METAL REINFORCEMENT

2.1 STEEL REINFORCEMENT

Steel is the most widely used reinforcing material for almost all types of concrete construction. It is an excellent
partner of concrete in resisting both tension and compression stresses. Comparatively, steel is ten times stronger
than concrete in resisting compression load and hundred times stronger in tensile stresses.

The design of concrete assumes that concrete and steel reinforcement act together in resisting load and likewise to
be in the state of simultaneous deformation, otherwise, the steel bars might slip from the concrete in the absence of
sufficient bond due to excessive load.

In order to provide a high degree of sufficient bond between the two materials, steel reinforcing bars with surface
deformation in various design were introduced.

2.2 IDENTIFICATION OF STEEL BARS

Steel reinforcing bars are provided with distinctive markings which identify the name of manufacturer with it’s initial
and the bar size number including the type of steel bars such as:

Figure 1. Marking System

2.3 BAR SPLICE, HOOK AND BEND

In estimating the quantity of the steel reinforcing bars, one has to consider the additional length for the hook, the
bend and the splice whose length varies depending upon the limitation as provided for by the National Building
Code.

Types of Reinforcement Minimum Splice Length

1. Tension Bars = 25 x Bar Size + 150 mm
2. Compression Bars = 25 x Bar Size + 150 mm

Example 1

Determine the length of the splice for a 16mm tensile reinforcement of a beam.

Solution:

1. Classification of the reinforcement is under tension

2. Multiply:
25 x 16mm + 150 mm = 550mm
Determining the size and quantity of steel reinforcement in construction is challenging, requiring meticulous analysis
to compute the necessary bars for each structure part. Estimation involves systematic computation, summarizing
results based on commercial bar lengths to prevent waste. Overordering materials can lead to theft and wasteful
cutting, contributing to construction waste. Estimating the quantity of the steel reinforcement, refers to the
commercial length of steel bars to be ordered as a summary of all the cut bars intended for the different members of
the structures. Under such conditions, the following problems have to be anticipated.

1. For main reinforcement of posts, columns, beams, girders, and the like, is determined by the "Direct Counting
Method" wherein the additional length for hook, bend, or lapping joints is often overlooked.

2. For other structural members such as lateral ties, stirrups, spirals, dowels, cut bars and the like should be treated
separately, and carefully determined the length of their cuts should include the allowances for hook and bend.

3. After knowing the length of the lateral ties, stirrups, etc. the next problem is how to select the steel bars to be
ordered from the various commercial lengths of 5.00 meters to 13.50 meters avoiding extra cuts which might be
classified as junk unless they could be of service or used on other structural members.

4. Tie wire for reinforcement joints is a large item of a large construction work considering its cost. The cutting length
of each tie wire should be to the minimum required based on the diameter of the bars to be tied.

2.4 CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS REINFORCEMENT

In our previous discussions of Masonry in Chapter 2, the concrete hollow block work had been thoroughly discussed
giving emphasis on how to determine the quantity of the blocks, cement, sand, and gravel except the steel
reinforcement which is necessary to complete the work. The size and spacing of the CHB reinforcement depends
upon the plan and specifications which is the basis of the estimate. The number of steel bars required could be
determined in three ways:

1. By the Direct Counting Method

2. By the Unit CHB Method

3. By the Area Method

The Direct Counting Method could be done by counting directly the number of vertical and horizontal bars plus the
lapping, hook, and bend from a detailed plan. But, how many plans have presented a detailed drawing for steel
reinforcement?

The Area and Unit CHB Method - This is the simplest method of computing the steel reinforcement for CHB with the
aid of Table 3-4 wherein the values presented include the allowances for splice and bend.

Table 1. Length of Steel Reinforcement for Concrete Hollow Block Work

Vertical Reinforcement Horizontal Reinforcement

Spacing in cm Length of Bars in Meter Spacing in Layers Length of Bars in meter
Per Block Per Sq. M. Per Block Per Sq. M.
.40 0.235 2.93 2 0.264 3.30
.60 0.171 2.13 3 0.172 2.15
.80 0.128 1.60 4 0.138 1.72

Example 2.

From Figure 2. Determine the number of 10 cm. CHB, and the vertical reinforcing bars spaced at 80 cm. on center
including the horizontal bars at every after three layers.
 Figure 2.

Solution:

1. Solve for the area of the fence

A = length x height
A = 4.00 x 3.00
A = 12 sq. m.

