---
title: "Splicing: meaning and need"
subject: "Design of RCC Structure"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_7/design_of_rcc_structure:splicing-meaning-and-need"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/design_of_rcc_structure/splicing-meaning-and-need
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Splicing: meaning and need

Design of RCC Structure · Chapter 7: Reinforcement detailing: Codal Provisions

- Asked in: 2076 Chaitra, 2 marks
- Video: [Bond Development Length, Hooks, and Lap Splicing Explained | Part 1 | NSCP/ACI Reinforcement Design](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioskxtwDxDQ) — MD Structural Engineer
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/design_of_rcc_structure/splicing-meaning-and-need
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/design_of_rcc_structure/chapter-7

## Question

What is splicing and why is it required in RCC structures?

## Short answer

Splicing joins two reinforcing bars end-to-end to transfer force. Required because bars come in standard 12m lengths while structures are longer or built in stages, provides continuity across construction joints, and allows use of shorter bars. Splice must be in low-stress zones with adequate length per IS 456 cl. 26.2.5.

## Answer

**Splicing** is the joining of two reinforcing bars end to end so that the force in one bar is transferred to the other. The joint may be a lap, a weld or a mechanical coupler.

It is required because:
- Bars are supplied in standard lengths (usually 12 m), while beams, columns and walls are often longer, or are built in stages (e.g. column bars lapped at every floor).
- It gives continuity of the steel across construction joints.
- It lets short or left-over lengths be used and makes bars easy to transport and handle.

The splice must be located where stress is low and must be long enough to transfer the full bar force through bond, as per IS 456 cl. 26.2.5.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is splicing?
   A. Joining two reinforcing bars end to end so force transfers from one to the other
   B. Placing stirrups around bars
   C. Bending a bar at 90°
   D. Cutting bars to save steel
   Answer: A. Splices can be laps, welds or mechanical couplers. (Key point: Splicing)

2. Why is splicing required?
   A. Concrete cannot carry tension
   B. It increases the cover
   C. Bars come in standard lengths while members are longer or built in stages
   D. Bars are too short to be hooked
   Answer: C. Standard bar length (about 12 m) is often less than member length. (Key point: Need)

3. Where should a splice be located?
   A. At the section of maximum moment
   B. Where stress is low, with enough length to transfer full bar force
   C. Anywhere, length does not matter
   D. Only at mid-span of beams
   Answer: B. Low-stress locations and adequate length ensure safe transfer. (Key point: Location)

## Related in Design of RCC Structure

- [Splicing of bars and conditions](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fdesign_of_rcc_structure%3Asplicing-of-bars-and-conditions) — Design of RCC Structure, chapter 7
- [Serviceability limit state and splicing types](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fdesign_of_rcc_structure%3Aserviceability-limit-state-and-splicing-types) — Design of RCC Structure, chapter 3
- [Meaning and significance of ductility](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fdesign_of_rcc_structure%3Ameaning-and-significance-of-ductility) — Design of RCC Structure, chapter 12
- [Earthquake loads in RCC design](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fdesign_of_rcc_structure%3Aearthquake-loads-in-rcc-design) — Design of RCC Structure, chapter 12
- [Development length and need of splices](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fdesign_of_rcc_structure%3Adevelopment-length-and-need-of-splices) — Design of RCC Structure, chapter 6

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