STEEL

REINFORCEMENT
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.

Different steel bar diameter are used in

construction work, including 8mm, 10mm,
12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, and
40mm

The steel bar diameter used for typical

residntial and commercial construction
work varies from 8mm to 25mm.

Usually, 10mm steel bar are used for

stirrups and ties for beams and columns
and distribution bar for slab and other
structure members.

The steel bar diameter greeter than 10mm

is used as the main bar for different
structural member like foundations,
columns, beams, etc.
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.

Lap splice
is the predominant method used for splicing reinforcing bars. For lap splices, contact
splices are preferred for the practical reason that, when wired together, they are more
easily secured against displacement during concrete placement.

How to determine splicing length of steel bars

Sample problem :

Determine the length of the splice joint for a 16 mm and 20 mm steel bars under the
following conditions:

1. Tensile reinforcement of a beam

2. Compressive reinforcement of a column
SOLUTION (for 16 mm steel bars)
1. Classification of the reinforcement is under tension. Multiply;

25 x 16 mm + 150 mm = 550 mm or 55 cm

2. For the reinforcement under compression, multiply;

20 x 16 mm + 150 mm = 470 mm or 47 cm

Therefore, the splice joint for a 16 mm tension bar is 55 cm long and 47 centimeters for a
compression bars.

SOLUTION (for 20 mm steel bars)

1. Length of splice for tension bar,

25 x 20 mm + 150 mm = 550 mm or 65 cm

2. For the reinforcement under compression, multiply;

20 x 20 mm + 150 mm = 550 mm or 55 cm

Therefore, the splice joint for a 20 mm tension bar is 65 cm long and 55 centimeters for a
compression bars.
HOOK AND BEND
Hooks and bends are specified to standardize the fabrication procedure and to
limit the concrete stresses in the area of the hooks.

SEISMIC HOOK FOR STIRRUPS AND TIES

Hook on a stirrup, lateral ties, or crosstie
having a bend not less than 135 degrees,

Stirrups or Crossties
Lateral ties
DEVELOPMENT LENGTH BEND ELONGATION IN
REINFORCEMENT BARS.
the amount of reinforcement (bar) length What are bend deductions for different
needed to be embedded or projected into the angles in reinforcement bars?
column to establish the desired bond strength
between the concrete and steel. When we bend a steel bar, the length of
the bar is increased due to stretching at
the outer periphery of the bar. To
compensate for this reinforcement bar
elongation, we deduct the increased
length while calculating the cutting length
of the steel bars.

9 db
Calculation of the weight of steel bar
for 1 meter length

Weight = Density x Volume ( Area x Length )

Example : 10mm diameter of bar by 1 meter
length
Area of circular bar = π/4 x d²

Area of circular bar = 3.14/4 x 10²

= 78.5 mm²
Volume = Area x Length

Noteme = 78.5 mm² x 1m

(1 m = 1000 mm) = .0000785 m³

Density or Unit weight of steel = 7850 kg/m³

Unit Weight of steel bar = 7850 kg/m³ x .0000785 m³
Unit Weight of steel bar = 0.616 kg

you can also used

this formula
CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS REINFORCEMENT
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?

In the event that estimating by the Direct Counting Method is

somewhat difficult, one can use the Area Method with the aid of Table
3-4 prepared for this porpose.
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
includes the allo­wances for standard bend, hook and lapping splices.
Sample Problem

From the Figure, 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.
SOLUTION (By Area Method) SOLUTION (Unit CHB Method)

1. Solve for the area of the fence 1. Solve for the area of the fence
A = 4 x 3.00
A = length x height A = 12sq.m.
A = 4.00 x. 3.00,
A = 12 sq. m. 2. Determine the number of CHB
12 x 12.5 = 150 pcs
2. Vertical reinforcement at 80 cm. o.c.
Referring to Table 3-4 by the square meter or 3. Referring to Table 3.4
area method. Multiply:
a) Vertical Reinforcement per Block @ .80 m.
12 x 1.60 = 19.2 meters long O.C.
Convert this value to the commercial length Multiply: 150 x 0.128 = 19.2 meters
of steel bars ranging from 5.00 to 13.50
meters. Select the most economical length to Select: 4 pcs 10 mm x 5.00 m. long
avoid extra cut.
b) Horizontal bars for every after 3 layers
Used: 4 pcs. 10 mm. x 5.00 m. long
Referring to Table 3-4,

