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The minimum and maximum spacing reinforcement in concrete structural

members such as beams and slabs are required as per standard codes. The
minimum reinforcement spacing is based on maximum size of aggregates, so
that concrete can be placed and compacted properly. The maximum
reinforcement spacing based on depths of the beams and slabs to provide
adequate support for bending moment and shear force in design.

Spacing of Reinforcement in Concrete Beams and Slabs

1. Minimum Spacing between Bars in Tension
The minimum horizontal spacing between two parallel main bars shall be
diameter of larger bar or maximum size of coarse aggregate plus 5 mm.
However, where compaction is done by needle vibrator, the spacing may be
further reduced to two-third of the nominal maximum size of the coarse
aggregate.

The minimum vertical distance between two main bars shall be

o 15 mm,

o Two-third of the nominal size of coarse aggregate, or

o Maximum size of the bar or whichever is greater.

2. Maximum Spacing between Bars in Tension

Normally these spacing will be as mentioned below :

1.

1. For beams, these distances are 300 mm, 180 mm and 150 mm for grades of main reinforcement
of Fe 250, Fe 415 and Fe 500, respectively.
2. For slabs
 1. (i) The maximum spacing between two parallel main reinforcing bars shall be 3dor 300mm or
whichever is less, and

2. (ii) The maximum spacing between two secondary parallel bars shall be 5dor 450 mm or
whichever is less.

Fig: Spacing of reinforcement in beams

3. Minimum and Maximum Reinforcement Requirement in
Members
For Beams

o Minimum tensile steel is given by the ratio (For Flanged Beams b=bw)

o Maximum Tensile Reinforcement in Beams shall not exceed 0.04 bD.

o Maximum area of compression reinforcement shall not exceed 0.04 bD.

o (d) Beam having depth exceeding 750 mm, side face reinforcement of 0.1% of webarea shall be
provided. This reinforcement shall be equally distributed on two faces at a spacing not exceeding
300 or web thickness or whichever is less.

Requirement for Detailing of Reinforcements in

Concrete Structures
ement for Detailing of Reinforcements in Concrete Structures
Reinforced concrete is a composite material, hence a proper bond between the
two materials – concrete and reinforcement is the first requirement.

A minimum length of reinforcing bar is needed to develop the full bond strength
between concrete and steel. This length is expressed in terms of development
length.

‘Development length’ on each side of any section is the length over which the
force in the reinforcement at that section will be developed without bond failure
between these two materials.
Sometimes a reinforcing bar is extended and/or bent at its ends to satisfy
development length requirement. Such extension and/or bending of a bar at its
ends is called anchorage. A bent bar provides a greater safety against bond
failure as during a pull-out the whole concrete is to be crushed.

Fig: Development length of reinforcement in concrete

Reinforcing bars have limited lengths for ease of handling and transporting;
hence in case of a continuous member or a member of large span it is necessary
for continuity to join two bars by overlapping the ends at the joint.

The overlapping portion are joined together either by concrete itself by providing
proper development length or by welding in case of limitation of length for
overlapping. Such jointing of two bars for continuity of reinforcing bar at any
section is called splicing.

Fig: Detailing of Reinforcement in continuous beam

Reinforcements are round bars. They are provided as straight or shaped
appropriately to suit the requirements. These reinforcements are placed at
certain spacing to meet the design requirements.

But these spacing must be within a range of the minimum spacing and the
maximum spacing for ease of casting, compaction, control of cracking, etc. as
laid down in the Standard Code of Practice.

All types of reinforcements must have sufficient concrete cover to protect them
from environmental exposure conditions and also against fire. Such cover is
called Nominal Cover.

Other requirements of detailing are the minimum and the maximum amount of
reinforcement, side face reinforcement, distribution of reinforcement, etc.