ICC-ES AC133 — Mechanical splice systems for steel reinforcing bars

← Back to all standards

ICC-ES AC133 is the ICC Evaluation Service acceptance criteria for mechanical splice (coupler) systems that join steel reinforcing bars in concrete construction. To match this to your program, talk with our team.

What ICC-ES AC133 Covers

The criteria define how mechanical rebar couplers are evaluated for strength, slip, and fatigue so that a spliced bar performs like continuous reinforcement. It is used to earn an evaluation report for a coupler system.

How Couplers Are Tested

Coupled bar assemblies are tested in tension for strength and measured for slip across the splice, and often under cyclic and fatigue loading, to confirm the joint meets the required performance categories.

Preparing Specimens

Full-size coupled bar assemblies are tested, so high-force grips and fixturing suited to reinforcing bar are needed. To configure rebar coupler testing, request a quote.

Reading the Designation

Cited as ICC-ES AC133 with its approval date. Confirm the current version before starting an evaluation.

Related Standards

EN 10138 covers prestressing steel and ISO 10606 covers reinforcing-steel tensile testing.

Request a Quote

Testing rebar mechanical splices? Request a quote and our team will help you build a system matched to your bar size and force range.


TensileMill CNC products for AC 133

Our specimen-preparation systems and testing equipment compatible with AC 133:


Configure your AC 133 setup with TensileMill CNC

TensileMill CNC builds testing systems used across quality control, research, and production. For this work we supply universal testing machines, flat and round specimen-preparation systems, and matched grips for metals. Send us your specimen types and target standards, and we will help you spec the right system.