3. Horizontal bars at every after 3 layers From multiply: 150 X 0.172 = 25.8 m.
Table 3-4,
c) Convert to commercial length
multiply: 12 x 2.15• = 25.80 meters.
Select: 4 pcs @ 5.00 m. and 1 - @ 6.00 m. long Select: 4 pcs. 10 mm x 5.00 and 1 @ 6.00 m.
long
4. Order: 8 - 10 mm x 5.00 m. Steel bars
4. Order: 8 - 10 mm x 5.00 m. and
1 - 10 mm x 6.00 m. Steel bars
1 - 10 mm x 6.00 m. Steel bars
TIE WIRE FOR STEEL REINFORCEMENT
Gauge number 16 galvanized wire is commonly
used as tie wire for steel bar intersections and
splicing joints. One roll is equivalent to 45
kilograms, or approximately 2,385 meters at 53
meters per kilogram.

CHB Reinforcement Tie Wire

The common size of steel reinforcement for
concrete. hollow blocks are either 10 mm, 12 mm or
16 mm depending upon the plan and specifications.
For this particular size of reinforcement, a 25 cm. to
40 cm. long tie wire folded at the center will be
satisfactory.
 Solution (Bar Intersections/Connections)

1. Determine the number of vertical bars

( 4 / 0.8 ) + 1 = 6 vertical bars.

2. Determine the number of horizontal bars

.

( 3 / 3 lays or 0.6 ) + 1 = 6 horizontal bars.

Vertical Reinforcement spacing = 80 cm. 3. Determine the number of intersections

Horizontal Reinforcement spacing every 3
layers Area of the wall = 12 sq. m. 6 x 6 = 36 intersections.

Solution (Area method) 4. Using a 25 cm. tie wire multiply with the
number of bar intersections.
1. Determine the area of CHB wall
.25m x 36 = 9m
4 x 3 = 12 sq. m.
Convert m to kg.
2. Using a 25 cm. tie wire from Table 3-5
Multiply: 9 x (1kg/53m) = .17 kg say 1 kg tie wire
Tie Wire: 12 x .020 = .24 kg say 1 kg tie wire
INDEPENDENT FOOTING REINFORCEMENT
In estimating for the reinforcement of an independent or isolated
footing, the following rules has 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 or 75mm.

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 di­ visible by the cut
length avoiding unwanted extra cuts.
Example Problem

Determine the number of 12 mm steel bars required if there

are 6 footing with a general dimension of 1.50 x 1.50 meters

Solution

1. The net length of one bar is,

1.50 - (.075 + .075) = 1.35 m.

2. Find the total number of cut bars in one footing by Direct Counting .
13 x 2 = 26 pcs.
3. Get the total number of bars for the 6 footings
26 x 6 = 156 pcs.@ 1.35 m. long

4. Select the steel bars whose length is economically cut into 1.35 m. long
6.00 m. / 1.35 = 4.44 pcs.

The fractional value of .44 is inevitable but should not be included in

the computation because it is less than one cut bar length, use the
whole value of 4.0 pcs.
5. Divide the result of step 3' by 4.0

156 / 4.0 = 39 pcs. of 12 mm x 6.00 m.

The common error committed in estimating the number of steel bars is

presented below.

Using the same data

1. The net length of one bar is 1.35 m.
2. The total number of bars in one footing is
13 x 2 = 26 pcs.
3. Total number of bars for 6 footings
26 x 6 = 156 pcs.

4. The total length of the bars in meter

156 X 1.35 = 210.6 m

5. Converting this to steel bar length

210.6 / 6.00 = 35 pcs/length steel bars

Tie Wire
1. Find the number of bar intersections in one footing
13 x 13 = 169 ties
2. Total Ties of 6 footings
169 x 6 = 1014 ties
4. Using 25 cm. length per tie
multiply: 1014 X .25 = 253.5 m
5. One kilo of No. 16 G.I. wire is approximately 53 meter long.
253.5 m / 53 m per kg = 4.78 kgs say 5 kgs
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 thickness if the height of the
building plan indicates from floor to floor.
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
Determine the spacing of the
lateral tie for a tied column as
show in Figure
Solution
Diameter of the main longitudinal bar = 20 mm .
Diameter of the lateral ties = 10mm
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

A building has a series of 7 meters high square columns having a total

of 26 columns with cross­ sectional dimension of 30 x 30 cm. Make an
order of 10 mm steel bars required for making the lateral ties.

