A Guide to
Contractor Detailing
of Reinforcement
in Concrete
A GUIDE TO CONTRACTOR DETAILING OF REINFORCEMENT IN CONCRETE
Detailed specialist advice should be obtained before taking
or refraining from any action due to comments, illustrations
and diagrams made in this publication, which are intended as
guidance notes to the particular subject.
Published by the Mineral Products Association on behalf of
CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group.
CSG/001
First published 1997 Revised and reissued 2025
ISBN 0 7210 1518 2
Mineral Products Association
Mineral Products Association
1st Floor, 297 Euston Road,
London
NW1 3AD England
Telephone: 0844 249 1355
All advice or information from the Mineral Products Association is intended
for those who will evaluate the significance and limitations of its contents and
take responsibility for its use and application. No liability (including that for
negligence) for any loss resulting from such advice or information is accepted.
Readers should note that all MPA publications are subject to revision from
time to time and should therefore ensure that they are in possession of the
latest version.
2
CONTENTS
Contents
Part One
Rationale, Relationships and Responsibilities
Part Two
Practical Detailing Guidance
Preface
5
1.1 Introduction
6
1.2 Definitions
7
1.3 Considerations and Expected Outcomes
for Contractor Detailing
8
1.4 Procurement and Implementation
of Contractor Detailing
9
1.5 Contractual Aspects
11
1.6 General Requirements
12
2.1 Implementation of Contractor Detailing
Steel Reinforcement Certification Authorities
General Good Practice
18
Supplementary Drawing Information
19
Guidance Notes for Consulting Engineers
and Detailers
19
Considerations for Reinforcement Fabrication
21
Specific Guidance for Slabs
21
Detailing of Couplers
21
Mechanical Splice Couplers
22
Headed Anchors
22
Detailing of Continuity Strip/Pullout Bars
22
Detailing of Shear Rails
25
2.2 Examples
CARES
BBA
1.7 Programme and Timescale
14
1.8 Frequently Asked Questions
16
26
GA – foundations
26
GA – floor
27
Design intent for a flat slab
28
Design intent for a pilecap
29
Design intent for foundations
30
Design intent for columns
31
Design intent for a core wall — plan detail
32
Design intent for a core wall — section detail
33
Design intent for a liner wall
34
Design intent for a retaining wall — plan view
35
Design intent for a retaining wall — section view
36
Design intent for a ground beam
37
Design intent for a capping beam
38
Design intent for a transfer beam
39
Design intent for a slab — bottom reinforcement
40
Design intent for a slab — top reinforcement
41
Design intent for a slab —
punching shear reinforcement
42
2.3 Introduction to CARES
43
2.4 Acknowledgements
44
2.5 References and Further Reading
45
CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group details
3
18
46
PART ONE
Rationale,
Relationships and
Responsibilities
4
PREFACE
Preface
A Guide To Contractor Detailing Of Reinforcement In Concrete
was first published in 1997 and this update has been a
major undertaking using the skills, training, knowledge and
experience of CONSTRUCT members and non-members. The
new task group rose to the challenge and worked together
to make a beneficial impact on the industry. The task group
was established at the start of 2023 to discuss the updates
required and then produce guidance notes for the use of
clients, consultant engineers, contractors and any other
interested party.
The detailing of reinforcement by the contractor is not
new to the UK, having been adopted in earlier years.
However, the ongoing thrust to increase productivity and
competitiveness has provided another opportunity to
re-evaluate this process and to identify the most efficient
and economical method of implementation.
The document has been divided into two parts. The first
part covers the reasons for adopting contractor detailing,
the relationships between the various parties and their
responsibilities. The second part gives guidance on the
information that should be passed between the parties, with
examples of good practice and notes on the co-ordination
needed between designer and contractor to provide final
requirements to the detailer.
After 28 years, great care has been taken to ensure the
second edition has been updated to reflect current working
practices as well as looking to the future for planned advances
and potential breakthroughs. The text has been thoroughly
reviewed — with new detailing aids and more emphasis on the
requirements for detailing, rather than design.
5
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
A Guide To Contractor Detailing Of Reinforcement In Concrete has been produced to assist Clients and Consulting Engineers in
making best use of the skills of the Specialist Concrete Contractor to increase construction efficiency.
The CONSTRUCT initiative to place the responsibility for detailing reinforcement to the Specialist Concrete Contractor is an
excellent example of improving efficiency and productivity in building concrete structures. A Guide To Contractor Detailing Of
Reinforcement In Concrete seeks to establish a framework within which the principles can be readily adopted as standard by all
those involved.
6
DEFINITIONS
1.2 Definitions
Approvals
The acceptance and ratification of proposals submitted by the Specialist Concrete
Contractor to the Consulting Engineer.
Buildability
Factors and operations which may be utilised to ease or shorten the construction.
Contractor detailing
A method by which a Specialist Concrete Contractor carries out the detailing operation in
order to enhance buildability and efficiency.
CONSTRUCT
The membership organisation representing the Specialist Concrete Contractor,
promoting excellence and increased productivity in the industry.
Client
The individual or organisation who commissions the structure, has the ultimate authority
to instruct that it is built and/or who is responsible for the funding of the project.
Consulting Engineer
The individual or engineering practice that is appointed by the Client to produce a design
and specification for the intended structure.
Detailer
The individual or organisation who produces the working drawings and schedules for the
fabrication and placement of reinforcement.
Detailing
The task of producing reinforcement drawings and schedules, to meet the Consulting
Engineer’s overall requirements and to enable the fixing of reinforcement and placement
of concrete to be carried out effectively on site.
Employer
The individual or organisation who contracts with the Specialist Concrete Contractor, this
could be the Client directly or their appointed contractor.
Design Information Drawing
Plans and sections indicating the layout and dimensions of each floor of the structure. The
drawings will be in sufficient detail to allow the formwork to be constructed and will show
or reference all inserts or cast­-in items and holes. Drawings should indicate the locations
of concrete grades and finishes.
Lump sum
The agreed fixed value placed on the detailing, supply and fixing of reinforcement.
Reinforcement drawing
The specific and detailed drawing produced by the Detailer to provide definitive
instruction on the fixing and placement of the reinforcement.
Remeasure
The agreement to remeasure and revalue the volume of reinforcement used once the
working drawings have been produced and accepted.
