Bar Bending Schedule

Bar Bending

The process of bending reinforcing steel into shapes required for reinforced concrete
construction.

Bar Bending Schedule (BBS).

Bar bending schedule (or schedule of bars) is a list of reinforcement bars, a given RCC
work item, and is presented in a tabular form for easy visual reference. This table
summarizes all the needed particulars of bars – diameter, shape of bending, length of
each bent and straight portions, angles of bending, total length of each bar, and
number of each type of bar. This information is a great help in preparing an estimate
of quantities.

Preparation of Bar Bending Schedule (BBS):

Here’s the procedure to arrive at the length of hooks and the total length of a given steel
reinforcement.
 Advantages of Bar bending schedule (BBS) :

When Bar bending schedule is available, cutting and bending of reinforcement can be done at
factory and transported to site. This increases faster execution at site and reduces construction
time and cost due to less requirement of workers for bar bending. Bar bending also avoids the
wastage of steel reinforcement (5 to 10%) and thus saves project cost.

1. Using bar bending schedule for when used for Fe500, it saves 10% more steel
reinforcement compared to fe415.

2. It improves the quality control at site as reinforcement is provided as per bar

bending schedule which is prepared using the provisions of respective detailing
standard codes.
3. It provides the better estimation of reinforcement steel requirement for each
and every structural member which can be used to compute overall
reinforcement requirement for entire project.

4. It provides better stock management for reinforcement. Steel requirement for

next phase of construction can be estimated with accuracy and procurement
can be done. This prevents stocking of extra steel reinforcement at site for
longer time, preventing corrosion of reinforcement in case of coastal areas. It
also prevents shortage of reinforcement for ongoing work by accurate
estimation and thus concrete construction works can proceed smoothly.

5. Bar bending schedule is very much useful during auditing of reinforcement

and provides checks on theft and pilferage.

6. Bar bending schedule can be used for reinforcement cutting, bending and
making skeleton of structural member before it can be placed at the required
position. Other activities such as excavation, PCC etc can proceed parallel with
this activity. So, overall project activity management becomes easy and reduces
time of construction. It becomes helpful in preventing any damages due to
construction time overrun.

7. It provides benchmarks for quantity and quality requirements for

reinforcement and concrete works.

8.Bar bending schedule provides the steel quantity requirement much accurately and thus
provides an option to optimize the design in case of cost overrun.

9.It becomes easy for site engineers to verify and approve the bar bending and
cutting length during inspection before placement of concrete with the use of bar
bending schedule and helps in better quality control.

10.It enables easy and fast preparation of bills of construction works for clients
and contractors.

11.The quantity of reinforcement to be used is calculated using engineering

formulas and standard codes, so there is no option for approximate estimation
of steel reinforcement.

12.With the use of bar bending schedule, mechanization of cutting and bending of
reinforcement can be done, again reducing the cost and time of project and
dependency on skilled labor requirement. It also improves the reliability on
accuracy of bar cutting and bending.
13.When mechanized bar cutting and bending is used, the cost of reinforced
concrete work per unit reduces and helps in cost optimization of construction
project..
Here’s the example of Bar bending schedule (BBS) of “Floor Slab Reinforcement”.

The machine to bend the bars looks like this..

The machine to bend the bars looks like this.

Bar Bending Schedule [BBS] Estimate of Steel in Building Construction

First of all, Bar is any type of rebar which is used as a reinforcement in RCC. The bar
may be a Mild Steel bar or HYSD bar or TMT Bar.
Bar Bending Schedule is termed as “Calculation of the total Steel required for the
construction of a building” We use steel to make concrete to be reinforced and for
tension requirements. But how much steel required for constructing 15 floors
building? How much Steel I have to order? All these questions are answered in BBS

In Bar bending schedule, the bars are organized for each structural units (Beams or
columns or slabs or footings etc) and detailed list is prepared which specifies the Bar
location (Bar in footings, slabs, beams or columns), Bar Marking (to identify the bar in
accordance with the drawing), Bar Size (length of the barused), Quantity (No. of Bars
used), Cutting length, Type of Bend and Shape of the bar in reinforcement drawings.
How BBS Changed from 1950-2019:-
From 1950 to 2019 lots of modifications and enhancements happening in our world. In
1950, three-storeyed buildings are high rise buildings now we are constructing a
building with 200 floors+. There is a massive growth in the construction industry. Due
to the vast increase in world population demands increased facilities, more need for
space and more construction.

