Reinforcement for Crack Width Control

by Kim Basham, PhD PE FACI
Created: February 25, 2013

Steel reinforcing bars and welded wire reinforcement provide crack width control in nonstructural slabs-on-ground.

Above and below: Properly placed and supported reinforcement will result in properly located reinforcement in the slab. Consult manufacturers' literature for maximum chair and other support spacing...
Above and below: Properly placed and supported reinforcement will result in properly located reinforcement in the slab. Consult manufacturers' literature for maximum chair and other support spacing and use a 12-inch minimum reinforcement spacing so workers can avoid walking on the reinforcement.
Unrestricted crack width growth leads to spalled edges along out-of-joint cracks when exposed to wheeled traffic, especially hard-wheeled lift trucks.
Unrestricted crack width growth leads to spalled edges along out-of-joint cracks when exposed to wheeled traffic, especially hard-wheeled lift trucks.
Unrestricted crack width growth leads to spalled edges along out-of-joint cracks when exposed to wheeled traffic, especially hard-wheeled lift trucks.
Unrestricted crack width growth leads to spalled edges along out-of-joint cracks when exposed to wheeled traffic, especially hard-wheeled lift trucks.
The "hook and pull" method of moving welded wire reinforcement into the specified location is an ineffective method contractors should avoid.
The "hook and pull" method of moving welded wire reinforcement into the specified location is an ineffective method contractors should avoid.
Reinforcement partially buried in the subbase does not provide crack width control. Without supporting chairs or pre-cast concrete blocks, reinforcement typically ends up in the bottom of the slab...
Reinforcement partially buried in the subbase does not provide crack width control. Without supporting chairs or pre-cast concrete blocks, reinforcement typically ends up in the bottom of the slab or buried in the subbase.