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REINFORCEMENT
70 3.1 Fundamentals of Reinforcement
3.1 FUNDAMENTALS OF REINFORCEMENT
Compressive strength is the capacity of a material to withstand axially directed pushing forces. The concrete that
makes up the framework of an ARXX structure is recognized as having tremendous compressive strength. However,
non-reinforced concrete is relatively weak in tension. Tension results when a specimen of material is loaded in such
a way that it bends. Steel has immense strength characteristics in tension. Steel-reinforced concrete provides the
solution of correcting the weak tension in the concrete by introducing steel reinforcement bars into the concrete
wall, marrying materials with both compressive and tension strength characteristics. The critical purpose for steel
reinforcement in concrete is to provide tensile strength to the concrete wall. This can be broken down into two
similar but different functions: control of cracks, due to stress caused by temperature or shrinkage; and control of
defection of the wall, due to loads imposed on the concrete caused by backfll, wind, etc.
PLACEMENT OF REINFORCEMENTS MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCAL STANDARDS, REGULATIONS, OR CODE. IN THE
UNITED STATES, THE PLACEMENT AND DESIGN OF REINFORCING STEEL MUST BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH ACI 318, OR ACI
332, OR THE LATEST INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC). IN CANADA, THE PLACEMENT OF REINFORCING STEEL MUST
CONFORM TO CSA A23.1; DESIGN REQUIREMENTS MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CSA A23.3 AND THE NATIONAL
BUILDING CODE OF CANADA (NBCC).
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71 3.2 Reinforcement Design and Specifcations
3.2 REINFORCEMENT DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS
ARXX forms are the basis for a reinforced concrete wall. Reinforced concrete can be used for any type of building,
including multi-story and tall wall applications for residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial structures. The
design and specifcations for the reinforcement in an ARXX wall may be developed in a number of ways. Whichever
method is followed, the contractor must adhere to reinforced concrete design principles, in accordance with
American Concrete Institute ACI 318 or Canadian Standards Association CSA A23.3, and meet the requirements
of the applicable building code. The major building codes (IRC, IBC and NBCC) recognize insulating concrete
forms and have developed reinforcing tables that apply to specifc applicability limits for residential or light
commercial applications, with a limiting wall height of 10 (3 m) between lateral supports for one wall below grade
plus two foors above grade. The same criteria has been used to develop tables by Portland Cement Association
(PCA) in PCA 100-2007 Prescriptive Design of Exterior Concrete Walls. ARXX has also developed product specifc
prescriptive design tables following the same design criteria.
For any project that exceeds the applicability limits, as applied in the building code or the ARXX prescriptive
design tables, the walls may be designed in accordance with ACI 318 or CSA A23.2. Please refer to the ARXX
Technical Library for additional information.
Typical reinforcement bar sizes used in ARXX walls follow Tables 3.2-1
TABLE 3.2-1 REINFORCING BAR DESIGNATION AND SIZES
THE ENGINEER OF RECORD ON ANY PROJECT HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN, WHICH INCLUDES THE
REINFORCEMENT. REFERENCE SHOULD ALWAYS BE MADE TO THE DESIGN OR STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS.
IN AREAS WHERE THE PROJECT DESIGN MEETS THE APPLICABILITY LIMITS IN THE BUILDING CODE AND/OR THE PRESCRIPTIVE
DESIGN TABLES, STAMPED ENGINEERED DRAWINGS MAY NOT BE REQUIRED. IN THIS CASE, THE REINFORCEMENT DESIGN MUST
FOLLOW ONE OF THESE PRESCRIPTIVE METHODS.
COMPLETE REINFORCEMENT REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING SPACING AND LINTEL DESIGN, SHOULD BE REVIEWED BEFORE PLACING
BLOCKS.
ARXX WALLS MUST BE REINFORCED WITH DEFORMED STEEL WITH A MINIMUM YIELD STRENGTH OF EITHER 40 KSI (275
MPA) OR 60 KSI (413 MPA) DEPENDING ON THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND COMPLIANCE WITH ACI 318 OR CSA A23.3.
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AMERICAN - ASTM STANDARD CANADIAN - RSIC STANDARD
Bar Designation Diameter (in) Bar Designation Diameter (mm)
#3 0.375
#4 0.500 10M 11.3
#5 0.625 15M 16.0
#6 0.750 20M 19.5
#7 0.875
#8 1.000 25M 25.2
72 3.3 Splices in Reinforcing Steel
3.3 SPLICES IN REINFORCING STEEL
3.3.1 LAP SPLICES
A lap splice is when two pieces of rebar overlap to form a continuous line. Lap splices help with the proper transfer
of loads within the structure. There are two types of lap splices used: contact and non-contact lap splices.