Father of Estimation B.N. Datta has given certain recommendations for the usage of
steel in different components of buildings. But, he didn’t mention any values if we use
more bars in a single structural member.
Bar Bending Member Percentage

Slab 1% of total volume of concrete

Beam 2% of of total volume of concrete

Column 2.5% of total volume of concrete

Footings 0.8% of total volume of concrete

At that time we’ve used only four bars in columns; now we are using 12+ bars in
columns based on load analysis. So, the percentage of steel is increased in a column
which reveals that the above-cited values are outdated. ( They are outdated “not
wrong”) He wrote that book in 1950. Now we are in 2019. He gave recommendations
according to the potentiality of construction at that time. Now we are constructing 200
+ floors in the small area.
Bar Bending Schedule [BBS]:-
Before dealing with the BBS, it’s very important to learn the basics of Bar bending
schedule. The below-mentioned table is a kick-start guide for learning Bar bending
schedule from scratch.

(If you are viewing the below table through mobile, scroll horizontally for a clear view)
S.No. Particulars Result

Standard Length of the Steel Bar 12m or 40'

S.No. Particulars Result

(Bars are sold at standard Length)
Weight of Bar for Length =1m Weight of Bar = D2/162 (where D= Diameter of bar)

Ex:If length of bar is 12m with 10mm Dia then , Weight of bar = D2/162

Therefore for length 1m = 1m x D2/162 = 1 x 102/162 = 0.61 Kgs

For length 12m = 12 x 102/162 = 7.40Kgs

Density of Steel 7850Kg/m3
the different concepts of Bar Bending schedule which are very useful while working
with BBS. All these concepts are used in BBS design calculation of any structural
member. So be familiar with the below concepts. To keep it clear, firstly the concepts
are discussed and in the end, this post is closed with an example of BBS calculation of
a member.
1. Hook Length or Cutting length of Stirrups:-
The hook length is commonly provided for stirrups in beams and ties in columns. In
general, Hooks are added at the two ends of the rebar in stirrups or ties.

Hook Length = 9d (d is dia of the bar)

Below image makes you clear why the Hook length = 9d

From above fig, length of hook = [(Curved Portion) + 4d] = [(4d+d)+4d] = 9d Hook

Length = 9d [d is Diameter of the Bar]

Example Calculation considering stirrup with the hooks at ends:
For clear understanding, look at the below image for calculation of the total length of
stirrup the with two hooks at ends.
Total Cutting Length of stirrup or tie = Total length of Bar + 2 x Hook Length (Two
hooks)

Total Cutting Length = L+2(9d)

Therefore Total Cutting length = L+18d (d is the Diameter of a bar) Hope, now

you are clear with the Hook length calculation.

2. Bend Length:-
The Bend length calculation is different for Cranked bars (bent up bars) and bends at
corners.

The bars are usually cranked in Slabs and bars are bent at corners in Stirrups or ties.

(i) Bend Length calculation in Cranked Bars:-

As Shear stress is maximum at supports in Slab. To resist these stresses we usually
crank the bars at the ends of supports in the slab. The below figure depicts the bent up
bar in Slab. To calculate the bend length the below procedure is followed.
From the above figure as the bar is bent at an angle θ0 the additional length (la) is
introduced.
Where, la = l1 – l2–(i)
Tanθ = D/l2 ; Sinθ = D/l1 Hence l1 =
D
/Sinθ and l2 = D/tanθ
Therefore from (i) :- la = D/Sinθ – D/tanθ
Giving different θ values as 300 , 450, 600 results different additional length la
values as below.
θ0 D
/Sinθ D
/tanθ la =D/Sinθ – D/tanθ

300 D/0.500 D/0.573 0.27D

450 D/0.707 D/1.000 0.42D
600 D/0.866 D/1.732 0.58D
900 D/1 0 1D

1350 D/0.707 D/-1 2.42D

The additional length is added to the total length of the bar if the bars are cranked at
a certain angle.
Example Calculation considering Bent up bar in Slab (Cranked bar):-
To keep the crank bar in position, an extra bar of length (L/4) is provided below the
crank bar as shown in the below figure.