2. Vertical reinforcement at 80 cm. o.c.

Referring to Table 1 by the sq. m. or area method
Multiply:
12 x 1.60 = 19.2 meters.

Convert this value to commercial length of steel bars ranging from 5.00 to 13.50 meters. Select the most economical
length avoiding extra cut.

Select: 4pcs. 10mm x 5.00 m long

3. Horizontal bars at every after 3 layers

From table 1, multiply:
12 x 2.15 = 25.80 meters
Select 4pcs @ 5.00 m and 1 - @ 6.00 m. long

4. Order: 8pcs. 10mm x 5.00m. Steel bars

1-10 mm x 6.00 m. Steel bars

2.5 TIRE WIRE FOR STEEL REINFORCEMENT

Gauge number 16 galvanized wire is commonly used as tie wire for steel bar intersections and splicing joints. The
length of each tie wire depends upon the size of the bars to be tied on. Tie wire is one item of the construction which
is always included in the bill of materials without the support of computations, its quantity is mostly determined by
the estimator through mere calculations which is somewhat all right for a small work but not for a large construction
involving multiple floors. The imaginary estimate for tie wire will never give a satisfactory result.

CHB Reinforcement Tie Wire - The common size of steel reinforcement for concrete hollow blocks are either 10 mm,
12 mm or 13 mm depending upon the plan and specifications. For that particular size of reinforcement, a 25 cm. or
30 cm. long tie wire folded at the center will be satisfactory.
 Table 2. Kilogram of No. 16 Tie Wire of Concrete Hollow Blocks Reinforcement

Vertical Spacing in cm. Horizontal Spacing in layer Kilogram per 100 Blocks
25 cm. ties 30 cm. ties
40 2 .0042 .0051
40 3 .0031 .0038
40 4 .0028 .0033
60 2 .0028 .0034
60 3 .0021 .0025
60 4 .0018 .0022
80 2 .0021 .0025
80 3 .0016 .0019
80 4 .0014 .0017

Example 3.

Continuing the solution of Example 1 from the following data obtained.

Vertical Reinforcement spacing = 80 cm.

Horizontal Reinforcement spacing every 3 layers

Area of the wall = 12 sq. m.

Solution:

1. Determine the number of CHB

12 x 12.5 = 150 pcs
2. Using a 25 cm. tie wire from table 2
Multiply:

Tie wire: 150 x 0.0016 = .24 kilos

2.6 INDEPENDENT FOOTING REINFORCEMENT

In estimating for the reinforcement of an independent or isolated footing, the following rules have to be observed:

1. Know the actual dimension of the footing as to its length and width.

2. Remember that the minimum underground protective covering of concrete to the steel reinforcement is 7.5 cm.

3. If the plan does not call for a hook or bend of the footing reinforcement, the length of the bar is equal to the
length or width of the footing minus the protective covering at both ends.

4. If the plan calls for a hook or bend of the reinforcement the bar cut should include the allowance for hook and
bend.

5. Know the spacing distance of the steel bars both ways to determine the exact number required, then as much as
possible select the appropriate steel bar length which is divisible by the cut length avoiding unwanted extra cuts.

Various problems in computing for the steel reinforcement will be encountered as measurement and design varies.
Problems are usually met on reinforcing members which requires cutting and bending. Others could be determined
by the Direct Counting Method.

Example 4
From Figure 3, determine the number of 12 mm steel bars and the tie wire in kilogram if there are 20 pcs.
Independent square footing with a general dimension of 1.15 x 1.15 meters.

Figure 3.

Solution

1. Determine the net length of one reinforcing cut-bar

1.00 m..20 m. = 1.20 m.

2. Total cut-bars in one footing

6 x 2 = 12 pcs.

3. Total cut-bars for 20 footings

12 x 20 = 240 pcs.

4. Total length of all the bars

240 x 1.20 = 288 meters

5. Divide the above result by the length of one steel bar

say. 6.00 meters.

2.88/6.00 = 48 pcs.

Order: 48 pcs. of 12 mm x 6.00 m. steel bars

Solving the same problem by the 1st procedure:

1. Net length of one reinforcing bar = 1.20 m.

2. Total bars in one footing

6 x 2 = 12 pcs.

3. Total for 20 footings

12 x 20 240 pcs.

4. Divide one steel bar by the length of one cut bar

6.00 /1.20 = 5 pcs.

