Installation Information

Reinforcing Steel

Some contractors will retain the services of companies that specialize in rebar tying and placement, especially for detailed specifications or large drilled pier cages. Subcontracted rod busters can oftentimes provide a more professional and economical installation than if the foundation contractor’s employees were used.

For placing and tying the steel, some estimators will identify the hours that will be required by using an hourly multiplier for every pound of steel, then identify their hourly burden and add overhead and profit to it. Others will use hourlyrequirements based upon field experience and past projects analysis.

Utilizing the per-pound method, a 20’ square monolithic foundation,  with two mats of #6 rebar, 1 foot on center each way would require approximately 1680 linear feet of rebar. With #6 weighing 1.502 lbs. per foot (see weight chart below), the total weight would be 2,523 lbs. At 0.010 man hours per pound, the placement and tying should take approximately 26 man hours. If you find that the project would entail more man hours, adust the 0.010 accordingly and use the increased modifier for future projects. Site specific equipment and installation requirements will call for adjusting your pricing.

We recommend that you contact our valued foundation and rebar installation companies to obtain additional information about their services, capabilities and experience.

During placement of reinforcing, check for proper bar locations, alignment, laps, ties, form and ground clearance, supports,  field bend radii and cracks, gouges or tack welds causing stress concentrations, removal of contaminants, and hardened concrete.

If welding of reinforcing is required, it should be observed as defined in UBC Section 1701.5 (5.3), with particular emphasis on joint configuration, suitability of low hydrogen electrodes, preheat and interpass temperatures, and interpass slag removal. Check for welding procedures for conformance to AWS D1.4.

Prior to concrete placement, check for complete installation and notify contractor of any variations from plans and specifications. If variations are not corrected prior to start of concreting, immediately notify the design team representative for appropriate action.

During concrete placement, check that reinforcing stays in place and is adequately supported. Check for removal of dirt, concrete splatter and grease.

Check embedded items, including anchorages, inserts, and bolts installed in concrete for compliance to project documents. Verify they are solidly cast in place during placement of concrete.