Specialist Concrete Contractor
The company or organisation which is contracted to build the reinforced concrete frame.
It may be a sub-contractor to the main contractor and is normally responsible for the
supply of concrete, reinforcement, formwork etc.
Steering Committee
The committee appointed by the CONSTRUCT Council to discuss and manage the
implementation of Contractor Detailing (see Acknowledgments).
7
CONSIDERATIONS AND OUTCOMES
1.3 Considerations and Expected
Outcomes for Contractor Detailing
For the Client
By having an in-depth appreciation of the various factors
which can influence site operations, the Specialist Concrete
Contractor would consider the following when undertaking
Contractor Detailing, to the ultimate benefit of all
stakeholders:
● Overall savings in frame costs.
● Better cost certainty.
● Faster construction.
● Responsibilities are defined.
● A less adversarial approach to the design between
Consulting Engineer and Specialist Concrete Contractor.
Back propping
The Specialist Concrete Contractor may choose to increase
reinforcement in slabs or beams to reduce back propping.
This option would normally be at his own expense unless
the Client has a specific requirement, i.e. early access by
following trades.
For the Consulting Engineer
● Fewer problems in the interpretation of drawings by site
personnel.
● Elimination of the need to change to contractor-inspired
alternatives to the design, especially those at a late stage
when work on site may even have commenced.
● No scheduling error consequences.
● More time for conceptual design.
● A similar workload (using concrete) to other material forms
of construction.
Fixing tolerances
The Specialist Concrete Contractor may choose his
preferred configurations to have a beneficial effect on
fixing tolerances.
Pour size
For the Specialist Concrete Contractor
The opportunity to influence the detailing of reinforcement,
to introduce innovative ideas and improvements in safety,
efficiency, buildability and quality, for example:
● The opportunity to schedule the detailing in a preferred
order.
● Full control of information flow and therefore less
opportunity for delay.
● A more competitive end-product and hence an enhanced
in-situ concrete industry.
Under certain circumstances, pour sizes can be limited
by reinforcement content, but conversely, the Specialist
Concrete Contractor may find it beneficial in terms of cost
or programme to increase reinforcement to undertake
larger pours.
Rationalisation
Rationalisation can improve production and reduce errors,
compensating for extra reinforcement. The Specialist
Concrete Contractor is often in the best position to judge
this factor.
For all Parties
● A more competitive end-product and hence an enhanced
Placing of concrete
in-situ concrete industry.
This is mainly a question of buildability. Increasing bar sizes
to ease congestion may save time and money on site.
From the Specialist Concrete Contractor’s viewpoint,
minimising materials usage is just one efficiency objective.
Equal or superior to this is the efficiency of the construction
programme, achieved through saved time and resource —
by minimising the number of changes necessary during the
construction phase.
Early stripping
By increasing reinforcement area or concrete strength,
early stripping of formwork may be possible.
Prefabrication
The Specialist Concrete Contractor is in the best position
to judge when prefabrication is advantageous, even when it
involves extra reinforcement.
For Health and Safety
All parties to the contract must be aware of, and fully
implement, the CDM Regulations (2015) in their respective
tasks. However, Contractor Detailing allows the Specialist
Concrete Contractor to directly influence the related
decisions affecting health and safety issues.
8
PROCUREMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
1.4 Procurement and Implementation
of Contractor Detailing
Initial considerations
The proposal to use Contractor Detailing can be introduced
by any member of the project team. For a project adopting the
RIBA Plan of Work, and the compatible IStructE Plan of Work,
the development of the Responsibility Matrix should start at
Stage 1. The IStructE Plan of Work envisages that this will be
reviewed at every stage of the project, and it would therefore
be expected that the potential use of Contractor Detailing will
be considered and reviewed as the project develops.
At Stage 4 (Technical Design) a final decision should be made
on the use of Contractor Detailing, so the consulting engineer
can prepare their design information in an appropriate format.
The Responsibility Matrix and the Design Programme should
now reflect the use of Contractor Detailing and sufficient
time (see Programme and Timescale section) should be
allowed. Depending on the procurement route, appropriate
contract documents and specifications should be prepared
by the project team at this stage. The IStructE Plan of Work
has a Stage 4.5 (Production Information), which allows
for Contractor Detailing to be undertaken before Stage
5, although it is envisaged that there may be an overlap
depending on the project and this should be acknowledged in
the Responsibility Matrix and the design programme.
The design of the reinforcement should be the responsibility
of the Consulting Engineer, as it is considered that the
reinforcement detailing is simply showing the position and
type of reinforcement, and the Consulting Engineer must
recognise that they are ensuring compliance with their design.
Lump Sum
Remeasure
The Consulting Engineer
produces the designs
and includes General
Arrangements and
reinforcement design details
in the tender documents.
The Consulting Engineer
produces the design and
provides an estimate of the
reinforcement quantity for
inclusion in the tender.
The Specialist Concrete
Contractor estimates the
reinforcement requirements
and includes for this in the
tender as a Lump Sum.
The Specialist Concrete
Contractor submits the
tender including rates for
reinforcement.
The successful Specialist
Concrete Contractor
submits drawings for
approval.
The successful Specialist
Concrete Contractor
submits drawings and
schedules for Approval and
Remeasure.
The Consulting Engineer
checks the drawings for
compliance. Any justifiable
shortfall shall be corrected
by the Specialist Concrete
Contractor to obtain
Approval.
The Consulting Engineer
checks the drawings and
schedules for compliance.
Any shortfall shall be
corrected and any added
reinforcement which is
clearly unnecessary, or
included for the Specialist
Concrete Contractor’s sole
benefit, is noted.
No further adjustment to
the Specialist Concrete
Contractor’s original price
occurs except in accordance
with the provisions in the
building contract.
Dealing with reinforcement quantities
The total quantity of reinforcement is usually only known at
the end of the detailing process. It is widely acknowledged
that different detailing methods and rationalisation can also
influence the final quantity of reinforcement required. Two
methods are available to deal with this potential conflict; lump
sum or remeasure. The two methods are compared in the
table below:
The specialist concrete
contractor takes on the
risk of the unknown
reinforcement quantities
and is likely to increase the
price to cover this risk.
The specialist concrete
contractor does not have
a commercial incentive to
minimise the reinforcement
quantities as increased
quantities will increase the
sum paid.
