by Section 25.4.2.3
is 21% shorter than the 101 in. computed by Section
25.4.2.2. The results are summarized in Table 6.
Table 6 Results of Example No. 4
2014 Code
Section

Available
Embedment

Properly
Anchored?

25.4.2.2

101 in.

81 in.

No

25.4.2.3

80 in.

81 in.

Yes

Tabular Values Based on Section 25.4.2.3

Tables 7 and 8 give values of d , based on Code Section 25.4.2.3 and Eq. 25.4.2.3a, for walls, slabs and footings. The values for Lap Class A are also the values of
d , because the required lap length for a Class A tension
lap splice is 1.0 d .
An important restriction on the use of Tables 7 and
8 is described in Note 3, i.e., it is assumed that the
value cb in the quantity, (cb + K tr )/db, in Code Eq.
25.4.2.3a is governed by concrete cover rather than
by one-half the center-to-center spacing of the bars.

By inspection, the tabulated values are valid for this

example because one-half of the c.c. bar spacing
= 5 in., which is much greater than the concrete cover
plus one-half of a bar diameter, i.e., 2.4 in.
For the second part of Example 1, the concrete cover
is only 0.75 in. From Table 8 for Lap Class A and other
bars:
d = 29 in. for uncoated bars
Example No. 2T For the spread footing with uncoated #10 bars and concrete cover of 3 in. to the layer of
bars nearest the bottom, normal-weight concrete with
fc = 3,000 psi...
Enter Table 7; for Lap Class A and other bars:
d = 42 in. for uncoated bars
Example No. 3T Tables 7 and 8 are not intended for
and consequently are not applicable for closely-spaced
bars in beams. For the beam in Example 3, the value of
cb would be governed by one-half of the c.c. spacing of
the bars, i.e., 2.25 in., rather than by the concrete cover
plus one-half of a bar diameter, i.e., 2.6 in.
Example No. 4T For the base slab of the cantilever
retaining wall with uncoated #11 bars spaced at 8 in. c.
c., concrete cover of 2 in., normal-weight concrete with
fc = 3,000 psi...
Enter Table 7; for Lap Class A and top bars:
d = 79 in. for uncoated bars

Summary
This Technical Note discusses the provisions in Sections 25.4.2.2 and 25.4.2.3 of the 2014 ACI Building
Code for determining the tension development lengths,
d , of reinforcing bars. Several examples are presented
to complement the discussion. The examples serve to
identify some of the conditions and the structural members for which the more rigorous provisions in Section
25.4.2.3 can be used advantageously.

The preceding examples are re-considered using

Tables 7 and 8, and identified with a "T".
Example No. 1T For the slab with #6 bars spaced at
10 in. c.c., concrete cover of 2 in., normal weight concrete with fc = 4,000 psi...
8

Tension Development and Lap Splice Lengths of Reinforcing Bars under ACI 318-14 [ETN-D-1-15]

References
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[1971], Building Code Requirements for Reinforced
Concrete (ACI 318-71), American Concrete Institute,
Detroit, Michigan, 78 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[1977], Building Code Requirements for Reinforced
Concrete (ACI 318-77), American Concrete Institute,
Detroit, Michigan, 103 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[1983], Building Code Requirements for Reinforced
Concrete (ACI 318-83), American Concrete Institute,
Detroit, Michigan, 111 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[1989], Building Code Requirements for Reinforced
Concrete (ACI 318-89) and Commentary (ACI 318R-89),
American Concrete Institute, Detroit, Michigan, 353 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[1995], Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-95) and Commentary (ACI 318R-95),
American Concrete Institute, Detroit, Michigan, 369 pp.

American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318

[2008], Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-08) and Commentary (ACI 318R-08),
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan,
465 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[2011], Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-11) and Commentary (ACI 318R-11),
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan,
473 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[2014], Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-14) and Commentary (ACI 318R-14),
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan,
519 pp.
American Welding Society [2011], Structural Welding
Code Reinforcing Steel (AWS D1.4:2011), American
Welding Society, Miami, Florida, 72 pp.
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute [2008], Reinforcing Bars: Anchorages and Splices, 5th Edition, Concrete
Reinforcing Steel Institute, Schaumburg, Illinois, 64 pp.

American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318

[1999], Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-99) and Commentary (ACI 318R-99),
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan,
391 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[2002], Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-02) and Commentary (ACI 318R-02),
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan,
443 pp.
American Concrete Institute ACI Committee 318
[2005], Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-05) and Commentary (ACI 318R-05),
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan,
430 pp.

Contributors: Dr. David P. Gustafson, P.E., S.E. and Anthony L. Felder, P.E., with subsequent
contributions from Neal S. Anderson, P.E., S.E..
Keywords: development, lap splices
Reference: Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute-CRSI [2015], Tension Development and Lap
Splice Lengths of Reinforcing Bars Under ACI 318-14, CRSI Technical Note ETN-D-1-15, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Schaumburg, Illinois, 8 pp.
Note:This publication is intended for the use of professionals competent to evaluate the significance and limitations of its contents and who will accept responsibility for the application of the
material it contains. The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute reports the foregoing material as
a matter of information and , therefore, disclaims any and all responsibility for application of the
stated principles or for the accuracy of the sources other than material developed by the Institute.

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