Rebar placement in concrete takes more time, more labor, and more costs than other concrete slab materials, but in the end we will eventually ship your fruits once it’s finished. Concrete slabs are very durable, and with a little landscaping, they can be transformed into something that will complement your garden or driveway.
An important step in keeping your concrete slab looking its best is adding rebar. These rebar actually prevent intact concrete and also help prevent (not stop) the formation of cracks.
Rebar Placement in Concrete Slab
There are different sizes of rebar available for all types of construction projects. For concrete slabs, use # 3 rebar. These bars are 3/8-inch diameter. The soil under the concrete slab will provide most of the necessary support for the concrete. The installed rebar is designed to minimize cracks caused by concrete shrinkage and swelling, temperature change, and weather conditions. However, we can also prevent the slab from breaking if the ground below the slab sags or changes over time.
Step 1: Lay the Rebar Evenly
Rebar installation is critical to the long-term strength of your concrete slab. Therefore, it must be placed properly and evenly. Place rebar every 6-24 inches in the directions inside the concrete slab form. The rebar should form a neat grid. The ends of the bars should be two to three inches from the sides of the form to protect the rebar from the elements.
Step 2: Nut the Wire Pieces
Using the truss tying tool, twist the cables around the intersections of the bars. This will hold the rebar in position and maintain its grid pattern while the concrete is being poured.
Step 3 – Attach the Brackets
For the truss to be most effective on something like a concrete slab, it should be placed in the centre of the slab, or as close as possible. Stones or rebar supports are intended to lift the rebar off the ground toward the centre of the slab. Choose stones or supports that are of adequate height to reach the centre of the slab. Provide the necessary supports so when the truss sits on top it does not sag between the support points.
Step 4 – Pour the Concrete
Now you can pour the concrete mix into the form. This concrete will flow under and over the grid suspended from the rebar. After the concrete has spread evenly, cover your project with plastic wrap and allow it to cure for seven days. The plastic will retain moisture that is important to the chemical reaction that makes concrete hold, as well as protecting your concrete slab from the elements. Remove the plastic covering after one week and allow the concrete to set for an additional 14 days before using the concrete slab.