Therefore, the total length of bar = L+0.42D+0.42D+(L/4)+(L/4) = 1.5L+0.84D

Remember D = Depth of Slab-Top Cover-Bottom cover

(ii) Bend Length calculation when bars are bent at corners:-

The important standards used while calculating the bend length at corners

1. 45° Bend length = 1d

2. 90° Bend length = 2d
3. 135° Bend length = 3d
Here, ‘d’ = Diameter of bar
Example Calculation considering stirrup with the bends at corners:

From above fig, There are 3 bends which are bent at an angle of 90 0 and two bends are
bent at an angle of 1350
Total bend length = 3 x 900 Bend length + 2 x 1350 Bend length = 3 x 2d + 2 x 3d = 12d =
12 x 8 = 96mm
Learn more:How to find the cutting length of stirrups in Columns and Beams for
different shapes
Below table represents the total length of bar calculation for different types of bar
shapes.
Below table represents the total length of bar calculation for different types of bar
shapes.
(If you are viewing the below table through mobile, scroll horizontally for a clear view)
 Total Total
Total Length of
Bar Shapes
Length Bend
Bar
of Hooks
Straight Bar Two No l + 18D
Hooks bend
= 9d +
9d
= 18d

Bent Up at one End only Two One l + 18D + 0.42D

Hooks bend
= 9d + bent at
9d an
= 18d angle 45
= 0.42D

Double Bent up Bar Two Two l + 18D + 0.42D

Hooks bends + 0.42D
= 9d + bent at =l+18D+0.84D
9d an
= 18d angle
450

Overlap of bars Two No Overlap Length

Hooks bends =(40d to
= 9d + 45d)+18d
 Total Total
Total Length of
Bar Shapes
Length Bend
Bar
of Hooks
9d
= 18d

3. Overlap Length / Lap Length in Reinforcement

The standard length of Rebar is 12m. Suppose the height of the column is 20 m. To
purvey this requirement, two bars of length 12m and 8m are overlapped (joined) with
overlap length.

Overlap Length for compression members (columns) = 50d The Overlap

Length for tension members (beams) = 40d
[d is the Diameter of the bar]

the below picture on top floor of the building? We generally project some length of
Bar on the last floor i.e., 50D. It is used for further construction purpose. (Constructing
a new floor)
 BBS of Column

Structural Member Column

(3mx0.3mx0.3m)
Bar Marking Main Bars
Stirrups (Longitudinal bars)

Dia of Bar 1. Main Bars = 16mm;

2. Stirrups
(Longitudinal bars) = 8mm

No. of Bars used Main bars = 4

Stirrups = 30

Cutting length 1. Main bars = 3.16m

2. Stirrups = 2.64m

Total Length of bar Main bars = 18.4m

Stirrups = 43.2m

Weight of Steel bar 1. Main bars = 29Kgs

2. Stirrups =17Kgs
Calculation part of above table:
No. of Bars calculation:
Main bars = 4
To calculate the No. of longitudinal bars adopt spacing between bars is 0.1m No. of
Longitudinal bars = Length of column / Spacing = 3/0.1 = 30bars Longitudinal bars =30
Cutting length calculation:
Main bars = 3m + 50d + 50d = 3 + 50×0.016 + 50×0.016 = 4.6m
Stirrups:
Hook length = 9d + 9d = 18d = 18×0.08=1.44m
Bend length =3 x 900 Bend length + 2 x 1350 Bend length
= 3 x 2d + 2 x 3d = 12d = 12 x 8 =0.096m
= l +hook length + bend length = 0.3+0.3+0.3+0.3 +0.144+0.096=1.44m Hence for

