Finite element analysis and experimental verification of the mechanical performance of a novel easy-to-splice mechanical coupler

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.