ACI 318-11: Development Length for

Reinforcement
The design is based on the reinforcement attaining
Development Length in Tension
the yield stress, so the reinforcement must be
properly bonded to the concrete for a finite length
With the proper bar to bar spacing and cover, the
in order not to slip. This sufficient length to anchor
common development length equations are:
bars near the end of connections is referred to as
the development length, ld. The development
#6 bars and smaller: or 12 in.
length equation according to ACI 318 is presented
minimum
here:

#7 bars and larger: or 12 in.

minimum

Development Length in Compression

where:
db, The bar diameter
cb, The bar radius
ψt, Modifier for reinforcement location, 1.3 for top
bars, 1.0 for other bars
ψe, modifier for epoxy coated bars Hook Bends and Extensions
 1.5 when cover < 3db or clear spacing
< 6db The minimum hook length is:
 1.2 for other epoxy coated reinforcing
 1.0 for non-epoxy coated reinforcing

The product, ψtψe, should not exceed 1.7

ψs, Modifier for bar size
 0.8 for #6 and smaller
 1.0 for #7 and larger
l, Modifier for lightweight concrete
 1.3 for lightweight concrete
 1.0 for other concrete

Ktr, transverse reinforcement index. According to

ACI 318:

where:
Atr = total cross sectional area of all transverse
reinforcement which is within the spacing, s,
and which crosses the potential plane of
splitting through the reinforcement being
developed.
fyt = the yield strength of the transverse
reinforcing
s = maximum C-C spacing of transverse
reinforcement within the development
length
n = number of longitudinal bars being
developed along the plane of splitting. Figure: Minimum requirements for 90° and 180° respectively