Reinforced Concrete Basics

The minimum distance between parallel reinforcing bars in a layer should be at least the diameter of the bar, but not less than 25mm.

Reinforcement, pre-stressing tendons, and ducts should be positioned precisely and supported before concrete placement.

The minimum cover for concrete exposed to weather or earth for various bar sizes.

The minimum cover for concrete not exposed to weather or in contact with ground for various bar sizes.

Rust, mill scale, or a combination on metal reinforcement is acceptable as long as the minimum dimensions and weight of a test specimen meet ASTM specifications.

Welding of cross bars for reinforcement assembly is not allowed unless authorized by the engineer.

The minimum clear spacing between parallel reinforcing bars in a layer should be at least the diameter of the bar, but not less than 25mm.

The minimum cover for concrete not exposed to weather or in contact with ground for various bar sizes.

The horizontal planes that support both live loads and dead loads and transfer their loads horizontally across to a beam, column or to load-bearing walls.

Refers to those movable loads imposed on the floor such as people, furniture and the like.

Refers to the static load such as the weight of the construction materials, which generally carry the live load.

Refers to external forces acting on the building, such as wind, snow, or earthquakes.

Concrete protective covering from the face to the reinforcing steel shall be 40 mm.

Splices of vertical bars shall be staggered as much as possible, located preferably at the middle half of the column height.

Not more than alternate bars shall be spliced at any one level. Bar splices may be lapped splices, or electrically butt-welded that can develop the full capacity of the bar.

The spacing of lateral ties shown in the schedule are maximum spacing which shall be used only outside the heights and away for joints, where a reduced spacing of not more than 0.10 meter on center is required.

Continous bar or wire forming a helix around longitudinal reinforcement in concrete columns, providing lateral support for compression members. It helps the concrete resist buckling under load.

Two or more bars tied together and acting as a single unit, commonly placed at the corner of lateral ties for increased strength.

Minimum diameter of spiral reinforcement for cast-in-place construction, ensuring adequate strength and stability.

The maximum and minimum spacing between spiral turns in a concrete column, ensuring proper bond and load distribution.

The method of securing the spiral reinforcement at its ends, providing continuity and anchoring to the column.

The recommended method for connecting spiral reinforcement sections, ensuring proper strength and continuity.

The extent of spiral reinforcement in a column, ensuring adequate support and stability.

Ties extending above the end of a spiral in columns where beams or brackets are not on all sides, providing additional support in unsupported areas.

A concrete slab that is uniformly thick and reinforced in two directions, supported on all four sides by beams or walls. They are efficient for medium spans with moderate to heavy loads.

A precast, pre-stressed concrete slab with a wide T-shaped cross-section.

A precast, pre-stressed concrete slab with two stems and a broad section, resembling the letters "TT".

A precast, pre-stressed beam that resembles an inverted capital letter 'T'.

A precast, pre-stressed beam with an L-shaped cross-section.

A concrete slab that is cantilevered, meaning it extends beyond its support. They are suitable for medium to long spans and evenly distributed floor and roof loads. This type of slab is referred to as a one-way slab when the ratio of the shorter span (S) to the longer span (L) is less than 0.5.

The branch of engineering that focuses on the design and construction of foundations for buildings and other structures. It incorporates knowledge from soil mechanics, rock mechanics, geology, and structural engineering.

Reinforcement placed perpendicular to the main bars in a one-way slab to absorb stresses from shrinkage or temperature changes.

A thin layer of high-quality concrete placed over a concrete base to create a smooth floor surface.

A thin layer of mortar applied to a moistened concrete surface before laying a new concrete slab. It helps the new concrete bond to the existing surface.

A gap between parts of a building or concrete work that allows movement due to temperature changes or other factors without causing damage.

A reinforced concrete slab that extends over three or more supports in a given direction. It's more efficient than multiple separate slabs due to lower bending moments.

A concrete slab of uniform thickness reinforced in two or more directions, supported directly by columns without beams or girders.

A one-way slab supported by secondary beams which are in turn supported by main beams (girders). The slab primarily carries loads in one direction.

The spacing of bars within a column strip is 1.5 times the spacing at the center of the slab.

A type of footing that supports two columns with equal loads and has a rectangular shape.

A type of combined footing with a trapezoidal shape, supporting two columns with unequal loads.

A beam-like footing placed underground to distribute and strengthen the support for two or more columns.

A reinforced concrete beam near the ground level transferring loads from a wall to other foundation elements like footings, piers, or piles.

A long, slender column of wood, steel, or reinforced concrete driven into the ground to form part of a foundation system.

A pile that relies on the bearing resistance of soil or rock beneath its base for support. The surrounding soil provides lateral stability.

A continuous footing that extends across a foundation wall to support it.

A type of foundation system where piles are used to transfer the load to deeper, stronger soil levels.