STEEL REINFORCEMENT

 For most structural applications of concrete, it is necessary to

compensate for the weakness of the material in resisting
tension. The basic theory of concrete reinforcing is: Put the
steel where there are tensile forces in a structural member,
and let the concrete resist the compression.
 The primary means of accomplishing this is to use steel
reinforcing bars. The essential purpose of steel reinforcement
is to reduce the cracking of the concrete due to tensile
stresses.
− A more recent development is to add fibrous materials to the concrete
mix to alter the properties of the basic material.
 In some situations, steel reinforcement may also be used to
increase compressive resistance since the ratio of magnitudes
of strength of the two materials is quite high.
− Thus, the steel displaces a much weaker material and the member
gains significant strength.
ANCHORAGE and DEVELOPMENT OF REINFORCEMENT

 The nature of reinforced concrete depends primarily on the

interactive relationship between the steel reinforcing bars and
the concrete mass within which they are encased.
 Loads are basically applied to the concrete structure, that is, to
the concrete mass.
− Stress developed in the steel must be accomplished
through engagement between the steel and concrete,
which occurs at the surface of the steel bars.
 The interfacing of the steel and concrete is visualized in terms
of a stress at the bar surface, called bond stress.
 Bond stresses are developed on the surfaces of reinforcing
bars whenever some structural action requires the steel and
concrete to interact.
STRESS DEVELOPMENT IN TENSION
REINFORCEMENT
 Tension forces in reinforcement bars would pull the bars out of
the concrete if the bond between the two materials was not
sufficient.
 Bond stresses act on the surface of the steel bars, encased in
concrete, for their entire length.
 The ACI code defines development length Ld as the length of
the embedment required, in both directions from the critical
point(s), to develop the design strength of the concrete.
 Bar anchorage is a function of bar size, reinforcement surface
finishes, and concrete strength and weight.
 ACI Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
specify a minimum length for development for uncoated
reinforcing in standard-weight concrete
 Reinforcing bars must be embedded a minimum distance into
the concrete in order to achieve the full tensile capacity, T of
the bar.
 This length is referred to as “Development Length”, Ld.
 Development Length
• Ld = development length
– the shortest distance over which a bar can achieve it’s full
capacity
– The length that it takes a bar to develop its full
contribution to the moment capacity, Mn
Ld
Mn

0
Cc
Mn = (C or T)*(dist)
Ts
The development length is based upon the BOND
between the rebar and the concrete. Factors
affecting this bond include the following:
•Type of ribbing on the bar
• Presence of epoxy (or other ) coating
• Concrete quality
• Distance between bar and edge of concrete
• Type of end anchorage into the concrete
Assuming “normal” conditions, the following table
may be used to determine development lengths of
bars in tension.
Determining Ld for Compression
Bars:
The development length of bars in compression is
not as large as the development length in tension
because of the absence of tension cracking
in the concrete.
Ldc = Development length in compression
Lap Splices of Bars
 Bars are generally fabricated to lengths of about
60’-0”, but transportation, workability and other
concerns often require bars to be less than about
40’-0” long.
 For long walls, beams, slabs and other situations
requiring long lengths of bars, lap splicing is
commonly used.
 It is good practice to place laps at regions of
small tension, i.e., low moment.
Hooked and Bent Bars
 Hooks are used in concrete members where
there is not sufficient straight length to achieve
the full development length Ld.