Handling and Storage of Reinforcing Bars

Handling and Storage Resources

Reinforcing bars (rebar) are shipped from the fabricator for specific parts of the structure. When
conditions at the jobsite permit, reinforcing bars are delivered to a storage or laydown area and
unloading will be as directed by the Ironworker Foreman.

All deliveries will be made easier by suitable ground and roadway conditions. A shipping list or
manifest (sometimes called a dray ticket or loading sheet) will accompany each shipment and will list
the material contained in the shipment.

When power hoisting equipment is not available, the bundles of reinforcing bars may be skidded from
the truck over timbers or rails extending from the truck bed to the ground. Timbers (dunnage) should
also be located on the ground to support and elevate the bundles, and keep them free from mud on
the jobsite.

Bars are most economically moved from the truck to an area close to where they are to be used. When
the reinforcing bars are unloaded to the storage area, it is important that the location of the area be
selected for easy access by truck and rehandling of the bars to the area of placement in the structure.

When a bundle is opened and some of the reinforcing bars are removed, the bar with the tag should
remain with the bundle.

Simple Steps Save Time and Effort:

 Order the reinforcing bar with the construction schedule in mind.

 When reinforcing bar is delivered to the site, check the shipping list or manifest, dray ticket or
loading sheet as each bundle is unloaded.
 Save time by hoisting the bundles of bars directly from the truck to the area on the structure
where the bars are going to be placed.
 Put bundles in an area with easy access for re-handling. Make sure the reinforcing bar is placed
on timbers to keep it away from mud or standing water.
 Keep stockpiles orderly. Straight bars are usually stored by sizes and by lengths for easy
identification. Stockpile similar bent bars together.
 Make sure all bar tags are at the same end for quick identification. When bars are removed,
make sure the bar tag stays with the bundle and doesn't get lost.

Field Bending, Straightening, and Rebending Reinforcing Bars

Normal realignment of #7 through #18 bars up to about a 30° bend or #3 through #6 bars up to about a
45° bend should not require an engineer’s approval. The Iron¬worker must take care to guard against
injury or falling if the reinforcing bar breaks while it is being bent. It may be necessary to heat the bar to
prevent breakage, but heating should be done only with the approval of the Engineer. Field bending,
straightening, or rebending of dowels should not be done in extremely cold weather unless the dowels
are preheated first, as approved by the engineer.

Cutting Reinforcing Bar at a Project Site

Occasionally, field cutting is required when reinforcing bars are too long as a result of design changes
or errors made in detailing, fabrication or placing. Field cutting is sometimes needed with overlength
bars prior to placement in formwork or when partially bars are embedded in hardened concrete.

For uncoated reinforcing bars, use bolt cutters on smaller size bars (#10, #13, and #16). For bar sizes
#19 and larger, use an oxy-acetylene torch to flame cut.

Smaller size epoxy-coated bars (#10, #13, and #16) can also be cut with bolt cutters. However, do not
use a flame torch to cut larger epoxy-coated bars! Instead, use a saw with a diamond blade.

After cutting epoxy-coated reinforcing bars, the cut ends are to be coated with two-part epoxy patching
material.