Contact lap splices occur where the overlapped sections of the rebar are wired together to secure them against
displacement, particularly when concrete is being placed. It is necessary to provide an appropriate overlap length
for the splice to satisfy reinforcement regulations per ACI 318.
Non-contact lap splices occur where the overlapped rebar does not touch, but the distance between the lap
sections meets specifed code approvals. For non-contact lap splices, spliced bars must be overlapped and are
permitted to be separated by up to 1/5 of the bar lap length to a maximum of 6 (150 mm). Regardless of the
method chosen to create the lap splice, there is a minimum length of material that must be overlapped, which is
determined using a formula of lap splice length equals 40 times the bar diameter. For example:
10M (#4) - 40 x 0.5 = 20 (40 x 11 = 440 mm)
15M (#5) - 40 x 0.625 = 25 (40 x 16 = 640 mm)
It is recommended that all reinforcement be placed using non-contact lap splicing.
FIGURE 3.3.1-1 NON-CONTACT LAP LENGTH
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73 3.3 Splices in Reinforcing Steel
3.3.2 CORNER LAP SPLICES
Where lap splices are required in a corner form, pre-bent standard corner bars are an effcient method to achieve
corner non-contact splices. This method meets the requirements and can be effciently dropped into the corner
forms as the walls are constructed. The length of the splice should be determined in accordance with the formula
of 40 times the bar diameter for each leg plus the 90 bend.
For corner splices for all ARXX forms, the most effcient method for a #4 (10M) bar is to bend a straight bar with
minimum length 49 (1245 mm) at 90 in the middle. For a #5 (15M) bar, bend a straight bar with minimum length
of 59(1500 mm) at 90 in the middle.
FIGURE 3.3.2-1 CORNER LAP JOINT
WHEN MAKING SPLICES, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THAT THE FLOW OF CONCRETE WILL NOT BE COMPROMISED. CARE SHOULD BE
TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE PLACEMENT OF THE LAP SPLICE WILL NOT CREATE A VOID BENEATH THE SPLICE OR CAUSE THE
CONCRETE TO GET HUNG-UP.
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74 3.4 Installation of Reinforcement

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3.4 INSTALLATION OF REINFORCEMENT
3.4.1 PREPARATION
Once the frst or second course of blocks have been placed, all the lengths for the horizontal rebar in each wall
should be determined and can be pre-cut and bent before the next block courses are placed. It is recommended
to have the right tools available to effciently and safely cut and bend the reinforcing bars.
Distribute the cut-to-size rebar near the base of each wall for installation.
Prepare any dowels, lintel or brick ledge stirrups, etc. prior to block placement.
STEEL REINFORCING BARS ARE TYPICALLY SUPPLIED IN 20 (6.1 M) LENGTHS.
CONFIRM AND/OR COORDINATE WITH THE LOCAL BUILDING DEPARTMENT IF INSPECTION/APPROVAL IS REQUIRED ON THE
WALLS PRIOR TO PLACING CONCRETE.
USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PRECAUTIONS WHEN CUTTING REBAR. PROTECT WORKERS FROM THE ENDS OF EXPOSED REBAR
ON THE JOB SITE.
3.4.2 HORIZONTAL REINFORCEMENT PLACEMENT
3.4.2.1 ARXX Prime and ARXX Edge Forms
The webs for the ARXX Prime and ARXX Edge forms are designed to accept and hold rebar in place during the
placement of concrete. It is recommended to place the horizontal reinforcement bars into the notches of the web
inside the form. For example, for the frst course, place the rebar in the notch closest to the EPS panel, then on the
next course, stagger the rebar position so that it is placed in the next notch toward the center of the wall. As the
blocks are placed in the following courses, it is recommended to repeat this placement pattern. By staggering the
horizontal reinforcement bars in this manner, the vertical reinforcement bars can easily slide down from the top, so
that they weave themselves through the horizontal rebar, thus ensuring that the vertical rebar is held in position
relative to the surface of the wall. In this way the rebar can be placed either at the center of the wall or on either
side of the wall to maximize the strength benefts of reinforced concrete.
3.4.2.2 ARXX Steel Forms
For ARXX Steel forms, it is recommended to secure horizontal rebar to the steel web by tie-wire or zip-ties. Stagger
the placement of the horizontal rebar as detailed in Figures 3.4.3-1 and 3.4.3-2 to allow the vertical rebar to weave
between the horizontal bars.
TYPICALLY, FOR ALL WALLS, A HORIZONTAL BAR IS REQUIRED IN THE FIRST BLOCK COURSE AND THE TOP BLOCK COURSE, PLUS
UNDER AND OVER OPENINGS. REFER TO ENGINEERING TABLES.
75 3.4 Installation of Reinforcement
3.4.3 VERTICAL REINFORCEMENT PLACEMENT
3.4.3.1 ARXX Prime and ARXX Edge Forms
For ARXX Prime and ARXX Edge forms, it is recommended to place vertical reinforcement after the wall is erected.
