Max Bar Spacing for Tension Flexural Steel - ACI 24.3.2
Max Bar Spacing for Tension Flexural Steel - ACI 24.3.2
(OP)
A question came up today regarding the max bar spacing provisions of ACI section 24.3.2.
Section 24.3.2 tells you to use the attached table to compute the max bar spacing for one-way slabs & 'beams'.
Depending on your clear cover, it effectively gives you a max bar spacing of 12". (f_s = 2/3 of 60ksi which is 40 so you get 12 x 40/40 = 12")
My question is: Does this provision apply to the vertical steel in cantilever retaining walls? (they are cantilevered 'beams')
In taller retaining walls 10+ ft in height, there will often be a required steel setup for the bottom of the wall, and then a reduced setup for the top few feet. I believe I have seen 15" and 16" vertical bar spacing in this region, which would violate the table below.
Thoughts?
Section 24.3.2 tells you to use the attached table to compute the max bar spacing for one-way slabs & 'beams'.
Depending on your clear cover, it effectively gives you a max bar spacing of 12". (f_s = 2/3 of 60ksi which is 40 so you get 12 x 40/40 = 12")
My question is: Does this provision apply to the vertical steel in cantilever retaining walls? (they are cantilevered 'beams')
In taller retaining walls 10+ ft in height, there will often be a required steel setup for the bottom of the wall, and then a reduced setup for the top few feet. I believe I have seen 15" and 16" vertical bar spacing in this region, which would violate the table below.
Thoughts?





RE: Max Bar Spacing for Tension Flexural Steel - ACI 24.3.2
RE: Max Bar Spacing for Tension Flexural Steel - ACI 24.3.2
Look specifically at 11.7.3.
In both Chapters 24 and 11 there is no commentary suggesting otherwise.
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RE: Max Bar Spacing for Tension Flexural Steel - ACI 24.3.2
I'm coming down with MotorCity on this. If a retaining wall is a flexural member; then the above table would apply.
Chapter 11's scope (11.1.1) does not include cantilever retaining walls in the list of applicable walls.
Further, 11.1.4 says for cantilever retaining walls we should go to chapter 22, which is the general sectional strength chapter.
Once we get to Chapter 22, then I believe the Chapter 24 serviceability requirements apply and voila...we are subject to the above table.
There must be room for some engineering judgement here. I pulled up TxDOT's standard retaining wall details; and every single one of them has 15" vertical bar spacing for the top several feet of wall. Those plans have been built thousands of times; and are still being used now. Perhaps AASHTO has different standards.