Solution
1. Determine the spacing of the lateral ties.
16 x 20 mm. = 320 mm. or 32 cm.
48 x 10 mm.•= 480 mm.or 48 cm.
The shortest side of the column is = 30 cm.

2. Adopt the 30 cm. spacing

3. Determine the number of lateral ties in one column
7.00 m. ht. / .30 m.
= 23.3 pcs. say 23 pcs
4. The 23 pcs. is the distance between the lateral ties,. what we need is
the number of ties in one column, so, we add one to be exact.
23 + 1 = 24 pcs.
5. Solve for the total ties of the 26 columns.
26 x 24 = 624 pcs.
6. Find the length of one lateral tie.
= 2A + 2B + 2hook - bar elongation (2-135° + 2-90°)
A=300mm - 2(40) = 220mm or 0.22m
B=300mm - 2(40) = 220mm or 0.22m
= 2A + 2B + 2(9db or 3db + 75mm) - ( 2(3db) + 3(2db))
= 2(.22) + 2(.22) + 2(9(10) or 3(10) + 75mm) - ( 2(3(10)) + 3(2(10))
= 2(.22) + 2(.22) + 2(3(10) + 75mm) - ( 2(3(10)) + 3(2(10))
= (1.63m) - ( .120m)
= 1.51 m say 1.5 m
7. Determine the number of 1.5 m cut from a 6.00 m. steel ba m cut
from a 6.00 m. steel bar
6.00/1.5 = 4 pcs
8. Divide the result of 5 by result of 7
624 / 4 = 156 pcs.
9. Order: 156 pcs. of 10 mm. x 6.00 m. steel bar pcs. of 10 mm. x
6.00 m. steel barss

Tie Wire

1. Find the total number of bar intersections

8 main bars x 24 pcs lateral ties per column x 26 columns
= 4,992 intersections
2. Using 25 cm. length per tie
multiply: 4,992 X .25 = 1,248 m
3. One kilo of No. 16 G.I. wire is approximately 53 meter long.
1,248 m / 53 m per kg = 23.55 kgs say 24 kgs
Compute the Quantity of Main Bars needed if the height of
column is 3.5 meters and the thickness of the footing is
0.30 meters, with 20 mm diameter bar reinforcements.
Solution:
1. Length of one main bar including development length.

20mm

H1 = 16 db H2 = column/2 - (40mm) - (db lat. ties)

H1 = 16 (20) H2 = 150mm - (40mm) - (10mm)
H1 = 320 mm H2 = 100 mm
L= H - 75mm - 2bd - 40mm + H1 + H2 - 2 (90° elongation)
L= 3800mm - 75mm - 2(20mm) - 40mm + 320mm + 100mm - 2[2(20mm)]
L= 3985 mm or 4 m
2. Total number of main bars
= 26 pcs columns x 8 pcs main bars per column
=208 pcs of 4 meter long main bar
3. Select the steel bars whose length is economically cut into 4 m
Try: 9m

= 9 / 4m
= 2.25 pcs say 2 pcs of 4 meters
4. Number of 20 mm dia. bar x 9 meters
= 208 / 2
= 104 pcs of 20 mm dia. bar x 9 meters
SPIRAL AND COLUMN TIES
The spiral reinforcement consist of evenly spaced continuous spirals held firmly in
place by at least three vertical bar spacers. The center to center spacing of this
spirals should not exceed 6th part of the diameter core. The clear spacing between
the spirals should not exceed 7.5 cm. nor less than 5.00 cm. or one and one half
times the biggest size of the coarse aggregate or gravel.
Example
A spiral column with a cross sectional diameter of 50 cm. requires 10 mm spiral
reinforcement as shown . If there are 14 columns at 7.00 meters high each, find the
num­ber of 10 mm steel bars needed for a 5 cm. pitch.
Solution
A. Spiral Reinforcement