Main Bars = 4.6m ; Longitudinal bars = 1.44m

Total Length of Bars:

Total length of Main bars = No. of Main bars x length of one bar= 4 x 4.6 = 18.4m
Total length of Longitudinal bars=No. of longitudinal bars x length of one bar=30×1.44=43.2m
Weight of steel bar:
Weight of steel bar for 1m = 1m x D2/162
Total weight of Main bars = 18.4 x 162/162 = 29Kgs Total
weight of longitudinal bars = 43.2 x 82/162 =17Kgs
Total weight of steel bar required to do BBS of above column = 46Kgs
important rules while preparing Bar Bending Schedule:-
 The bars used in building should be grouped together for each structural
unit and listed separately for each floor.
 Bars are listed in numerical order.
 To identify the bar in the bundle of bars, each bar is uniquely labeled with
reference details (Length of the bar, size of the bar, Shape of the bar)
 The type of bar and shape of the bar should be in accordance with B8666.
 It is essential that the bar mark reference on the label attached to a bundle
of bars refers uniquely to a particular group or set of bars of defined
length, size, shape and type used on the job.
 The cutting length and bending length calculations are separately
calculated and not included in the detailed list. Like I have listed the Bar
Bending details in a table and calculations are done separately.

Use of Bar Bending Schedule:

 BBS helps to estimate the total quantity of steel required for the
construction of building or structure. It helps to quote for tender the cost
incurred by steel.
 Finding the cutting length and bending length in reinforcement detailing
improves the quality of construction and minimize the wastage of steel,
makes an economic construction
 With the help of reinforcement drawings, cutting and bending can be done
at the factory and transported to the site. This increases faster
construction and reduces the total construction cost.
 For site engineers, It becomes easy to verify the cutting length and bending
length of the reinforcement before placing the concrete.
Bar Bending Schedule Calculator:
Calculate Amount of steel required
Select a Dia of Bar Required

No. of Metres required

Weight of Steel required in Kgs

No. of Bars required

were, 1 bar = 12mm

Lap length in Reinforced Concrete

Lap length is one of the important term in the reinforcement. This is usually confused
with another important term called development length and anchorage length. In this
article, the lap lengths of bars is discussed. During the placement of steel in
Reinforced concrete structure, if the required length of single bar may fall short. To
get the desired design length, lapping of two bars side by side is done. An alternative
to this is to provide mechanical couplers.

steel bars overlapped

Lapping can be defined as the overlapping of two bars side by side to upto the design
length. Usually, the stock length of steel bars is limited to 12m. This is for easy
transportation of steel bars to the construction site. For example, imagine there is a
need to build a 100ft tall column. But it’s not practically available.Hence the bars are
cut every second story.
steel bars overlapped

Then the tension forces are required to be transferred from one bar to the other bar at
the location of discontinuity of the bar. So the second bar is kept closely to the first bar
and overlapping is done. This amount of overlapping between two bars is called “lap
length”. Lapping is usually done where minimum bending stress is encountered. In
general, lap length is 50d which means 50 times the bar diameter, if both bars are of
same diameter.

Lap length of bars with same diameter Lap length in tension:

The lap length including anchorage value of hooks shall be

 For flexural tension – Ld or 30d whichever is greater is considered.

 For direct tension – 2Ld or 30d whichever is greater is considered.

The straight length of lapping of bars shall not be less than 15d or 20cm. Lap
Length in Compression:
The lap length is equal to the development length calculated in compression but not
less than 24d.
For Different Diameter Bars:

When the bars of different diameters are to be spliced, the lap length is calculated
considering the smaller diameter bar.
Lap Splices
Lap splices should not be catered for the bars which are having diameter greater than
36 mm. In such cases, welding should be considered. But if welding is also not feasible
in some conditions, then lapping may be allowed for the bars larger than 36 mm
diameter. But along with lapping, additional spirals of 6 mm should be provided
around the lapped bars.
Lap splice length in a footing Lap length for concrete of 1:2:4
Nominal mix:

The Lapping length in tension (MS bar – mild steel bar) including anchorage value is
58d. So eliminating the anchorage value, the lap length = 58d – 2*9d = 40d. (Where
9d = hook allowance up to 25 mm and k=2)
Lap length for M20 concrete:

 Columns – 45d
 Beams – 60d
 Slabs – 60d

This infers that if we need to lap 20 mm diameter column bars, a minimum lap of 45 *
20 = 900 mm is provided.

