Want to know how to find where the minimum concrete cover is located in NSCP 2015?

Having difficulty remembering the concrete cover to be set for design parameters for each concrete
members?
And just want to comply with NSCP 2015 for structural concrete detailing?
Right now, you probably have searched the internet for drawings for structural details but somehow
can’t find the exact discussion for this topic. After all, this problem probably keeps popping into your
mind during setting up the design criteria or parameters and it seems like you have no reference for this.
The reality is that NSCP 2015, the Philippines’ structural code, is based on ASCE7-10, ACI 318, and UBC
97 so the structural detailing in this local code is similar to these international codes.
In this article, I’m going to show you where in the NSCP 2015 the concrete covering is discussed so you
can find it easily when browsing up the 1,000-page book of local structural code.

What is the Purpose of Minimum Concrete Covering of Rebars in Reinforced Concrete?

Minimum concrete covering of reinforcing steel is specified in the code for several site conditions of the
reinforced  concrete structure to protect it from corrosion.
Let’s look at some of the wrong practices workers do when trying to speed up the construction
carelessly. These are not providing spacers or not enough thickness of spacers is placed between the
formworks and rebars during construction. You just need to provide them the correct general
construction notes in their construction drawings or plans and provide quality control inspectors to
check the integrity of the rebars and formworks before concrete pouring.

Where is Minimum Concrete Cover Requirements is Located in NSCP 2015?

It is located in Chapter 4 -Structural Concrete in NSCP 2015, starting from page 4-136 to page 4-137. Just
refer to Table 420.6.1.3.1 for Specified Cover for Cast-In-Place Non-Prestressed Concrete Members
and Table 420.6.1.3.2  for Specified Cover for Cast-In-Place Prestressed Concrete Members. So what are
you waiting for? Go buy right now the NSCP 2015 book at ASEP Office in Quezon City, Philippines to
verify!

Specified Concrete Cover for Cast-In-Place Non-Prestressed Concrete Members

All members cast against and permanently in contact with the ground, the specified concrete cover is 75
mm. If the members are exposed to weather or in contact with ground, if the reinforcing steel bar
diameter is 20 mm and above, the specified concrete covering is 50 mm and if the steel bar diameter is
less than 20 mm, the specified cover is 40 mm. For slabs, joists, and walls not exposed to weather and
not in contact with ground, if the reinforcing steel bar diameter is 40 mm and above, the specified cover
is 40 mm and use 20 mm specified concrete cover for 36 mm diameter and below. For beams, columns,
pedestals, and tension ties not exposed to weather and not in contact with ground, the specified
concrete cover for primary reinforcement, stirrups, ties, spirals, and hoops is 40 mm.
  
Specified Concrete Cover for Cast-In-Place Prestressed Concrete Members
All members cast against and permanently in contact with the ground, the specified concrete cover is 75
mm. If the slabs, walls and joists are exposed to weather or in contact with ground, the specified
concrete cover is 25 mm and for other members exposed to weather or in contact with ground, the
specified cover is 40 mm. an if the steel bar diameter is less than 20 mm, the specified cover is 40 mm.
For slabs, joists, and walls not exposed to weather and not in contact with ground, the specified cover is
20 mm. For beams, columns, and tension ties not exposed to weather and not in contact with ground,
the specified concrete cover for primary reinforcement is 40 mm while for stirrups, ties, spirals, and
hoops, the specified concrete cover is 25 mm.