Number:
Originally Issued: 06/28/2021

780

Valid Through: 06/30/2022

SQRIM GROUTEC PRECAST SPLICINGSYSTEM FOR STEEL REINFORCING BARS
Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co.,Ltd. (SMCC)
2-1-6 Tsukuda, Chuo-ku,
Tokyo 104-0051 – JapanCSI Division: 03 00 00—CONCRETE
CSI Section: 03 21 00—Reinforcing Steeltheunthreaded end. Optional accessories include a plastic
threaded end cap, inlet pipes, and rubber port plugs.
Designed to splice 16 mm (No. 5), 20 mm (No. 6), 25 mm(No. 8), 28 mm (No. 9), 32 mm (No. 10), 36 mm (No. 11) and40 mm (No. 12) diameter deformed reinforcing bars, thecouplers receive the grout after the bars are placed into bothends.
3.2 Material information

1.0 SCOPE OF EVALUATION
1.1 Compliance to the following codes & regulations:• 2018, 2015, 2012, and 2009 International Building
Code® (IBC)• 2018, 2015, 2012, and 2009 International
Residential Code® (IRC)

3.2.1
Groutec Coupler:
The Groutec coupler is cast in one piece from steel
conforming to Grade 65-45-12 and JIS FCD450-10 having
a minimum tensile strength of 65,000 psi (450 MPa) andconforming to requirements specified for ASTM A536 andJIS G 5502.
3.2.2 MasterFlow® 870 SQRIM Grout: MasterFlow 870
SQRIM is a non-shrink, natural aggregate precision grout.
The grout is packaged in 55 pound (25 kg) multi-ply paper
sacks and has a shelf life of approximately 12 months
when stored unopened in a cool dry place. . The grout is to
be used with the Dextra Groutec coupler. Storage,preparation, placement, and expiration date information
shall comply with the instructions on the bags.

1.2 Evaluated in accordance with:• ICC-ES AC133
1.3 Properties assessed:• Structural2.0 PRODUCT USE
The Sumitomo-Mitsui Quick RC Integration Method(SQRIM) Groutec Precast Splicing System is a mechanicalsplice for deformed steel reinforcing bars in reinforced
concrete construction specifically used for the SQRIM fullprecast technology by SMCC to replace cast-in-place
concrete construction. The systems comply with Section
25.5.7.1 of ACI 318-14 for the 2018 and 2015 IBC, andSection 12.14.3.2 of ACI 318-11 for the 2012 IBC (ACI318-08 for the 2009 IBC) as tension and compression
mechanical splices of deformed steel reinforcing bars. Thesystems also comply with Section 18.2.7.1 of ACI 318-14
for the 2018 and 2015 IBC, and Section 21.1.6.1 of ACI
318-11 for the 2012 IBC (ACI 318-08 for the 2009 IBC),
as Type 1 and Type 2 mechanical splices. The SQRIM
Groutec Precast Splicing System may also be used where anengineering design is submitted in accordance with Section
R301.1.3 of the IRC.
3.0 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
3.1 Product information: The SQRIM Groutec Precast
Splicing System consists of cylindrical couplers andcementitious grout. Each coupler has a tubular profile with athreaded end, multiple internal ridges, and 1 inch diameter
inlet port and 3/4-inch-diameter outlet port to receive thegrout, as illustrated in Figure 1 of this report. The couplers
are provided with plastic port plugs and a dust cap at

3.2.3 Reinforcing Bars: Reinforcing bars shall be
uncoated, fishbone pattern, deformed steel bars complying
with Thailand Standard TIS 24-2548 Grade SD50, ISO6935-2 Grade B500B, with a minimum yield strength, Fy,of 71,000 psi (490 MPa), a minimum tensile strength, Ft, of90,000 psi (620 MPa) and a minimum elongation of 13percent, or ASTM A615 and A706 Grade 60
specifications.
4.0 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
4.1 General
The SQRIM Groutec Precast Splicing System shall bedesigned and installed in accordance with the IBC and thisevaluation report. Installation shall be limited to Exposure
Category F0, as defined in Section 19.3.1 of ACI 318-14 andSection 4.2.1 of ACI 318-11 and -08. Applicable design andinstallation requirements set forth in Section 12.15 of ACI
318 for reinforcement in tension or Section 12.16 of ACI 318
for reinforcement in compression shall be observed.
Installations in special moment frames and special structural
walls shall comply with Section 18.2.7 of ACI 318-14 andSection 21.1.6 of ACI 318-11 and -08. The splice locations
shall be detailed on plans approved by the building
official. Concrete protection (cover) described in IBC
Chapters 7 and 19, and Sections 7.6 and 7.7 of ACI 318
shall be measured from the outside of the coupler.