Prior to placing concrete, cut the vertical reinforcement bars to length and place them into the form cavity, so that
it weaves through the horizontal rebar courses, which should be staggered in the webs. Following these steps
ensures that the vertical reinforcing is held away from the face of the form and the required concrete cover will be
maintained.
Refer to Reinforcement Figures 3.4.3-1, 3.4.3-2 and 3.4.2-3
DUE TO THE SPECIALLY DESIGNED CONFIGURATION OF THE WEB AND THE SECURED POSITIONING OF THE REINFORCING BAR,
IT IS SELDOM NECESSARY TO TIE THE VERTICAL REINFORCEMENT.
3.4.3.2 ARXX Steel Forms
For ARXX Steel forms, it is recommended that vertical rebar be secured prior to concrete placement. This can be
achieved by: tying the rebar together with wire, tying the rebar to the steel webs with either tie-wire or plastic zip-
ties, or tying the vertical rebar to the top horizontal rebar with tie-wire or plastic zip-ties.
When required by local code, the bottom of the vertical rebar can be secured in place by installing 1 (38 mm)
diameter by 1 (38 mm) high PVC rings. Prior to placing the frst course of ARXX Steel blocks, the PVC rings are
placed over the footing or slab vertical dowels to align them with the vertical rebar spacing required in the wall. If
required, the PVC rings can be glued to the footing or slab to maintain proper alignment. When the vertical rebar
is placed in the wall, the bar should be aligned to ft inside the ring.
FIGURE 3.4.3-1 6 FORM REINFORCING
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76
3.4 Installation of Reinforcement
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FIGURE 3.4.3-2 8 FORM REINFORCING
FIGURE 3.4.3-3 10 FORM REINFORCING
77 3.4 Installation of Reinforcement
3.4.4 COLD JOINT IN A CONTINUOUS WALL
If continuing with ARXX walls for subsequent construction after the frst concrete pour is completed, the connection
of the lower and upper walls will be a 'cold joint. A cold joint is a structural detail that provides strength for wall
sections that are joined together. There are fve main installation requirements for cold joint applications:
1. Reinforcement bars must create a non-contact lap splice between the two wall segments. This can
be done by either extending the lower wall rebar the required length (40 x bar diameter) or by
inserting separate vertical dowels.
2. Cold joint dowels must be spaced a maximum of 24 (610 mm) apart and embedded in the concrete
a minimum of 16 (406 mm). Refer to Design/Engineering Figure 3.4.4-1.
3. It is recommended that the concrete on the lower wall should be stopped within the form 5 to 8
(125 mm to 200 mm) from the top of the form, exposing the top of the web or connector. When the wall
is continued, the next form can be tied to the exposed web or connector.
4. It is recommended that the concrete is left unfnished to provide a better bonding surface between
successive lifts.
5. If required to meet the vertical rebar spacing of 24 o.c. (610 mm), dowels may be cut and placed
in the fresh concrete of the frst placement. It is recommended that these dowels are embedded the
required depth and that they provide the required lap splice length for the subsequent concrete
placement.
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78 3.4 Installation of Reinforcement
FIGURE 3.4.4-1 COLD JOINT REINFORCEMENT
ALL COLD JOINTS REQUIRE A NON-CONTACT LAP SPLICE REINFORCEMENT AT 24O.C. (610 MM)
AT THE TOP OF A FINISHED WALL, THE VERTICAL REBAR REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 1 (38 MM) CONCRETE COVERAGE.
COLD JOINTS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN WALLS BELOW GRADE.
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79 3.5 Reinforcement Placement Around Openings
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3.5 REINFORCEMENT PLACEMENT AROUND OPENINGS
In order to support superimposed loads created by roofs, foors, snow, etc., the concrete above an opening (the
lintel) must be reinforced properly. Penetrations through walls increase the load intensity in the area immediately
surrounding the opening. To account for the increased stresses in the wall, additional reinforcement is required
vertically and horizontally around the openings, which will distribute the loads.
Refer to Section 6.2 Reinforcement at Openings for typical placement of reinforcement around
openings.
FIGURE 3.5-1 REINFORCEMENT LAYOUT
IF THE APPLICABLE DESIGN LIMITS IN THE BUILDING CODE OR THE PRESCRIPTIVE DESIGN TABLES LISTINGS CANNOT PROVIDE
AN APPLICABLE REINFORCEMENT LAYOUT, THEN IT IS RECOMMENDED TO RETAIN A LOCAL DESIGN PROFESSIONAL TO PREPARE
THE DESIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECOGNIZED STANDARDS.
LINTELS MAY BE DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PCA 100 PRESCRIPTIVE METHOD FOR INSULATING CONCRETE
FORMS, IRC CODE, THE NBCC CODE OR THE ARXX PRESCRIPTIVE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.