This simply means that 5 pcs. at 1.20 meter long reinforcing bar could be taken from a 6.00 meters long steel bar,
then,

5. Divide the total cut bars for 20 footings by 5

240 /5 = 48 pieces

The question now is when to use the first procedure and when to adopt the second procedure. In determining alone
what procedure to adopt is an additional burden, to avoid such confusion, the following rules will help in making the
right choice.

1. Determine the net length of one reinforcing bar

2. Divide 6.00 m. or any commercial-length steel bar by the result of step 1

3. If the result is a whole number (exact value) use the second procedure

4. If the result is a fractional value, adopt the first procedure.

Considering Figure 3, Tie Wire could be determined under the following steps:

1. Find the number of bar intersections in one footing

6 x 6 = 36 ties

2. Total Ties for 20 footings

20 x 36 = 720 ties

3. Using 25 cm. length per tie

Multiply:

720 x 25m. = 180 meters

4. One kilo of No. 16 G.I. wire is approximately 53 meters long

Divide:

180/53 = 3.4 kilos

2.7. POST AND COLUMN REINFORCEMENT

The reinforcement of posts and columns to be considered in the estimates are:

1. The Main or Vertical Reinforcement

2. The Lateral Ties or

3. The Spiral Ties for Circular Column

The quantity and length of the main reinforcement is determined by the "Direct Counting Method" giving special
attention to the additional length for:

1. Lap-Joints of end splices

2. Allowance for bending and hook

3. Additional length for the beam depth and floor thick- ness if the height of the building plan indicates from floor to
floor.
 Figure 4

2.8 BEAMS AND GIRDERS REINFORCEMENT

The "Direct Counting Method" is the, best method in determining the main reinforcement for beams and girders.
Provided that in the selection of the length of steel bars, the following physical condition of the beam in relation with
its support should be considered.

1. Verify from the plan if the span of the column where the beam is to rest measures from center to center, outer to
center or outer to outer side of the column. This has to be considered in determining the length of steel bars to be
ordered.

2. Verify the position of the reinforcement splicing if it is adjusted to the commercial length of steel bars. "The lesser
the splice the lesser the expense."

3. Identify the bars with bend and hook, for adjustment of their length in ordering the steel bars.

Figure 5. Span of the Beam

2.9 LATERAL TIES

Tied column has reinforcement consisting of vertical bars held in a position by lateral reinforcement called lateral
ties.

The ACI Code so provides:

"All non-prestressed bars for tied column shall be enclosed by lateral ties of at least No. 3 in size for longitudinal bars
No. 10 or smaller and at least No. 4 in size for No. 11 to 18 and bundled longitudinal bars."

The spacing of the ties shall not exceed:

1. 16 x the longitudinal bar diameter

2. 48 x lateral tie bar diameter or

3. The least dimension of the column

Example 5

Determine the spacing of the lateral tie for a tied column

shown below.
 Figure 6

Solution

1. Diameter of the main longitudinal bar = 20 mm.

2. Diameter of the lateral ties = 10 mm.

3. Multiply:

16 x 20 = 320 mm.

48 x 10 = 480 mm.

Shortest side of the column = 300 mm.

4. Adopt 300 mm. or 30 cm. spacing

2.10 STIRRUPS FOR BEAMS AND GIRDERS

Stirrup is the structural reinforcing member that holds or binds together the main reinforcement of a beam or girder
to a designed position.

The two types of stirrups commonly used are:

Figure 7

The methods in estimating the number or quantity of stirrups required is the same as that of the lateral ties as
explained in Article 3-9 with the aid of Table 3-6. However, the spacing of the stirrups could not be determined by the
linear meter method because the spacing of stirrups becomes closer as it approaches the beam support. The number
of stirrups is best determined by direct counting per span type and by categories according to the design as indicated
in the detailed drawing.

Example 6

A concrete beam with a cross-sectional dimension of 25 x 40 cm. requires 10 mm open stirrups spaced as shown in
Figure 3-17. Prepare the order of 10 mm. steel bars for stirrups of 8. beams with the same category.
 Figure 8

Solution

1. By direct counting there are 24 stirrups at 98 cm. say 1.00 m. long

2. Total number of stirrups

24 x 8 beams = 192 pcs.

3. Referring to Table 3-6 for a 1.00 m. long stirrups using a 5.00 m. long steel bars.

Divide:

192/5 = 38.4 pcs. 10 mm. x 5.00 m.

or using a 6.00 m. long steel bars.

Divide:

192 / 6 = 32.0 pcs. 10 mm x 6.00 m.

4. Order: 32 pcs. of 10 mm x 6.00 m. steel bars