Consulting Engineer’s input
The Consulting Engineer proceeds with their calculations
and instead of providing calculations and sketches for
their own detailing personnel, they pass information to the
Specialist Concrete Contractor for action. Providing full,
clear and unambiguous information is key to the process and
the form of this information is covered under the General
Requirements section. The Consulting Engineer ensures that
their requirements are practicable and that there is sufficient
space to incorporate the amount of reinforcement they have
specified.
9
PROCUREMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION
The Responsibility Matrix defines what the Consulting
Engineer will provide and what will be undertaken by the
Specialist Concrete Contractor. Depending on the project
some responsibilities can be placed with either party.
The detailing of the un-tensioned reinforcement, within the
PT elements, will of course still need to follow good detailing
practice and much of the guidance contained in this guide will
still apply.
The design programme should be realistic and allow for
review by the Consulting Engineer to check that these
requirements have been correctly interpreted and that the
proposals satisfy the Client’s requirements.
At the interfaces between the reinforced concrete and PT
elements, it is essential that the detailing of the reinforcement
is carefully co-ordinated so that the layering of the various
reinforcement bars and PT tendons can be achieved in
accordance with their respective design requirements.
This is particularly critical at the following locations:
Specialist Concrete Contractor role
The Specialist Concrete Contractor must ensure they
employ experienced and competent detailers to carry out
the detailing operation, whether this be in-house or via an
external organisation.
Columns
The column and slab bars and the PT tendons must be
co-ordinated and detailed to allow them to be placed in their
desired location. Column heads are typically a congested
region, which often include shear link reinforcement and
adjustments that are often difficult to make on site if the
fundamentals of the detailing are not carefully thought
through in advance.
The details must be submitted to the Consulting Engineer,
who retains overall responsibility for the design (refer to
Contractual aspects).
Post-tensioned concrete
Walls
The starter bars from walls will normally be governed by the
PT design requirements and should ideally be detailed by the
PT Specialist Designer/Contractor and shown on the PT slab
drawings. The detailing of the starter bars needs to consider
the reinforcement in the wall and the requirements for the
use of starter boxes, or similar, which may be required for the
construction of the walls.
Where post-tensioning (PT) is used as part of a project, the
detailing of the PT ducts, anchorages and profile support
chairs is often undertaken by a PT Specialist Designer/
Contractor. In addition to the PT tendons, the design solution
will always require the use of traditional un-tensioned
reinforcement. In such cases, the traditional reinforcement
will normally be detailed by the PT Specialist Designer/
Contractor and typically this is not included within the
‘Contractor Detailing Package’ directly.
Guidance on the detailing of PT slabs is provided in Concrete
Society Technical Report 43.
10
CONTRACTUAL ASPECTS
1.5 Contractual Aspects
The following are the main criteria to be considered on every
occasion:
● Understanding of responsibilities under CDM regulations.
» Although the detailing responsibilities will transfer to
the Contractor’s detailer, the CDM responsibilities
will normally reside with the Consulting Engineer. The
Contractor’s detailing will however need to consider
matters such as manual handling, safe access and egress,
and associated health and safety items as they prepare
the reinforcement details.
Contractor Detailing requires the Consulting Engineer
to prepare outline drawings only, indicating the area
of reinforcement required at specific member sections.
There are various methods of conveying this, and they are
discussed later.
The Specialist Concrete Contractor will then detail and
schedule the reinforcement (apart from specialised or
complex areas which the Consulting Engineer may continue
to detail) using British Standard (noting Eurocodes are
British Standards) detailing recommendations, other
approved procedures, and accepted practice such as The
IStructE Standard Method of Detailing Structural Concrete.
As in traditional construction, the contract conditions and
appointment should ensure that the Consultant Engineer
retains overall responsibility for the design and checking.
● The following regulations are of note when carrying out
detailing:
» Regulation 9. Duties of designers.
» Regulation 10. Designs prepared or modified outside
Great Britain.
The contract should clearly state and define the
responsibilities and risks allocated to each party.
There are a number of suites of contracts for building projects
and they all contain options for contractor design of part
of the project, and the appropriate option can be used to
cover the use of Contractor Detailing. Similarly, the contract
between the Client and Consulting Engineer should allow for
Contractor Detailing.
● Legal advice should be sought, where necessary, to remove
any doubts over contractual liabilities.
● The Specialist Concrete Contractor should be satisfied with
the obligations and duties imposed by the contract and any
warranties.
The overarching health and safety requirements during
construction work — which include design — are provided
by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
2015 (CDM).
The Specialist Concrete Contractor should ensure that they
have adequate insurance cover commensurate with the
exposure to the relevant risks and liabilities.
11
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.6 General Requirements
The fundamental principle is to provide the Specialist
Concrete Contractor with sufficient information to be able
to interpret the Consulting Engineer’s design intent and to
produce detailed drawings for reinforcement placing, together
with schedules for fabrication.
holes. To offer improved Buildability, the rationalisation of
member sizes should always be considered and incorporated
where possible.
The GA drawings are the only dimensioned drawings and,
as such, are the sole source of information for the Specialist
Concrete Contractor to form and cast the concrete.
Dimensions will not be repeated on the Reinforcement
drawings, and these will only show any dimensions which
relate directly to the setting out of the reinforcement. The
Reinforcement drawings only provide information for the
reinforcement.
The following illustrates typical information required for
Contractor Detailing:
General Arrangement (GA) drawings
It is essential that these drawings are made available in a
timely manner and kept up to date to allow the Specialist
Concrete Contractor to assess construction techniques, and
therefore determine the sequence of construction and the
impact on the reinforcement detailing.
Note: experience has shown that inadequate GA drawings
given prematurely to the Specialist Concrete Contractor can
be a major problem. It is essential that they are complete and
fully co-ordinated with all architectural, services and other
subsequent works so that an effective and efficient detailing
operation can commence.
The General Arrangement drawings will form the basis
of Reinforcement detail drawings. They must be fully
dimensioned, with sufficient sections and details and, where
possible, they should show or reference all necessary service
12
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Specification
information in this format frequently leads to numerous
queries and this can significantly slow down the detailing
and approval process and lead to abortive work. If the
reinforcement design intent is provided in this format the
design requirements must be clearly summarised for each
structural element.
