Working out the correct type of reinforcement for a concrete element, along with the right quantities and the bends and joins that are needed, is a complex process. Factor in multiple different concrete elements across a single construction project, and it’s easy to see just how rigorous design professionals need to be, to ensure that projects run smoothly, on time and on budget. Getting the concrete reinforcement wrong could have major implications in terms of cost, project delays and even structural integrity of the building under construction. That’s why it pays to complete a bar bending schedule for every concrete element within your project.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at just what a bar bending schedule is, what’s involved in filling one in accurately and the advantages that they can bring to any project.
What Exactly Is A Bar Bending Schedule?
A bar bending schedule is essentially the full inventory of reinforcement bars required for a specific concrete element. It covers every type of bar used, including its diameter, length, bends and any hooks. Each entry must provide all the information needed to fabricate the bar precisely to UK standards. That includes the bar type, size, total length, the complete bending geometry, and the number of bars needed in that configuration. For bars that include bends, the schedule should set out the bend angles, the distances between bends, and the measurements from the bar ends to the first and last bend.
All measurements should be supplied in millimetres and recorded as accurately as possible. Using the correct shape codes from BS8666:2020 keeps everything clear and compliant. Most bar bending schedules are prepared in spreadsheet format so that fabricators, engineers and site teams can follow a single, consistent layout. An example of a simple bar bending schedule is shown below.
Advantages Of Using A Rebar Bending Schedule
Whether you’re working on a small home extension or a large commercial project, a clear bar bending schedule is a major help in keeping budgets and timelines under control. With accurate reinforcement details laid out in advance, material waste and unexpected delays are far easier to avoid.
When a detailed schedule is prepared alongside your technical team, it also speeds up the build. All reinforcement can be cut and bent off-site while groundworks are still underway, meaning it arrives on site ready for installation. This streamlines labour, reduces on-site clutter, and limits the time materials are left exposed to weather or potential theft.
Looking for Rebar Mesh?
We stock it. Along with Loose Cut & Bent, Prefab Components, and Materials & Accessories.
Accurate & Clear Rebar Schedules
In order to get the most from a bar bending schedule, it’s important that you produce the schedule in a format that is clear and easy to understand for both your reinforcement supplier and your project team. A downloadable template is available at the bottom of this article, and this should provide you with all the fields you need in order to produce a comprehensive schedule. In the template, the fields should be completed as follows:
Member: The identification reference for a specific member taken from the structural diagrams
Bar Mark: A code stamped into the rebar, or a proprietary reference number for a specific rebar type and size
Type & Size: Use this field to describe the type of bar, for example H10 or H16
No of members: The total quantity of cages or complete fabrications
No. in each: The quantity of pieces in one cage or construction
Total no: The number of members multiplied by the amount of pieces in a single member
Length of each bar +mm: The total length of each bar – always use mm in your measurements.
Shape Code: The BS shape code for this particular type of bar
A*/B*/C*/D* mm: The lengths, in mm, between bends within the overall length of the bar. The totals across these fields should add up to the same value as entered in the ‘Length of each bar’ field. If there are fewer bends in the bar, not all of these fields will contain a value.
E/r * mm: If required, the length in mm, of any further element of the bar, beyond the lengths specified in A*/B*/C*/D* above. The code ‘r’ refers to the minimum radius of the bar, as specified in the shape codes list.
Rev: Indicates whether this schedule reflects revisions that have been made to the initial set of technical drawings.
To sum up, getting used to producing bar bending schedules for all your reinforcement requirements is a best practice step that can save both time and money. Once a system is in place for producing these schedules, they can be completed quickly and with the minimum of fuss, leading to long-term productivity and accuracy gains.
