Most manufacturers of precast concrete products use reinforcing steel in their forms simply because they have been told to do so by a specification or a design engineer, or in many cases simply because the father told him or her to do it. But is it really necessary to put steel bars in concrete? If so, why?
In the construction industry, we are all familiar with the term “concrete strength,” which actually refers to concrete’s compressive strength. For example, a concrete strength of 4,000 psi means it can withstand a load of 4,000 lbs of compressive force for every sq in. of surface area. That’s pretty strong stuff! Concrete strength is measured in a compressive test on a concrete cylinder where the sample is squeezed (compressed) between two hydraulic cylinders.
All strength is not the same
Compressive strength is one test, but what happens to the strength of concrete if we pull on the ends of the sample, rather than squeeze them together? In other words, what if we put the concrete in tension, or stretch it, in what is referred to as a tensile test? Now we find the tensile strength is only one-tenth of its compressive strength. Concrete that has an impressive compressive strength of 4,000 psi has maybe 400 psi of tensile strength. Not so strong in tension!
Since reinforcing steel can withstand much higher tension or stretching forces than concrete, we use steel to withstand the tensile stresses that build up in the product when it is loaded. The steel is located in those parts of the product where the concrete is forced to stretch or bend under service loading. In some design situations, compression steel is also required, but this article addresses only tension steel, the reinforcement most precasters use in their products.
The structural integrity of every reinforced concrete product is dependent upon the following:
1. Grade of steel;
2. Size and spacing of the steel reinforcing; and
3. Location of the steel within the product.
Calculating the amount of steel needed
When a civil engineer designs a reinforced concrete component, the cross-sectional area of reinforcing steel required for every foot of product length must be calculated. All reinforced concrete designs are based on the required number of sq in./ft of reinforcing steel to safely carry the load. And, every foot of product must have the same amount of steel as the foot beside it to ensure the product has uniform strength throughout.
If the steel rebar placers do not maintain correct spacing in the forms, the product strength is comprised. For example, if the designer calls for #5 rebar spaced every 4 in., three #5 bars need to be placed for every 12 in. of the form. If the steel placer is a little sloppy and places the #5 bars at 5-in. spacing rather than 4-in. spacing, the strength of the product will be reduced by 20%. Yes, concrete’s structural integrity can be compromised just that easily!
Placing #5 rebar correctly at 4-in. spacing provides a steel area of 0.93 sq in., whereas placing the same bars incorrectly at 5-in. spacing will reduce the steel area provided to only 0.74 sq in. – 20% weaker! It is very possible that this difference in spacing will be missed if the QC inspector does only a quick visual inspection of the rebar spacing. Even if the rodmen space the bars at every 4.5 in. rather than at every 4 in., the strength is reduced by 10%, which is still a very significant error. QC inspectors must take the time to accurately measure rebar spacing as part of their pre-pour inspections.
“When hiring new employees for the steel yard, take the time to familiarize them with rebar sizing and the importance of using the specified size for the job.”
Pulling the wrong size rebar from the inventory pile can also result in a serious problem. Incorrectly placing #4 rebar at a spacing of 4 in. (rather than the specified #5 rebar spaced every 4 in.) will result in 35% less reinforcing than is needed for structural strength. When hiring new employees for the steel yard, take the time to familiarize them with rebar sizing and the importance of using the specified size for the job. At a quick glance, the difference between #4 and #5 rebar is not clearly noticeable, especially with some deformation patterns.
Because spacing is critical, ensure that steel reinforcing bars are properly secured in place, either by welding (use only Weldable Grade ASTM C706 rebar) or by installing suitable wire ties. Rebar cages must be as sturdy as possible.
The spacing of rebar is crucial, so take the time to do it right!
Would like to know what is spec for the spacing for a in ground swimming pool.one ft. Thick walls if that helps. Actually is a gun night. Thanks
Wow, I hadn’t realized how important rebar spacing can be when installing a foundation! My friend wants to have a pool installed in his yard, but I doubt he’s considered the importance of having his pool foundation installed with reinforced concrete. Having it done correctly seems to be a big factor since improper spacing can actually reduce the tensile strength of the foundation. I’ll be sure to pass on the info so that he can make sure his installer puts correct rebar spacing in.
I am building a residential foundation that will have 10 foot high walls, 12 inches thick. What size rebar would you recommend? What vertical and horizontal spacing would you use.
Thank you for the comment Joseph. I recommend that you contact a precaster or supplier near your location for specific advice regarding your project. You can visit our “Find Precast Products & Supplies” website section to search for a precaster or supplier. There you can narrow your search by location and/or product type to receive a list of NPCA members that would be more than happy to help. If you have anymore questions, let me know.
#5 double curtain vertical and #5 horizontal at 24″ OC
The block layer on 8″ block wall did not tie rebar to the rebar that was sunk into the foundation. He continued the block up 7 high to first lentil without tying. As the first lentil is totally poured he is going to just stick the rebar into the poured concrete. As I ask around , it’s seems to be a common process. With people commenting that 100 years ago no steel was used and buildings are still standing. This 24’×24’part of part of house will have 7″thick concrete roof for tornado shelter.
Thank you for the comment Kerstin. If you can provide more information about your project, or what exactly you’d like to know regarding if wet-sticking rebar is acceptable or about rebar tying, I’d gladly direct your comment to our Technical Services engineers for a response. Thank you.
I found it really interesting that even changing the interval between bars by as little as 1 inch could reduce the strength of the wall by 20%. Making sure everything is precisely placed seems much more important to the wall’s integrity than I would have thought. I’m glad to know that people keep such detailed measurements.
Proper explanation is given. Great writing. keep it up!
Thank you for sharing this amazing post with us.
Thanks for sharing such valuable information.
Great content! People dealing with Rebar should know about this.