Reinforcement Estimates

Typical average weight of reinforcement (kg/m3) in concrete building elements. The below figures
are for guideline only and may vary for different projects.

Concrete building element

Weight of reinforcement in kg/m3

Bases
Beams
Capping beams
Columns
Ground beams
Footings
Pile Caps
Plate slabs
Rafts
Retaining walls
Ribbed floor slabs
Slabs one way
Slabs two way
Stairs
Tie beams
Transfer slabs
Walls normal
Walls wind

90-130
250-350
135
200-450
230-330
70-100
110-150
95-135
115
110-150
80-120
75-125
67-135
130-170
130-170
150
70-100
90-150

NOTE: For exposed elements add the following:

Beams +100%; Columns +15%; Walls +50%
Average values for typical concrete frames:
Heavy industrial = 130 kg/m3
Commercial = 100 kg/m3
Institutional = 90 kg/m3