A specification is required in order that the Reinforcement
Detailer may interpret the design requirements in accordance
with the design, the specific requirements of the project and
the Consulting Engineer’s preferences.
It is strongly recommended that the National Structural
Concrete Specification is adopted. This specification looks to
ensure effective collaboration and all parties should agree
the specific project clauses on reinforcement, which usually
starts with the proposals from the Consultancy Engineer. The
default periods are that the Consultancy Engineer provides
GA Drawings and Design Information Drawings 11 weeks
before construction, the Contractor prepares the detailed RC
drawings for approval 8 weeks before construction, so that
they can be issued for reinforcement procurement 5 weeks
before construction.
In whatever form, the design requirements must be
unambiguous. It is important to avoid duplication of
information and the consequences of errors during
revisions. The Consulting Engineer should address
Buildability issues in the design.
Aspects such as reinforcement bearings at end supports,
area or number of bars (actual bar size) per layer, and beam/
column junctions should be considered, and where there is a
potential problem, the design intent should be stated.
It is noted that the Consulting Engineer should explicitly
specify the requirements for concrete cover, lap and
anchorage lengths, and the positions of any designed
joints. This should not be left to the judgement of the
Reinforcement Detailer as these are design decisions which
remain the responsibility of the Consulting Engineer.
Reinforcement may be specified by either minimum area of
steel or more precise bar size/spacing, considering actual bar
size to ensure bars fit within the section size specified.
Where there are special requirements, these should
be highlighted in the design requirements and where
appropriate in the project specification, e.g:
Unless noted otherwise, the requirements of BS EN 1992-11: 2004 (commonly known as ‘EC2’), Sections 8 and 9, will be
deemed suitable and applicable. Where detailing is required
to another design Standard, this should be clearly stated.
● Restrictions on normal construction.
● Influences on the sequence of construction.
● Non-standard curtailment.
● Non-standard covers.
Design requirements
● Additional laps.
The design information may be provided in many ways by
the Consulting Engineer. The examples below guide how
the reinforcement intent should be conveyed to reduce or
eliminate any ambiguity and thus aid the approval process,
and improve and reduce the lead-in times.
● Water resistant concrete .
● Design and detailing to codes other than
BS EN 1992-1-1: 2004.
● Trimming bars to service holes and corners.
The intention is to have enough information to get the
drawings right first time, every time.
Reinforcement Schedules by element
These are simple drawings which provide tables of the
reinforcement requirements by element (e.g. beam, columns,
walls etc). This method provides a clear and concise method
of indicating the design intent and is common practice
throughout the world.
Steel Reinforcement Certification Authorities
Steel is fundamental to the entire construction market, from
bridges to buildings. Steel reinforcement is found in almost
every type of concrete structure.
Marked-up General Arrangement drawings
Reinforcing steel needs product conformity, so a certification
process exists to ensure there is continuous monitoring
and verification of product performance against recognised
Standards.
This method is commonly used for providing the design
intent for slabs or large area pours. The marked-up drawings
may also be used to reference the elemental items (e.g.
beams, columns, walls etc). For small, uncomplicated projects
it may be appropriate to provide all of the reinforcement
intent on the marked-up GAs but, in all cases, this should
be neatly presented and issued in a formal and controlled
manner.
There are two Steel Reinforcement Certification Authorities
operating in the UK:
● The Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels (CARES).
● The British Board of Agrément (BBA).
It is considered that the provision of the structural design
calculations will not normally be a suitable method of
conveying the reinforcement design intent. Provision of the
For more information on CARES and BBA, please see
Certification Bodies on page 43.
13
PROGRAMME AND TIMESCALES
1.7 Programme and Timescales
The proposed method of implementing Contractor Detailing involves several processes — from the award of the contract to
actually fixing steel on site. Each of these processes has a time implication that will differ depending on the complexity and
nature of the works. However, the following timescales are considered to be a good initial guide.
Timescale matrix
Contractor rebar detailing
First drawing
Subsequent drawings
Engage with internal/external Detailers
0 weeks
0 weeks
Award contract/start-up meeting and agree on methodology
1 week
1 week
Mobilise Detailers
1 week
0 weeks
Review construction drawings (by individual element) write RFIs/TQs
1 week
1 week
Modelling/Detailing
3 weeks
3 weeks
Modelling/Detailing to incorporate comments
1 week
1 week
Checking by Detailers
1 week
1 week
Issue drawings/models onto a collaborative tool
1 week
1 week
Total
9 weeks
8 weeks
Consultant approval (see status legend below):
First drawing
Subsequent drawings
Consultant approvals (status A)
2 weeks
2 weeks
Consultant approvals (status B and C)
2 weeks
2 weeks
Consultant re-approval (status C) to status A or B
2 weeks
2 weeks
Total
2 to 6 weeks
2 to 6 weeks
Rebar procurement:
First drawing
Subsequent drawings
Rebar procurement/delivery
3 weeks
2 weeks
Total
3 weeks
2 weeks
Grand Total
14 to 18 weeks
12 to 16 weeks
Explanations/caveats:
● Detailer ready to commence and signed up to the contract.
● Checking by detailers (e.g. 1 week per 10 No. A1 drawings).
● Use simple repeatable details, where possible.
● The durations to issue of the construction status
● Expediting checking.
Reinforcement drawings and subsequent drawings are
heavily influenced by the prompt receipt of design intent.
● Issue of the construction status Reinforcement drawings can
be expedited if both the contractor and consultant agree in
advance to reduce Detailing time and Approval time.
● Size and complexity of projects can have an impact on the
lead-in times — the above values are for medium to large
projects.
● Expediting Requests For Information (RFI) responses.
● Expediting the Approval period.
● Express rebar call-off.
● Express reinforcement delivery.
By incorporating such measures, it is considered that a shorter
timescale is possible, especially at the start of a project.
Late changes
Timescales
The accommodation of late design changes is a recognised
virtue of reinforced concrete construction. However, it
is recommended that there should be an agreement, or
contractual conditions incorporated, which specifically defines
‘late’ and how that situation should be managed. It is suggested
that any changes required within 28 days of the scheduled
reinforcement call-off should be deemed to be late.
The process of producing the drawings is set out in the flow
chart overleaf (p15).
The above timescales have considered a reasonably complex
structure and take into account real-life situations that are
achievable.
