Min. Spacing Requirements
Min. Spacing Requirements
(OP)
I have a co-worker that insists the min. spacing requirements of s=15(40000/fs)-2.5cc do not apply to foundations, this is a one way p-ile cap, but has no real explanation why the requirement doesn't apply. I am a fairly new engineer, and from reading the commentary (ACI 318-08) I don't see an out to use 12 in. spacing when there is a 3 in clear cover to the bottom reinforcement. Could someone provide an explanation for me please?






RE: Min. Spacing Requirements
RE: Min. Spacing Requirements
RE: Min. Spacing Requirements
CRSI just published a new design guide on pile caps. It maintains most of what our Design Handbook previously required. There is expanded coverage for heavy piles and higher loads. As for applying ACI 318, the requirements for structural slabs transferring loads to piles would apply to traditional (2-way) pile caps. 318-14 Chapter 13.
I do not think you will find it desirable to space bars wider than 12 inches in most pile caps. Large bars take more length to develop and when hooked they take greater space. Our tabulated values do include some configurations where bars are greater than 12 inches apart in large pile caps.
RE: Min. Spacing Requirements
RE: Min. Spacing Requirements
If the element is subject to moisture (wet in service) or other deleterious conditions, you may want to limit strain in the steel to keep crack widths narrow. See 10.6.5 in such cases. The strategy is to limit fs which effectively increases the area of reinforcement crossing potential cracks and keeping them tight.