Reinforcement splicing length or in more common terms, lap length is a function of 3

basic factors:
1. Diameter of the reinf. bar
2. Stress in the reinf. bar at the cross section of splicing
3. Bond-strength (or bond stress) between the rebar and the concrete, which in-
turn depends on the Grade of concrete.

The Indian bible (IS456) says that the development length Ld of any bar shall be given
by the following relation

Although technically speaking development length is not the same as splice length,
they are essentially represent the same quantity of reinforcement to be extended in
order to achieve complete transfer of stresses.

Now, the code also gives us thumb rules for splice lengths:
1. For bars in flexural tension (bottom bars in most non-cantilever beams), use
'Ld' from above or 30 times the bar diameter, whichever is more.
 You could use the same for slabs.
2. For bars in compression (typically the ones in columns) use the 'Ld' from the
above relation. Except that in compression, our bond stress can be increased by
25% so, effectively, take Ld in compression as Ld/1.25
3. However, the above Ld in compression must not be less than 24 times the
diameter of the rebar.

Also, please refer the code for various other specification regarding the Ld when
multiple bars are spliced together, when bars of different diameters are spliced, etc.

The location of these splices in the beams/columns is of great importance. Splices

must be avoided at the mid span (Max. BM.) And at the beam-column junctions (Max.
shear & almost impossible to tie the bars). In a column, the splicing of bars must be
preferably staggered - that is if your column has say 8 bars, arrange and cut the bars
so that 4 bars are spliced at one level and the other 4 are spliced at another level.

You may use the following values for M30 grade of concrete for varying grades of steel in flexural
tension:

Fe250 - 37D Fe415

- 38D Fe500 - 46D

(Note how the Ld decreases with increase in grade of RCC and how it increases with
increase in the strength of steel used)
Development length can be defined as the amount of reinforcement(bar)
length needed to be embedded or projected into the column to establish the
desired bond strength between the concrete and steel (or any other two
types of material). Fig 1: Development length in Footing. Reinforcing bar
(rebar) comes in lengths up to 60 feet the lap splice, as the name suggests, is
created by overlapping two lengths of rebar, then wiring them together.
From a structural point of view, the most critical aspect of a lap splice is the
overlap length.
Development length

A development length can be defined as the amount of reinforcement(bar) length needed

to be embedded or projected into the column to establish the desired bond strength
between the concrete and steel (or any other two types of material). Fig 1: Development
length in Footing.
DEVELOPMENT LENGTH OF BARS:
The development length can be characterized as the length of the bar required for transferring the
stress into the concrete.
Consider the above cantilever beam, the bending moment ,hence the tensile stress are
maximum at D.So, If a stress is to be developed in the bar at D,the bar should not be
terminated at D,but it should be extended (anchored) into the column by a length
‘CD’. At the discontinuous end C,stress is 0. This length (CD) is called “Development
length”.

Development length is certain minimum length of the bar (here CD length),

“required on either side of a point of maximum steel stress, in order to transfer

the bar force to surrounding concrete through bond”, without slip,so as to

prevent bar from pulling out under tension. This is “development length or
anchorage length”. Hooks,bends, mechanical anchorages can be used to
supplement.
 Lap length

During placing the steel in RC structure if the required length of a bar is not
sufficiently available to make a design length then lapping is done.

Lap length is the minimum length that must be provided if two bars are joined
together such that forces can be transferred safely.

Suppose, we need to build a 100 feet tall column. But practically 100 ft long bar is not
available and it is also not possible to cage. Therefore we need to cut the bars in every
second story. Now, we need to transfer the tension forces from one bar to the other
at the location of discontinuity of bar. So we have to provide the second bar closed to
the first bar that is discontinued and overlapping is to be done. The amount of
overlapping between two bars is known as lap length.