A considerable reduction in the process time may be achieved
by special measures if agreed upon by all parties, e.g:
14
PROGRAMME AND TIMESCALES
Approval status legend
Reinforcement Detailing process using 2D
Site Team
RC Detailer
Review construction
methodology and
sequence with site team
and issue to Detailers
Incorporate construction
joints and sequence
and issue to detailers
Review design intent and
raise Requests For
Information (RFIs) via
collaborative tool, if required
It is usual practice to adopt a system to simply convey if the
drawings from the Detailer are approved by the Consulting
Engineer. Each drawing is reviewed and given a status, the
usual meaning is given below, and the process is shown in
the diagram.
Consulting Engineer
Submit P01 (minor revision),
issue drawings to
collaborative tool for review
Yes
Status A
Documents reviewed. No comments. Work can commence.
Status B
Documents reviewed. Comments noted. Work can
commence by taking on board comments.
Review drawings, raise
comments and change status
on collaborative tool
Status C
Documents reviewed. Comments noted. NO work can be
allowed to commence. Revise and reissue documents for
re-approval.
Are there
comments to
incorporate?
No
Produce Reinforcement
Detailing Brief and issue to
Detailers via collaborative tool
Review Detailing Brief and
raise RFIs via collaborative
tool, if required
Respond to Builability-type
RFIs and raise design intent
RFIs to Consulting Engineer
Reinforcement Detailing Approval process
Submit P02 (minor revision),
issue drawings and schedules
to collaborative tool for review
Review, raise comments
and change status on
collaborative tool
Submit P01
Submit P01
Submit P01
Consultant
review
Consultant
review
Consultant
review
Status A
Status B
Status C
Order rebar and
submit C01
Incorporate
comments, order
rebar and submit C01
Re-submit P02 for
approval
Are there
comments to
incorporate?
No
Submit drawings and
schedules to Consulting
Engineer for review
Consulting Engineer to
review and respond with
comments and status
Yes
Status A
Are there
comments to
incorporate?
No
Reinforcement
Detailing Approval
process
Issue drawings and schedules
‘For Construction’ (CO1)
Call-off reinforcements for
fabrication and delivery to site
15
PROGRAMME AND TIMESCALES
3D Detailing & Modelling
Reinforcement Detailing Approval process using 3D
The use of Contractor Detailing of reinforcement in itself
does not prevent or encourage the use of 3D modelling for the
Detailing — however, the decision to use 3D modelling should
be given some consideration before it is used.
Site Team
There are benefits to using 3D detailing which include:
● Fully co-ordinated reinforcement details avoiding clashes
between bars and with fixings, services etc.
● Ensured compliance with BS 8666:2020.
● Reduced waste and delays.
● Electronic reinforcement call-offs, which integrate with
fabrication software.
● Steel fixers can work from up-to-date information from
tablets.
3D Team
Consulting Engineer
Review construction
methodology and sequence
with site team
Submit P01 (minor revision),
issue drawings to
collaborative tool for review
Incorporate construction joints
and sequence into 3D model
Review drawings, raise
comments and change status
on collaborative tool
Review design intent and
raise Requests For Information
(RFIs) via collaborative
tool, if required
There are some drawbacks too:
RC Detailer
Yes
Are
there comments to
incorporate?
No
● The Consulting Engineer’s information must be supplied in a
3D model that is fully up-to-date.
● Openings for services, fixings for cladding, temporary works
information, etc, must all be supplied in 3D format.
● Preparing 2D drawings from the output can be timeconsuming.
Overall, 3D detailing does have the potential to save time
and money and bring programme certainty, but it relies on
the whole project team adopting 3D models so that the
reinforcement detailing can be modelled, co-ordinated,
reviewed, fabricated and constructed in a 3D environment
only. If part of the process relies on 2D drawings, then the
benefits are diminished.
Produce Reinforcement
Detailing Brief with 3D model to
detailers via collaborative tool
Submit P02 (minor revision),
issue drawings and schedules
to collaborative tool for review
Review detailing brief and
raise RFIs via collaborative
tool, if required
Review, raise comments
and change status on
collaborative tool
Respond to Builability-type
RFIs and raise design intent
RFIs to Consulting Engineer
Are
there comments to
incorporate?
No
The use of 3D modelling should not change the information
that has to be provided by each party, only the format in which
it is presented.
Submit drawings and
schedules to Consulting
Engineer for review
The process of using 3D Detailing is provided in the flow chart
opposite.
Consulting Engineer to
review and respond with
comments and status
Yes
Are
there comments to
incorporate?
No
1.8 Frequently
Asked Questions
Issue models, drawings
and schedules
‘For Construction’ (CO1)
Call-off reinforcements for
fabrication and delivery to site
As Frequently Asked Questions continually
evolve, please see the CONSTRUCT website
(https://construct.org.uk/) for the latest information,
where viewers can also pose new questions for response
by the Steering Committee for this publication.
Upload models to Trimble for
fixers and to view on site iPads
16
PART TWO
Practical Detailing
Guidance
This part of the publication is intended to
provide guidance on the information that
should be exchanged between the parties to
improve the process, reduce the number of
queries and minimise the time required.
17
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
2.1. Implementation of Contractor Detailing
This chapter provides guidance on the detailed information
that should be provided by the parties and specific guidance
for particular elements or arrangements. The subsequent
chapter contains examples of design intent drawings.
design information is provided for the Detailer and The
IStructE Standard Method of Detailing Structural Concrete
(Section 2.2, box 1) has a detailed list of this information.
Specific rebar general arrangements should enable the
elements detailed to be located easily within the site
environment and references to the drawings required to
complete elements is crucial for quality.
General Good Practice
Co-ordination is required between the Specialist Concrete
Contractor and the Consulting Engineer regarding
construction choices. This should occur at the earliest
opportunity to establish items such as pour layouts and
pour sequences, so that drawings can be detailed to suit
construction sequence. The IStructE Standard Method of
Detailing Structural Concrete (Section 2.2, box 2) has a detailed
list of items that should be discussed and agreed, which will
form a good agenda for discussions.
Lap lengths should be dimensioned on the reinforcement
drawing. This should be supplementary to tables in the
standard notes or specifying the tables in ‘How to Design
Concrete Structures using Eurocode 2’ (reliance on steel
fixers/engineers to judge good/bad bond situations is
presumptuous/risky). This information needs to be clearly
defined by Consulting Engineers and Detailers.
