Which statement correctly describes a lap splice?

• A. It overlaps two bars to transfer tensile force.
• B. It uses connectors to join bars without any overlap.
• C. It welds bars together at the spliced location.
• D. It requires no interaction between bars.

Answer: (A)

A lap splice works by overlapping two reinforcing bars so that the tensile load in one bar is transferred to the other through the bond and contact along the overlapped length. The bars are tied and confined by surrounding concrete, and the friction, along with the bond between steel and concrete, lets the load be carried across the splice without needing a connector or weld. This overlapping arrangement is what enables a continuous reinforcement across a joint when bars cannot be placed in one piece. If there were no interaction between the bars, the splice wouldn’t transfer any tensile force. Mechanical connectors or welding describe different joining methods, not the standard lap splice.