5/1/2017 REINFORCEMENT COVER AND PRE­CONCRETE CHECKS

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REINFORCEMENT COVER AND PRE­CONCRETE CHECKS
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Reinforcement Cover:

It is essential that the steel reinforcement bars are surrounded sufficient impermeable concrete to protect
them from corrosion, and to allow the combined strength of the reinforcement and concrete to be effective.

From the diagram above, we can see how the process unfolds. When the binding has set, the steel bars are
placed into position. The bars are kept the correct distance from the surface by spacers. When the formwork is
erected the concrete can be poured. When the concrete has reached the required strength the formwork can
be poured. The cover blocks have ensured that the steel has sufficient protection from the elements.

If the steel had been placed too close to the surface and the concrete had been poured then over time the
steel may become exposed to moisture and corrosion will commence.

Spacers can be made from plastic, mortar or steel. Plastic spacers are made to fit particular bar size and give
specified depths of cover.

Small mortar blocks are also commonly used which are tied to the reinforcement bars using soft iron binding
wire. The ends of these ties should be bent away from the surface of the concrete, otherwise the wire may
facilitate the corrosion of the reinforcement.

Steel spacers can be used, but only when the structure is not in a corrosive atmosphere or be exposed to
water.

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5/1/2017 REINFORCEMENT COVER AND PRE­CONCRETE CHECKS

The required amount of cover will always be specified on the design drawings, but no time should the cover be
less than the maximum size of aggregate plus 5mm.

Pre­Concrete Checks for Reinforcement:

The pre­concrete check for reinforcement essentially comes in two parts. The first part is a visual inspection by
the clerk of works or equivalent.

Using a steel tape, cover thickness will be checked and any spacers that have fallen off or been broken will
need to be replaced.

The clerk or equivalent will be looking to see that the reinforcement bars are free of excessive rust and not
covered in mud from foot traffic.

Similarly, the bottom of the concrete pour must be free of debris including the cutoffs from the steel tying
bars.

The clerk will also check for under­bent bars that may mail to allow the correct cover and that the bars are at
the correct spacing.

In the above fig, left side images shows reinforcement have not been placed correctly. Right side images shows
correct way of placing of reinforcement.

The second part is carried out by a surveyor, who will check the steel levels against the required levels from
the design drawings. If these levels are satisfactory and the clerk has completed the visual checks then the
pour will proceed.

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