There should always be sufficient cross-sections relative to
the complexity of works being undertaken, especially in very
congested areas, to assist construction (this may be easier
when using 3D modelling).
Drawing numbering should be agreed in advance, and this
should be adhered to, to facilitate easier locating of drawings
for the site team. All revisions should be clouded and noted
on both the drawing and schedules so any changes can be
easily identified and implemented.
The Consulting Engineer should ensure that all relevant
18
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
Supplementary Drawing Information
● Speeding up the review process (for site team, Client, and
The full list of information that should be provided on
reinforcement drawings can be obtained from The IStructE
Standard Method of Detailing Structural Concrete. As a
supplement to this information, it is excellent practice for
the reinforcement drawings produced by the detailer to
provide a reference to all General Arrangements (GAs) and
design intents used during the detailing process, including
referencing the revisions used.
Structural Engineers).
● Quality assurance (current and correct information has
been used during detailing/construction).
● Traceability, for surveying/cost recovery.
Guidance notes for Consulting Engineers and Detailers
Detailed information to be shared.
Tables 1 and 2 provide guidance on what information should
be provided and by whom. Some information should be
provided by the Consulting Engineer and the site team for the
Detailer to show on the reinforcement drawings, and so both
parties are shown on the matrix.
The inclusion of these references provides multiple benefits
to all those involved with the detailing process, which
includes and may not be limited to:
Table 1: General information to be provided for various concrete elements
Information to be provided by the
Consulting Engineer
Information to be provided by the site
team
Consideration for the Detailer to
address
● Code of Practice and version
● Specific details in Table 2
● Clearly identify detailing arrangements
● Specific details in Table 2
● Maximum weight / bar length
All elements
that affect the construction sequence
● Specific details in Table 2
● Any specific requirements for
‘undesigned’ reinforcement
● Clearly identify design details that
affect the construction sequence
Pilecaps & Foundations
● Specific details in Table 3
● Temporary works steel to stabilise
Potential clashes with:
● Pile steel
● Lifting requirements if prefabricated
● Column steel
cages
● Holding down bolts
● Slab steel — if possible, keep pile
steel at lower level
Columns & walls
● Show orientation of L-bars
● Clear design intent at change of
● Any slipform or jumpform
requirements
column size
● Fully support column starters with
links/lacers/U-bars (note: this is not
temporary works reinforcement).
Normally a minimum of one at slab/
base level and one at top of starters
● For prefabricated cages, place
joggled bars at top of cage for ease
of installation
● Show orientation of L-bars
Slabs
● Detailing preferences for any slab/pit
over 1,500mm
● Treatment of tolerances for cut-and-
bent chairs
Stairs
● Supports for precast stairs (e.g.
telescopic connectors or rolled
steel angles)
● Advise if pre-cast or in-situ to be used
19
● Minimise number of bar marks
● Consider standard bar lengths
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
Table 2: Specific information to be provided for concrete elements
■ Consulting Engineer ■ Detailer ■ Site team ■ Both Consulting Engineer and Detailer ■ Both site team and Detailer
Reference and location
Means of identifying dimensions and location
Nominal cover to the reinforcement
Concrete class for element
Design Intent and relevent GA elevations
Setting out for additionals (Do bars have to be extended
for a tension lap?)
Additional bar spacing (Centres should be half, same/
same or double of main reinforcement)
Laps staggered or 100% at one location
Trimmer requirements
Kicker requirements
Advice on site/handling restrictions
Pour layouts/construction joints, including connection
between pours (Flying bars/couplers)
Chairs and rider requirements/spacing bars
Punching shear requirements
Tie reinforcement around the shear studs
Cast in channel requirements/dowel bar connections/
special requirements
Type of connection required around cores/slabs
Slab and beam/pile cap interaction (to avoid clashing)
Addition rebar for lifting
Key plan
20
Precast Walls
Twin Walls
Precast Stairs
Precast Columns
Precast Slab
Slabs Spanning Beams
MetalDecking Slab
Lattice Topping Slab
Pile Caps
RC Stairs
RC Walls
RC Columns
Minimum Design Requirements for detailing
Flat Slab
Design Element
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
Considerations for Reinforcement Fabrication
Specific Guidance for Slabs
Reinforcement fabricators in the UK should adhere to the
requirements set out in BS 8666, although there will always
be some practical issues which may not be in this Standard and
some of these issues are set out below. Where possible ensure
that shaped bars adhere to the overall size restrictions in BS
8666 for transport purposes. The fabrication of bar shapes
where the shapes have overlapping sections, for example links,
in bar diameters equal or greater than 20mm or large section
sizes using a single link can be more hazardous to produce for
the fabricator and consideration should be given to alternative
detailing arrangements where the overlap can be avoided.
Wherever possible keep the number of bar marks listed
on the schedule to a minimum, rationalise and repeat, and
consider standard lengths. This can be extremely beneficial
where laydown areas are limited on site and will reduce the
requirement to sort multiple bar marks.
The parameters for lapping all bars in location or staggering
the laps, or a combination of either, should be established
early and links or distribution reinforcement should be
detailed to EC2 requirements. Pour layouts and construction
sequence are crucial for detailing slabs. The bars that are
required for a pour should always be shown on the drawing
for that pour. These should include any projecting bars,
for example, feeding bars beneath projecting layer B2 or
through piles (note that the latter can be difficult and timeconsuming).
Graded or incremental bars can be incredibly time-consuming.
Where practicable, these bars should be detailed in bands of
five or ten for ease of cutting and bending. This will also make
it easier to sort and fix on-site.
Not all shape code 99 bars can be produced due to the
physical limitations of the machinery used by the fabricator. If
in doubt, seek advice and confirmation before scheduling. If
required, the contractor can request a bar shape to be test bent
beforehand. A shape code 99, which features a combination of
straight legs and curves, is generally not achievable due to the
radius machinery used by fabricators.
Cut and bent chairs and rider bars should be detailed for any
slab or base over 300mm in depth and for any depth slab
heavier than B16s each way, rider bars for the chairs should
be included. It is suggested they are placed at 1200mm
centres.
The preferred detailing of the chairs of any slab/pit over
1500mm in depth should be confirmed with the site team.
