Anyone know if ASSHTO allows rebar to be field bent as needed if it has a conflict? I have some bars protruding and need to bend them out of the way a bit.
Assuming it meets the minimum bend radius I don't see why not unless you plan to bend them back. Keep in mind that when the bars are put into tension they will try to straighten out which could cause damage to the concrete.
I don't know AASHTO's requirements but if they do allow it pay attention to how the rebar is bent. I heard of a case where the laboratory and field results for bending bars were noticeably different leaving everyone puzzled until they figured out why: in the field a cheater pipe was used making the bend radius much smaller. For what it's worth.
And whatever the answer proves to be I feel safe in saying that I doubt they let you use a torch to help the process along.
In Washington State it's pretty common to field bend #4 and #5 bars. It is standard to field bend stirrup legs 90 or 135 degrees of precast bridge girders composite with CIP deck. As Archie mentioned to maintain minimum allowed bending radius is important.
