Maximum permitted spacing of vertical bars in a basement wall
Maximum permitted spacing of vertical bars in a basement wall
(OP)
ACI 318-08 Section 10.6.4 has an equation for computing the maximum permitted spacing of flexural steel in order to control cracking in "beams and one-way slabs". Question: Does this spacing limitation apply to basement walls? My gut tells me no. Section 10.6.1 specifically states "beams and one-way slabs". Also, I have never seen horizontal cracks in reinforced basement wall. I have seen plenty of vertical cracks, but that's a different story. If this section applies to walls, then I need to limit my bar spacing to 12". If the section does not apply to walls then I can space my bars at 18". I usually try to limit my bar spacing to 12" but lately we've been under pressure to squeeze whatever economy we can out of our design and details. Spacing the vertical bars at 18" will save some money.






RE: Maximum permitted spacing of vertical bars in a basement wall
RE: Maximum permitted spacing of vertical bars in a basement wall
RE: Maximum permitted spacing of vertical bars in a basement wall
RE: Maximum permitted spacing of vertical bars in a basement wall
IRC 2012 TABLES R404.1.2(2),(3), and (4) will find you an answer.
I would save yourself time and the client money, by not reinventing the wheel beyond the applicable building code.
Cheers!
Before you doing anything creative, make sure the code likes the artwork you are trying to wow the world with.