Common Mistakes Made by Workmen When Assembling Reinforced Concrete in the Field

In reinforced concrete structural work, the installation of rebar on-site plays a crucial role. Unfortunately, many technical errors are often overlooked by builders, yet they can have serious consequences for the strength, safety, and lifespan of the building.

Here are some common mistakes builders make when installing rebar that should be avoided to ensure optimal structural quality.

1. Reinforcement Spacing Not According to the Working Drawings
One of the most common mistakes is spacing the rebar too wide or too close together compared to the structural details.

The impact:

• Loads are not distributed properly
• Concrete cracks easily
• Structural strength is reduced

Important note: Working drawings are based on structural calculations, not just for formality.

2. Reinforcement Diameters Are Changed at Will
The practice of changing rebar diameters is still common, for example:

• Replacement of Ø13 mm specifications with Ø10 mm
• Replacement of primary rebar with remaining stock on-site
• The goal is usually to save material, but the risk is significant because the rebar's tensile strength does not match the structural calculations.
• Reducing the diameter = reducing the structural strength.

3. Reinforcement Joints Too Short
Reinforcement joints (overlaps) are often made too short to speed up the process.

However, substandard joints can cause:

• Inadequate tensile forces transfer
• Cracks in the joint area
• Risk of structural failure

The overlap length must comply with technical standards, not field estimates.

4. Improperly Tie Reinforcement
Reinforcement that is not properly tied will easily shift during casting. As a result, the reinforcement position changes and does not conform to the design.

Common mistakes:

• Ties too loose
• Too few tie points
• Asymmetrical ties

Proper ties keep the reinforcement stable during casting.

5. Reinforcement Attached to Formwork or Ground
Reinforcement attached directly to the ground or formwork does not have sufficient concrete cover.

Impact:

• Iron rusts easily
• Structural durability decreases
• Building lifespan is shortened

Use spacers or concrete decking to maintain proper concrete cover.

6. Using Heavily Rusted Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete with heavy rust is often used because it's supposed to be covered by concrete anyway.

Fact:

• Heavy rust reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the steel
• Bond strength with concrete decreases
• Risk of cracking and structural failure increases

Reinforced concrete must be in usable condition and meet quality standards.

7. Not Checking Reinforcement Position Before Casting
The final common mistake is starting casting immediately without double-checking.

However, before casting, the following should be checked:

• Reinforcement position and spacing
• Bond strength
• Reinforcement cleanliness
• Compliance with the working drawings
• One inspection can prevent long-term problems.

Conclusion
Small errors when installing rebar can have a major impact on building quality. Therefore:

• Follow the working drawings
• Use reinforced concrete according to specifications
• Ensure neat and precise installation
• Don't ignore technical standards in the field
• A strong structure always starts with proper reinforcement.

Use Quality Reinforced Concrete for Safer Work
PT Intisumber Bajasakti provides quality reinforced concrete, meeting SNI standards, with a stable supply for various construction project needs.

📞 Phone: 021-66675999
🌐 Website: intisumberbajasakti.com
✉️ Email: info@intisumberbajasakti.com

Contact our team now to get the best reinforced concrete products and consult about your project's material needs.

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