BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE (ACI 318-14) AND COMMENTARY (ACI 318R-14)

469

CODE COMMENTARY
cable ASTM specification for the minimum dimensions teristics of deformed reinforcing bars. Research has shown
(including height of deformations) and weight per unit that a normal amount of rust increases bond. Normal rough
length. handling generally removes rust that is loose enough to
impair the bond between the concrete and reinforcement.

(c) Prestressing reinforcement shall be free of mill scale, R26.6.1.2(c) Guidance for evaluating the degree of rusting
pitting, and excessive rust. A light coating of rust shall be on strand is given in Sason (1992).
permitted.

(d) At the time concrete is placed, reinforcement to be
bonded shall be clean of ice, mud, oil, or other deleterious
coatings that decrease bond.
R26.6.1.2(d) The use of epoxy coating in accordance
with 20.6.2 is permitted. Materials used for the protection
of prestressed reinforcement against corrosion in unbonded
tendons are not considered to be contaminants as described
in this provision.

26.6.2 Placement R26.6.2 Placement

26.6.2.1 Design information: R26.6.2.1 Generally accepted practice, as reflected in ACI

117, has established tolerances on total depth (formwork or
(a) Tolerances on location of reinforcement taking into finish) and fabrication of closed ties, stirrups, spirals, and
consideration tolerances on d and specified concrete cover truss bent reinforcing bars. The licensed design profes-
in accordance with Table 26.6.2.1(a). sional should specify more restrictive tolerances than those
permitted by the Code when necessary to minimize the accu-
Table 26.6.2.1(a)—Tolerances on d and specified mulation of tolerances resulting in excessive reduction in
cover effective depth or cover.
Tolerance on More restrictive tolerances have been placed on minimum
d, in. d, in. Tolerance on specified concrete cover, in.[1] clear distance to formed soffits because of their importance
–3/8 for durability and fire protection and because reinforcement
≤8 ±3/8 Smaller of: is usually supported in such a manner that the specified toler-
– (1/3) · specified cover
ance is practical.
–1/2 More restrictive tolerances than those required by the Code
>8 ±1/2 Smaller of:
– (1/3) · specified cover may be desirable for prestressed concrete. In such cases, the
[1]
Tolerance for cover to formed soffits is –1/4 in. construction documents should specify the necessary toler-
ances. Recommendations are provided in ACI ITG-7.
(b) Tolerance for longitudinal location of bends and ends The Code permits a reinforcement placement tolerance
of reinforcement in accordance with Table 26.6.2.1(b). The on effective depth d that is directly related to the flexural
tolerance for specified concrete cover in Table 26.6.2.1(a) and shear strength of the member. Because reinforcement
shall also apply at discontinuous ends of members. is placed with respect to edges of members and formwork
surfaces, d is not always conveniently measured in the field.
Table 26.6.2.1(b)—Tolerances for longitudinal This provision is included in the design information section
location of bends and ends of reinforcement because tolerances on d should be considered in member
Location of bends or reinforcement design. Placement tolerances for cover are also provided.
ends Tolerances, in. Tolerances for placement of reinforcement should be
Discontinuous ends of brackets and
±1/2 specified in accordance with ACI 117 unless stricter toler-
corbels ances are required.
Discontinuous ends of other members ±1
Other locations ±2

26.6.2.2 Compliance requirements: 26

(a) Reinforcement, including bundled bars, shall be
placed within required tolerances and supported to prevent
displacement beyond required tolerances during concrete
placement.
R26.6.2.2(a) Reinforcement, including bundled bars,
should be adequately supported in the forms to prevent
displacement by concrete placement or workers. Bundled
bars should be tied or otherwise fastened together to main-
tain their position, whether vertical or horizontal. Beam stir-
rups should be supported on the bottom form of the beam