The product described in this Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) Report has been evaluated as an alternative material, design or method of construction in order to satisfy and comply withthe intent of the provision of the code, as noted in this report, and for at least equivalence to that prescribed in the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety,
as applicable, in accordance with IBC Section 104.11. This document shall only be reproduced in its entirety.
Copyright © 2021 by International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States. Ph: 1-877-4IESRPT • Fax: 909.472.4171
web: www.uniform-es.org • 4755 East Philadelphia Street, Ontario, California 91761-2816 – USAPage 1 of 5

Number:780

Originally Issued: 06/28/2021

Valid Through: 06/30/2022

4.2 Installation: All reinforcement shall be clean and freefrom loose rust, oils, dust, and other foreign material. Allforeign matter and water shall be removed from the couplers.
The threaded reinforcing bar first shall be installed onto thecoupler so that no exposed threads result. The second
reinforcing bar is then fully inserted into the opposite end of
the coupler to the engagement length range provided inTable 1 of this report. Typical details for fitting thereinforcing bars and end uses in reinforced concrete areshown in Figures 2 and 3 of this report.

4.3.2 Threaded Bars: Threaded bars shall be threaded by ajob site fabricator approved by Dextra and the by thebuilding official. The job site fabricator shall demonstrate
the following items to the satisfaction of the special
inspector for each coupler type and steel reinforcing bar
size:
(i)

(ii)
4.2.1 Grouting: The couplers shall be oriented such that theoutlet port is no higher than the inlet port. The MasterFlow®
870 SQRIM grout shall be mixed with clean water to resultin the specified water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.13 to 0.17 byweight (liter/kg or gallons x 8.33/pound) for the duration as
per the grout manufacturer’s specification. Pot life shall not
exceed 30 minutes as indicated in the grout manufacturer’sinstructions. Grout shall be proportioned to achieve aminimum compressive strength of 11.1 ksi (76 MPa) at 28
days as determined by testing on grout cube specimens inaccordance with ASTM C109 and the sleeve manufacturer’srecommendations.
Grout shall be poured or pumped into the coupler inlet(larger) port until material exits and flows freely from theoutlet (smaller) port. Immediately after grout outflow isobserved, and before the pump nozzle is removed, a rubber
plug shall be inserted into the outlet grout tube.
Immediately upon removal of the nozzle from the inlet
grout tube, a rubber stopper shall be inserted into the inlet
grout tube in such a manner so as to prevent leakage ofgrout from the sleeve. All spaces within the coupler shallbe fully packed with the grout, and excess grout shall be
removed.
4.2.2 Grouting Testing: Grout strength shall be
determined by testing of 2-inch (50 mm) cube specimens inaccordance with ASTM C109. The grout cubes shall be
kept in a curing box for 24 hours and then kept under thesame condition as the job site until the compressive strength
testing.
4.3 Special Inspection
4.3.1 General: Special inspection is required in accordancewith Section 1705 of the 2018, 2015, and 2012 IBC (Section
1704 of the 2009 IBC). In addition to verifying t h einstallation of steel reinforcing bar splices in accordancewith this report, the special inspector shall verify the grade
and size of reinforcing bars; reinforcing bar embedment
length; coupler identification; grout identification; field
preparation of components; grout mixing, grouting, curing
and testing; and assembly of the components resulting in
spliced bars.

(iii)

The fabricator shall prepare the ends of the steel
reinforcing bar in accordance with the Dextra
Quality Manual for bar end preparation.
For Type 2 splices, connections of each steel
reinforcing bar using the fabricator-prepared steel
reinforcing bars, tested in static tension, shalldevelop 100 percent of the specified tensile
strength of the steel reinforcing bar and 125 percentof the specified yield strength of the reinforcing bar
for use under the IBC or IRC. This may bedemonstrated in test report(s) submitted to thebuilding official. These tests shall be conductedprior to commencement, and periodicallythroughout the duration, of the job site preparationof the ends of the steel reinforcing bars. The
frequency of the tensile tests shall be acceptable to
the registered design professional for the building
project, and the building official.
For Type 1 splices, connections of each steel
reinforcing bar using the fabricator-prepared steel
reinforcing bars, tested in static tension, shalldevelop 125 percent of the specified yieldstrength of the steel reinforcing bar. This may bedemonstrated in test report(s) submitted to thebuilding official. These tests shall be conductedprior to commencement, and periodicallythroughout the duration, of the job site
preparation of the ends of the steel reinforcing
bars. The frequency of the tensile tests shall be
acceptable to the registered design professional
for the building project, and the building official.

5.0 LIMITATIONS
The described in this report comply with, or are suitable
alternatives to what is specified in, those codes listed inSection 1.0 of this report, subject to the following
limitations:
5.1 The splice system shall be identified and installed inaccordance with the applicable code, the manufacturer’sinstructions, and this report. In the event of a conflict
between this report and the manufacturer’s instructions,the more restrictive shall govern.
5.2 Installation shall be limited to Exposure Category F0,
as defined in Section 19.3.1 of ACI 318-14 and Section
4.2.1 of ACI 318-11 and -08.

