Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover
Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover
(OP)
ACI 318-11, Section 7.7.4 states "For bundled bars, minimum specified concrete cover shall not be less than the equivalent diameter of the bundle, but need not be greater than 2". While Lap Splices do not equate to Bundled Bars, do they need to be considered when determining concrete cover?
For example, a #8 bar with a 1" cover is fine, but is it still fine if a lap splice is required placing two #8 bars side by side?
For example, a #8 bar with a 1" cover is fine, but is it still fine if a lap splice is required placing two #8 bars side by side?






RE: Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover
Rationally, I'll back my opinion up like this:
1) A bundle of bars means more tension than one lone bar would produce.
2) More tension means more demand for force development.
3) More demand force development means more demand for cover as the cover is part of the concrete doing the developing.
4) Lapped bars do not introduce additional tension and, therefore, require neither additional development capacity nor additional cover.
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover
RE: Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover
RE: Lap Splices vs. Bundled Bars regarding Concrete Cover