Be mindful when detailing chairs of the allowance for actual
bar sizes, as indicated in The Standard Method Of Detailing.
While it’s appropriate when detailing, it does not equate
so well when detailing cut and bent chairs, so establish the
preferred best practice with the site team.
For large bar diameter radius bars (25mm and above), it can
be difficult to achieve consistent accuracy. Therefore, where
possible, consider the use of smaller diameter bars at closer
centres. This will also aid in fixing on-site as they would be
easier to manipulate. In addition, larger bar diameter links can be
difficult to achieve consistent accuracy and could potentially be
out of plane, when compared to smaller diameter bars.
The chairs and the rider bars should be of sufficient diameter
to support the slab in the temporary condition and while
concrete is being placed.
For helical and triple-wrap links, except where dedicated pile
cage-making machines are used, it is recommended that the
contractor should check with the fabricator to determine if
there are any specific limitations or constraints.
As a rule of thumb, step down a bar diameter size for the
chair (e.g. if the slab is mainly B20 use B16 for the chair); the
rider bar should be of sufficient diameter not to bow — if in
doubt seek advice from the site temporary works team.
While the standard stock length for reinforcement bars is 12
metres, longer lengths are available from fabricators, although
stock availability should be checked. The limitations will
depend on the supplying fabricator, but the information below
can serve as a guide:
Slabs can be treated either within the format shown, or by
using an annotated General Arrangement (GA). The latter
may be more appropriate where the Iayout is complicated
(e.g., flat slabs), or there is limited repetition. Mark-ups
should be via CAD drawings were possible and using the
latest GA.
● 12mm diameter bars up to 14 metres long.
● 16-20mm diameter bars up to 16 metres long.
● 25-40mm diameter bars up to 18 metres long.
50mm diameter bars are also available up to 18 metres, but
quantity limitations will apply and longer lead times will be
required.
Many reinforcement fabricators offer a prefabrication (cage)
facility, and this could be a consideration when detailing
elements, or the use of ‘roll out’ carpet reinforcement can
accelerate site fixing.
21
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
Detailing of Couplers
latest information available at time of publication on the
dimensions that can be achieved on standard couplers by
three of the most widely used systems on the market.
While coupled bars are an integral part of modern
construction, they can sometimes be subject to supply issues,
depending on demand across active contracts within the
industry. Lead times are often considerably longer than
standard cut and bent reinforcement.
As a rule of thumb, the minimum dimensions that can be
achieved for bent couplers will be the minimum dimensions
achievable to BS 8666 plus the coupler (for any ambiguity
please check with the chosen manufacturer/supplier).
The type of couplers detailed for a contract and the
amount required (if any), are governed by numerous factors,
including the contractor’s preferred supplier, pour sequences,
congestion, availability and reinforced concrete intent.
Mechanical Splice Couplers
While mechanical couplers provide a convenient solution to
construction issues and unplanned splicing, where congestion
and unachievable lap lengths occur, they tend to be larger (can
encroach on the cover zone) and more expensive to procure
than other coupler systems.
Requirements should be confirmed by the site team before the
commencement of detailing and reinforced within any design
briefs provided. If in any doubt, confirm with the site team the
dimensions that can be achieved and the type of shape codes
that are practicable. With couplers, there can be a big disparity
between what can be drawn and what can subsequently be
produced and installed. If in doubt, seek clarification.
Headed Anchors
Headed anchors are an alternative solution, often used in
place of hooks or L bars in areas of rebar with congestion.
Unless specified, they usually require the Structural
Engineer’s approval before use. From a commercial view,
instruction in their use is preferred.
Numerous manufacturers and types of couplers are
available to the industry. Table 1 (see page 23) conveys the
22
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
Table 3: Standard coupler dimensions (by system) – for guidance only, check with your rebar supplier
Manufactuer
Hyten
Erico
Dextra
System
Ht. S
A12 Standard
Griptec Standard
Type of machine
available influences
dimensions
(Gp32/Gp40)
Notes
Overall dimensions given including coupler
Straight double-ended coupler bars
10mm
Not available
518mm
Not available
12mm
250mm
518mm
300/260mm
16mm
300mm
524mm
300/300mm
/3220mm
300mm
536mm
300/335mm
25mm
300mm
541mm
300/385mm
32mm
350mm
546mm
300/425mm
40mm
350mm
558mm
N/A 465mm
50mm
Not available
571mm
Not Available
10mm
Not available
168mm
Not Available
12mm
130mm
174mm
128mm
16mm
150mm
191mm
172mm
20mm
190mm
278mm
237mm
25mm
240mm
336mm
276mm
32mm
300mm
412mm
338mm
40mm
350mm
511mm
418mm
50mm
Not available
638mm
528mm
Bent couplers (such as L-bars/U-bars)
Run off, same length or greater
23
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
Detailing of Continuity Strip/Pullout Bars
The manufacturer or distributor links (below) contain additional
information, scheduling forms and literature, including relevant
approval certifications, guidance on what can be achieved
dimensionally and the benefits of bespoke vs standard ranges.
Although used as a staple product by the Specialist Concrete
Contractor, the detailing of continuity strip/pull-out bars is
often overlooked or avoided by Detailers. Even if referenced
on drawings, it’s often just a generic reference that contains
little information. It is, however, subject to the same CARES
approval and standards required for standard reinforcement,
with the added requirement of CARES Technical Approval
Certification.
Hybrid units are available, which are predominantly a coupler
system, but provide some of the convenience associated with
a pullout bar.
https://www.invisibleconnections.co.uk/product/ferboxreinforcement-continuity-system
The use is restricted to rebar diameters 10mm, 12mm and
16mm, with 12mm and 16mm being the most common sizes
(note: box thickness is as much as 50mm for 16mm bars). Box
size needs to be specified by the Consulting Engineer/detailer
to suit reinforcement cover available.
https://www.rfa-tech.co.uk/startabox-continuity-systemstecid89.html
https://www.informuk.co.uk/conibar/
There are off-the-shelf ranges available, with standard
lengths and dimensions, from numerous suppliers. Bespoke
units are also available, and there are strong arguments for
their use. Benefits can include and are not restricted to:
https://www.ancon.co.uk/products/reinforcementcontinuity-systems/eazistrip-standard-range
http://www.hy-ten.co.uk/accessories-reinforcementcontinuity-systems
● Variation of reinforcement dimensions maintains structural
integrity.