Page 2 of 5

Number:780

Originally Issued: 06/28/2021

Valid Through: 06/30/2022

5.3 Special inspection shall be provided in accordancewith Section 4.3 of this report.

frame members, structural walls and coupling beams, with
the SQRIM Groutec Precast Splicing System, millcertificates of reinforcing bars shall be submitted to thebuilding official and the special inspector as evidence thatthe steel reinforcing bars comply with ACI 318-08 Section
21.1.5.2.

5.4 The minimum concrete cover shall be in accordancewith IBC Chapters 7 and 19, and Sections 7.6 and 7.7 ofACI 318, whichever is more restrictive and shall bemeasured from the outer surface of the splice connectors.
5.5 Splice locations shall comply with applicable IBC andACI 318 requirements and be noted on plans approved by
the building official.
5.6 Installations in special moment frames and special
structural walls shall comply with Section 18.2.7 of ACI
318-14 and Section 21.1.6 of ACI 318-11 and -08.

5.12 The SQRIM Groutec Precast Splicing System shall be
used with MasterFlow 870 SQRIM nonshrink groutcomplying with Section 3.2.2 of this report only.
5.13 The use of SQRIM Groutec Precast Splicing Systemin fire-resistance-rated construction is outside the scope ofthis evaluation report.
6.0 SUBSTANTIATING DATA

5.7 Under the 2018 IBC, for structures regulated by Chapter
18 of ACI 318-14 (as required by 2018 IBC Section
1905.1), to splice uncoated, deformed reinforcing bars
resisting earthquake-induced flexure, axial force, or both,in special moment frames, special structural walls, and allcomponents of special structural walls including coupling
beams and wall piers, with the SQRIM Groutec Precast
Splicing System, mill certificates of reinforcing bars shallbe submitted to the building official and the special
inspector as evidence that the steel reinforcing bars
comply with ACI 318-14 Section 20.2.2.5.
5.8 Under the 2015 IBC, for structures regulated by Chapter
21 of ACI 318-14 (as required by 2015 IBC Section
1905.1), to splice uncoated, deformed reinforcing bars
resisting earthquake-induced flexure, axial force, or both,in special moment frames, special structural walls, and allcomponents of special structural walls including coupling
beams and wall piers, with the SQRIM Groutec Precast
Splicing System, mill certificates of reinforcing bars shallbe submitted to the building official and the special
inspector as evidence that the steel reinforcing bars
comply with ACI 318-14 Section 20.2.2.5.
5.9 Under the 2012 IBC, for structures regulated by Chapter
21 of ACI 318-11 (as required by 2012 IBC Section
1905.1), to splice uncoated, deformed reinforcing bars
resisting earthquake-induced flexure, axial force, or both,in special moment frames, special structural walls, and allcomponents of special structural walls including coupling
beams and wall piers, with the SQRIM Groutec Precast
Splicing System, mill certificates of reinforcing bars shallbe submitted to the building official and the special
inspector as evidence that the steel reinforcing bars
comply with ACI 318-11 Section 21.1.5.2.

Data in accordance with the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteriafor Mechanical Connector Systems for Steel Reinforcing
Bars (AC133), Approved August 2019.
7.0 IDENTIFICATION
Each Groutec Coupler is stamped with the coupler size
designation, the production lot number, and the Dextra
Coupler Systems mark or logo. Each crate of couplers hasa shipping tag bearing the Dextra name and address, theproduct designation and size, the production lot number,
the installation instructions, the UES Mark ofConformity, and the IAPMO UES evaluation report
number (ER-780). Each bag of grout shall contain
information as shown in Section 15 of ASTM C1107. The
following Mark of Conformity shall be used as shown
below:

IAPMO UES ER-780
For additional information about this evaluation report please visit
www.uniform-es.org or email at info@uniform-es.org

5.10 Under the 2009 IBC, for structures regulated by
Chapter 21 of ACI 318-08 (as required by 2009 IBC Section1908.1), to splice uncoated, deformed reinforcing bars
resisting earthquake-induced flexural and axial forces inPage 3 of 5

Number:
Originally Issued: 06/28/2021

780

Valid Through: 06/30/2022

TABLE 1—DIMENSIONS OF GROUTEC COUPLERS

BarA

B

C

DE

Minimum
rebar
engagement
LengthMaximum
rebar
engagement
lengthmm

mmmmmmmm

Mm

mm

16 (No.5)

mm
61

44

182

2520145155

20 (No.6)

65

48

195

2520150160

25 (No.8)

6850

220

2520165180

28 (No.9)

81622902520225240

32 (No.10)

8162290252022524036 (No.11)

9572

340252027028540 (No.12)

9572340252027028290

1 mm = 0.04 inch

FIGURE 1—GROUTEC COUPLERS SECTIONAL VIEW

Page 4 of 5

Number:
Originally Issued: 06/28/2021

780

Valid Through: 06/30/2022

FIGURE 2—GROUTEC COUPLERS FITTED TO REINFORCING BARSFIGURE 3—GROUTEC COUPLERS APPLICATIONS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE

Page 5 of 5