Overview
ISO 15835-3:2018 defines the conformity assessment scheme for reinforcement couplers used in mechanical splices of steel reinforcing bars. The document sets out rules for both product certification (third-party) and self-declaration (supplier) routes, and specifies requirements for manufacturing process control, qualification testing and verification of couplers assembled as mechanical splices.
This part of the ISO 15835 series complements the product requirements given in ISO 15835-1 and aligns with general conformity assessment standards such as ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17025.
Key Topics
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Scope and purpose: Rules for certification and self-evaluation of couplers for mechanical splicing of reinforcing bars; verification of conformity in assembled mechanical splices.
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Certification system (Clause 5):
- Based on qualification testing, surveillance audits and factory production control.
- Certification bodies operate in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065; tests are conducted by independent, accredited laboratories in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.
- Manufacturers shall implement a quality management system (for example ISO 9001).
- Qualification testing is required when material properties, geometry or manufacturing technology change.
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Documentation and user information:
- Manufacturers must maintain datasheet files for each coupler type and provide detailed installation and preparation instructions for purchasers and testing laboratories.
- Couplers must be marked for traceability and records maintained as part of factory production control.
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Sampling and testing:
- Sampling plans are defined in the standard (Table 1) for qualification and ongoing surveillance.
- For self-declared delivery lots, a test unit may represent up to 10 000 couplers, tested at level S-3 per ISO 2859-1 with an AQL of 2.5.
- Fatigue and cyclic testing minimums are specified (see Table 2), e.g. at least three samples of the largest size for high-cycle fatigue testing.
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Surveillance audits:
- Third-party surveillance is required at least annually; testing shall ensure coverage of all types and sizes within a five-year period.
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Certificate content (required items include):
- certificate number, manufacturer name, manufacturing locations, products covered, approved types/sizes and coupler dimensions, applicable bar grades, tools/equipment, written installation instructions, marking and a statement of conformity with ISO 15835-1.
Applications
- Quality assurance for manufacturers of reinforcement couplers.
- Procurement and compliance verification by specifiers, contractors and testing laboratories.
- Risk reduction in construction through verified mechanical splice performance and traceable production control.
Related Standards
These linked standards and clauses in ISO 15835-3 ensure a practical framework for certifying and declaring conformity of couplers used in structural concrete reinforcement, supporting reliable mechanical splices in construction practice.