Checklist for beam reinforcement./Beam reinforcement checking procedure. ~ PARAM VISIONS

1. Clear cover :

The cover blocks should be provided from all three sides to maintain the uniform clear cover as required.

2. Rebar quality:

The steel bar should be straight, having a uniform diameter throughout its length. The bar should look fresh, having a blackish-grey color in its appearance.

The rusted rebar should be avoided as they have low bonding strength with the concrete. The ribs over the bars should be uniform in their thickness & depth, without any breaks in them.

3. Grade of steel:

The grade of the steel bar should be chosen, as mentioned in the reinforcement detail drawings of the beam. You can find the grade of steel embossed over the bar, as shown in the above drawing.

Checking the steel grade is a must, as it shows the yield strength & decides the load-carrying capacity of the rebar.

4. Dia. & spacing of the main bar:

The diameter of the top & bottom main bars of the beam should be checked as per the drawing. The horizontal, as well as vertical spacing between the two bars, should be measured precisely.

5. Dia. & spacing of the stirrups:

The diameter & the c/c distance between the stirrup bar should be checked for its accuracy. The spacing of the stirrup may differ according to the zones of the beam & bar lapping.

6. Corner angle & hook length:

The corner bend of the stirrup should be at 90°, & the angle at the hook bend should be 135°, as shown above.

The hooks of the stirrup should be checked for their proper length as mentioned in the drawing. If not given, you can calculate the length of the hook as 10d, where d denotes the diameter of the stirrup bar.

7. Position of the stirrups:

The stirrup should be tied to the main bars in such a way that the hook corner should not fall in the same line as shown above. The stirrup should be turned in a clockwise pattern so that the stirrup hook should not be positioned on the same bar.

8. Development length(Ld):

The development length of the beam should be checked for its length as given in the drawing. The reinforcement bar should have a sufficient development length & in any case, the Ld should not be curtailed.

Also read: What is development length in construction? / Reasons for providing development length & factors affecting it.

9. Bar lapping:

The lap length of the bar should be checked for its proper measurement as given. Care should be taken while providing the lapping of the bar so that, it should fall in the lapping zone of the beam.

Also read: What is lap length in reinforcement bars?/ General rules while providing lap length.

10. Spacer bar:

Check the diameter & c/c distance of the spacer bar placed in between the two layers of the reinforcement bars.

Also read: What is a spacer bar in a beam?-purpose, spacing & its cutting length.

11. EOS bar:

The diameter, position & length of the extra over support bar should be checked if mentioned in the drawing. Usually, the length of the given EOS bar is at an L/3 distance from the column, where L is the span of the beam.

12. Extra bottom bar:

The diameter, position & length of the extra bottom bar should be checked as mentioned in the drawing. The extra bottom bars are provided at the mid-span of the beam, having 2/3L of the beam span as shown in the drawing.

13. Beam junction:

The lateral ties of the column & stirrup of the beam should be checked for their proper position at the junction of the beam & column. Due to congestion, the bar bender may curtail the main bars or may not place stirrups at the beam end.

14. Binding: