Rebar Facts and Practices

Concrete Cover

• Concrete cover is defined as the distance from the edge of the concrete to the edge of the rebar.

Rebar Tie

• The wrap and snap tie is the most common type of rebar tie used in walls.

Purpose of Tie Wire

• The main purpose of tie wire is to hold reinforcing bars in place during the concrete pouring process.

Spacing of Longitudinal Rebar

• The spacing of the longitudinal rebar is generally not critical.
• However, rebar should not be spaced more than three times the thickness of a slab or wall.

Positioning of Reinforcing Bars in Mat Slabs

• Reinforcing bars should be located three inches from the bottom of a mat slab.
• Reinforcing bars should be located two inches from the top of a mat slab.

Standees

• A standee is a support used to hold the top bars in place within a thick slab.

Tying Reinforcing Bars

• Each reinforcing bar should be tied at least three times to ensure stability.

Rebar Bolsters

• Rebar bolsters are provided in five-foot lengths.

Joist Chairs

• Joist chairs are typically designed to carry two bars.

Temperature Reinforcing

• Temperature reinforcing is normally placed on top of other reinforcing to manage thermal stresses.

Pouring Sequence for Columns, Beams, and Slabs

• When columns, beams, and slabs are formed and poured at the same time, the columns should be poured first.

Stirrups in Beam Reinforcing

• Stirrups are added to beam reinforcing to enhance the beam's resistance to shear and torsion forces.

Rust on Rebar

• Surface rust is generally allowed on rebar; it doesn't necessarily compromise the rebar's structural integrity.

Spreader Bars

• Spreader bars are used to facilitate the lifting of long rebar sections.