Abstract:This paper investigates the failure modes and load-bearing characteristics of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) reinforced short lap-spliced RC components. The reinforcement mechanism of UHPC was firstly demonstrated, and a design space was established, incorporating key parameters such as live-to-dead load ratio, lap-spliced coefficient m, UHPC strength, concrete strength, rebar type, and the bending moment effect ratio and axial force effect ratio considering horizontal seismic action. A performance function for analyzing the load-carrying reliability of RC components was established. The Monte Carlo method was applied to calculate reliability indices for critical parameter combinations within the design space, followed by a sensitivity analysis of key parameters and fitting of calculation results into zones. The results showed that among the key parameters in the design space, the lap-spliced coefficient, effect ratio, reinforcement ratio, rebar type and UHPC strength significantly influenced the reliability index. UHPC demonstrated excellent load-enhancing capabilities and the ability to alter failure modes. Reliability indices of beam and column yield increased by 109.6% and 12.9%, respectively, with lap-spliced coefficients at yield of 0.58 and 0.57 respectively. For flexural RC beams (compression bending columns), when m>0.67(0.65), the failure mode was steel reinforcement yielding, and UHPC reinforcement was recommended. When 0.50(0.49) < m≤0.67(0.65), the failure mode was either reinforcement yielding or bond failure, so UHPC reinforcement should be carefully employed. When m≤0.50(0.49), bond failure was likely, thus UHPC reinforcement was not recommended.