1. Find the total length of the 14 columns

7 x 14 = 98 meters
2. From Table 3-7 for a 50 cm. column diameter
5.00 cm. pitch. Multiply:
98 x 3.223 = 315.8 say 316 pcs.
3. Order: 316 pcs. 10 mm x 9.00 m. steel bars

B. Tie Wire
1. Find the number of vertical bars per column= 12
2. Referring to Table 3-7 for a 5 cm. pitch Multiply:
12 x 21 turns per meter = 252 ties
3. Total tie wire for 14 column bar intersections at 7.00 m. ht.
252 x 7.00 m x 14 = 24,696 pcs.
4. Total length of the wire at .30 m. long per tie wire
24,696 X .30 = 7,409 m.
5. Convert to kilogram at 53 m. long/kilo Divide:
7,409 / 53 = 139.8 say 140 kilos
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.
BEAMS AND GIRDERS
Note: 10mm dia. = 12mm dia.
Example Solution
Compute the quantity of reinforcement bar Compute the length of main bar
needed of the 4 identical beam structure. = Over all length of beam + 0.45m
= (.3 + 3.5 + .3) + 0.45m
= 4.55 m
Length = 3.5 meters, column size = .30 x .30 Select the steel bars whose length is
economically cut into 4.55 m
try : 10.5m / 4.55m = 2.31 say 2 pcs
Note: if you use 6m length of
commercial bars, you need to
consider the length of lap splice
needed.
there are 4 main bars shown in the
plan, therefore the required materials
needed is :
= (4 x 4)/ 2
= 8 lengths - 20 mm RSB x 10.5 m long
Compute the length of short bars
@support (2 pcs)
= Column width + L/4 + 0.25m
= 0.30 + 3.5/4 + 0.25m
= 1.425 m
@midspan
= L x 0.6
= 3.5 x 0.6
= 2.1m
Solution Stirrups
Compute the number of stirrups in one beam
Select the steel bars whose length is economically
cut into 1.425m for support short bar25m for
support short bar
try : 6m / 1.425m = 4.21 say 4 pcs
Number of 6m long bar needed
= (4 x 2) / 4
= 2 length - 20mm RSB x 6m long @support 1.425m or 1425 mm

Select the steel bars whose length is Number stirrups @ .10m or 100 mm spacing
economically cut into 2.1m for midspan sho short = 13 + 13
barrt bar = 26 pcs
length of beam @ support with 0.1m spacing
try : 6m / 2.1m = 2.85 say 2 pcs
of stirrups
Number of 7.5m long bar needed = 12 spaces x 0.1m
= 1.2 m
= (4 x 1) / 2
The length of stirrups space at 0.1m is 1.2 m
= 2 length - 20mm RSB x 6m long from the support in both ends
Length of REST
= 3.5 - 1.2 + 1.2
= 1.1 m
Number stirrups @ .275m spacing
= 1.1m / .275m
= 4 pcs
Total number of stirrups needed
= (26 + 4) x 4
= 120 pcs of stirrups
Solution
Lenght of Stirrups
A = 250mm - 2(40)
A = 170 mm

B = 400mm - 2(40)
B = 320 mm

= 2A + 2B + 2hook - bar elongation (2(135°) + 3(90°))

= 2A + 2B + 2(9db or 3db + 75mm) - ( 2(3db) + 3(2db))
= 2(.17) + 2(.320) + 2(9(10) or 3(10) + 75mm) - ( 2(3(10)) + 3(2(10))
= 2(.17) + 2(.320) + 2(3(10) + 75mm) - ( 2(3(10)) + 3(2(10))
= (1.73m) - ( .120m)
= 1.61 m say 1.6m
Determine the number of 1.6 m cut from a 6.00 m. and 7.5 m steel bar
6.00/1.6 = 3.75 pcs say 3 pcs
7.5/ 1.6 = 4.7 pcs say 4 pcs
Determine the number 6.00 m. and 7.5 m steel bar
@6 m = 120 pcs / 3 pcs
= 40 lenghts of 10mm diameter bar x 6 m long
@7.5 m = 120 pcs / 4 pcs
= 30 lenghts of 10mm diameter bar x 7.5 m long