PSI - Issue 59

Bykiv N. et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 59 (2024) 793–798

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N.Bykiv et al./ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

connected to rebars made of structural steel by couplings: by crimping by Li et al., (2022); by Siddiquee et al., (2021) or MBT rebar couplers by Almeida et al., (2020); by Azadpour & Maghsoudi, (2020). But this joints have some disadvantages. Major one is in its complex process of installation. Reinforcement bars need to be prepared before installation by cutting the threads in the rebar in a way that these threads match with the treads of the coupler. This process needs the help of a skilled labor and also additional machines: Roll Thread Machine, Crimping Machine or Cold Forged Threading Machine. Even the installation must be carefully done to ensure that the threads are well fitted and the help of a Vernier caliper is needed to ensure that the bars have been inserted sufficiently to the coupler by Seo et al., (2015). Also, it is very important to protect the threaded ends of the rebars from corrosion before installation as the corroded ends will not be able to create a good fixity with the coupler. 3D printing continues to evolve with advancements in technology, materials, and new possibilities. It is widely used in a variety of industries, including medicine, aviation, automotive, etc., as well as construction by Ibrahim et al., (2020); by Mostafaei et al., (2021); by Nomani et al., (2020). The technology has become popular due to its ability to quickly and efficiently create a wide range of parts, prototypes and even customised products. According to recent research by Azadi et al., (2021); by Caminero et al., (2018); by Dizon et al., (2018); by Elhadad et al., (2023); by Wang et al., (2017), polymers for 3D printing have the following properties: elasticity, impact strength, impact resistance, reduced brittleness, resistance to high or low temperatures, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, increased strength, and stiffness. 2. Materials and methods This paper unveils findings from a study on longitudinally connecting functional and carbon alloy rods. This method is based on the coupling connection with the geometrical dimensions shown in the schematic (Fig. 1a, b) and photo (Fig. 1c) using polymers and the manufacture of a connecting part by 3D printing.

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Fig. 1. Design of the coupling joint: (a), (b) – schematic, where 1 – polymeric coupling; 2 – connecting bars, (c) – photo of the prototype connection

Three materials have been tested for the manufacture of the joining element: PLA+, T-PLA, and Elastan D100. For each of the polymers, three specimens of Type 3 were produced according to ISO 8256:2004. The tensile