Bending Reinforcing Bars Partially Embedded in Concrete
Building code requirements allow it, but with one important proviso that is often a stumbling block.
One suggestion for getting the engineer’s permission
Because some engineers are very conservative it may be difficult to get permission after the bars have already been bent without an inspector present. The best solution for this problem is obvious: Point out the documents mentioned here and get permission before bending the bars.
One option is to restraighten one or more of the bent bars cold, then have a testing lab test them to fracture while still embedded in the concrete. If the tensile strength meets specification requirements, the rest of the bars can be judged to be suitable, and replacement bars for those broken can be epoxied into the wall.
References 1. Black, William C., “Field Corrections to Partially Embedded Reinforcing Bars,” ACI Journal, Oct. 1973, 690-691.2. Stecich, J.P., Hanson, John M., and Rice, Paul F., “Bending and Restraightening of Grade 60 Reinforcing Bars,” Concrete International, August 1984, 14-23.3. “Field Inspection of Reinforcing Bars,” Engineering Data Report Number 54, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Schaumburg, IL 2004, 8.4. “Details and Detailing of Concrete Reinforcement (ACI 315-99),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 1999, 44.
About the Authors
Ward R. Malisch, technical director for the American Society of Concrete Contractors, can be reached at wmalisch@ascconline.org. Bruce A. Suprenant, P.E., concrete consultant, can be reached at bsuprenant@concretees.com.
This column is sponsored by the American Society of Concrete Contractors, but the views expressed are solely those of the authors.
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