LAP LENGTH IN TENSION.

1. For flexural tension – Ld or 30d whichever is greater.

2. For direct tension – 2Ld or 30d whichever is greater.

The straight length of lapping shall not be less than 15d or 20 cm. LAP

LENGTH IN COMPRESSION:

The lap length in compression shall be equivalent to the development length in

compression computed but not less than 24d.

FOR DIFFERENT DIAMETER BARS:

In case of bars having different diameter are to be spliced, the lap length is calculated
on the basis of smaller diameter bar.

A development length can be defined as the amount of reinforcement(bar) length needed to be

embedded or projected into the column to establish the desired bond strength between the
concrete and steel (or any other two types of material).
Fig 1: Development length in Footing

Reason for providing Development length

o To develop a safe bond between the bar surface & the concrete so that no failure due to
slippage of bar occurs during the ultimate load conditions.
o Also, the extra length of the bar provided as development length is responsible for
transferring the stresses developed in any section to the adjoining sections (such as at
column beam junction the extra length of bars provided from beam to column).
Importance
Provision of appropriate development is an important aspect of safe construction practices.
Proper development length in reinforcement bars shall be provided as per the steel grade
considered in design.

Otherwise in scenarios where less development length against the required is provided the
structures will be prone to encounter failure due to slippage of joints, bonds, anchors & Laps,
in such cases the bars will not yield first but the failure will happen at joints & laps prior to
yielding of reinforcement bars.

Calculation of Development Length

Where,
Ø = nominal dia of reinforcement bar
?s = Stress in bar at the section considered at design load
?bd = Design bond stress
Fig 2: Development length as per IS 1786
The above given formula is used to calculate the required development length in mm for any given
dia of bar, same formula is used for limit state method as well as working stress method. The only
change in calculation in both methods is due to the different value of design bond stress; the
values of design bond for Limit State & working stress are as follows;
Table No 1: Design Bond Stress in Limit State Method
Design Bond Stress in Limit State Method

M40 and
M20 M25 M30 M35 –
above

For Plain Bars in

Concrete Grade 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.9
Tension

Design Bond Stress For deformed bars

1.92 2.24 2.4 2.72 3.04
(?bd,N/mm2) in tension
Table No 2 : Design Bond Stress in Working Stress Method
Design Bond Stress in Working Stress Method

– M20 M25 M30 M35 M40 M45 M50 –

For Plain Bars in

Concrete Grade 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4
tension

Design Bond For deformed bars

1.28 1.44 1.6 1.76 1.92 2.08 2.24
Stress (N/mm2) in tension
Generally, in practice, the development length requirement is expressed as ‘41 times Ø’ or ‘41 Ø’
where 41 is the factor calculated using the above formula & Ø is the dia of the bar.
Development length - It is the minimum length of embedded steel reinforcement in concrete so
that strength of bond is equal to strength of reinforcement.

L = (0.87*f*d)/4t
Where,

 L is development length,
 f is grade of steel
 d is dia of bar
 t is bond strength (denoted by tau)
Note :-

 In compression bond strength is increased by 25%

 For HYSD steel bond strength is increased by 60
 Any increase or decrease in development length is due to reduction in the interface area
between steel and surrounding concrete.

 

Development length of bar is nothing but the extra length of bar require to provide for
development of stress in steel at that section.

At any section whatever stress produced is need to be develop in steel through bond between
steel and concrete. So that the bar will not get pull out of concrete…as one friend give very good
example of finger with grease.

Thats why, when calculating development length need to account bond stress. You can find it out
by equating,

(bond stress × Develop. Length × perimeter of bar) = ( yield stress of steel i.e 0.87*fy)
And bond stress as per IS 456:2000, table given with grade of concrete.

This length again we can say that, length from critical section to tangent to hook of bar plus
anchorage length of bar.

Sometime length provided more than this to assure proper anchorage.

Note as per is 456:2000,

 compression bond stress is increased by 25%

 For HYSD steel bond stress is increased by 60%
 Any increase or decrease in development length is due to reduction in the interface area
between steel and surrounding concrete.