● Decrease in expenditure and material wastage.
● Reduced cutting on-site, leading to quick and efficient
installation.
● Avoiding the health and safety risks associated
with power tools.
● Avoiding the risk of lap legs being
reduced by the act of cutting cases
on site.
Picture courtesy of Invisible Connections
24
IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTRACTOR DETAILING
Detailing of Shear Rails
However, due to the uplift in component cost (when
compared with traditional shear links), detailing without
instruction is not advised.
The detailing of shear rails can provide considerable benefits
to the site, which include:
● Speed of installation.
If shear rails are required to be detailed, generally they
should be detailed orthogonally to prevent clashes with main
reinforcement. Radial layouts (as proposed or optioned by
supplier design programs) will effectively limit the rail to just
two or three studs (to avoid clashing), negating some of the
benefits of speedy installation.
● Only required to be tied at the top (reduction of risk, for
cuts and abrasions to operatives).
● On deeper slabs, they benefit operatives who are no longer
required to operate in confined spaces (a considerable
improvement from a health and safety perspective).
Picture courtesy of Max Frank
25
EXAMPLES
2.2 Examples
Example General Arrangement drawings
These drawings are intended to indicate the level of detail that should be included in the General Arrangement drawings (GAs).
The Standard Method of Detailing Structural Concrete has further examples and guidance on the preparation of GAs.
Example of general arrangement drawing for foundations
26
EXAMPLES
Example of general arrangement drawing
forof
floor
Example
general arrangement drawing for floor
27
EXAMPLES
Design intent for flat slab
28
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a pilecap
29
EXAMPLES
intent for
foundations
FOUNDATION PADExample
ANDdesign
STRIP
FOOTINGS
RC DESIGN INTENT
30
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for columns
31
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for core wall — plan view
32
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a core wall — section details
33
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a liner wall
34
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a retaining wall — plan view
35
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a retaining wall — section view
36
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a ground beam
37
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a capping beam
38
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a transfer beam
39
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a slab — bottom reinforcement
40
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a slab — top reinforcement
41
EXAMPLES
Example design intent for a slab — punching shear reinforcement
42
CERTIFICATION BODIES
2.3 Introduction to CARES
Integrity
● Access to the service of the Product Certification Body is
available to all.
● There shall be no undue financial conditions to restrict
participation.
● Certification procedures must be administered in a nondiscriminatory manner.
● There shall be no single interest predominating in the
governing board.
● Permanent staff shall be free from control by those who
have a direct commercial interest.
Reinforcing steel is a safety-critical product. The overall aim
of certifying products is to give confidence to all interested
parties that a product fulfils specified requirements. The value
of certification is the degree of confidence and trust that is
established by an impartial and competent demonstration of
fulfilment of specified requirements by a third party.
Confidence in CARES-certified products is delivered by the
effective operation of Product Certification Schemes for
the manufacture of the reinforcing steel, processing of the
reinforcing steel (including welding), Technical Approvals for
mechanical couplers and continuity strips, and the installation
of Post-tensioning systems.
Technical Competence
● Assessors of CARES are Registered Lead Assessors and are
also experts in the products, processes and standards of the
reinforcing steel supply chain.
● The operation is managed by a team of highly competent
technical and certification staff.
● All independent testing is carried out by UKAS or
equivalent accredited laboratories.
Clients/specifiers can designate CARES-approved reinforcement
suppliers (manufacturers and fabricators) in the confidence
that the product will comply with the relevant reinforcement
standard without the need for costly on-site testing.
The CARES Cloud traceability platform provides reliable, easily
accessible product information and evidence of assurance
for inclusion in project BIM models, enabling seamless
connectivity to other systems. CARES’ digital platform uses
a suite of apps that allow online and hand-held scanners and
smartphones to trace what has been procured, fabricated,
delivered and installed in real time. The CARES Cloud also
enables a value-based procurement approach, provides a
reliable digital twin, and satisfies the requirements of the
Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread of Information.
Independence
● The active participation of organisations representing all
interests in the building and construction industry who are
willing to demonstrate a commitment to quality for the
whole supply chain.
● CARES was issued with UKAS Accreditation Certificate
0002 and was the first certification body to be accredited
for product certification.
Management and administration of the
CARES SRC scheme:
Identification of manufacturer and traceability of the
certified product
● Traceability to both the manufacturer of the steel and
its specific production data, including test results, is of
major importance. Reinforcement can be identified by the
arrangement of ribs with dots or spaces between them.
To enable use in major specifications, including those of
public purchasers, the management structure of CARES
is accredited by UKAS to the international standard for
independent third-party product certification bodies,
ISO/IEC 17065. This standard requires important conditions
for the acceptance of a certification body, vital in providing
confidence to all parties in the value chain. UKAS
accreditation ensures:
Introduction to The British Board of Agrément (BBA)
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) offers a third-party
certification scheme for the manufacture and supply of steel
reinforcement, details of which can be found at:
https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/services/product-qualityassurance/ukas-accredited-reinforcing-steel-scheme/
43
CONTRIBUTORS
2.4 Acknowledgements
CONSTRUCT is indebted to the members of the Steering Committee, their companies and all external sources who have freely
contributed much time, effort and thought to this publication. They have done so without any reward other than to see a job well
done and the opportunity to form a more efficient and productive industry.
Dennis Keogh
Dave Armsworth
ADMINISTRATION
Retired - Former Principal Engineer
Laing O’Rourke (Chair of the Steering
Group)
Health & Safety Manager
CONSTRUCT
Ian Burnett
General Manager
CONSTRUCT
Kalpana Mukesh
Head Of Operations
CADS UK
Administrator
CONSTRUCT
Jenny Burridge
Director, Structural Design
Mineral Products Association
Matt Palmer
Steel Scheme Manager
CARES
Andrew Truby
Director
TrubyStevenson Ltd
Kevin Lloyd
Steve Holland
Head of Safety, Quality and Environment
ROM
Reinforcement Manager
Byrne Bros (Formwork) Ltd
Owen Brooker
Technical Director
Structronix Ltd
Rosie Canty
Derek Brown
Managing Director
Invisible Connections Ltd
44
INFORMATION
2.5 References and further reading
● Association of Consulting Engineers, Conditions of
● CARES: Certification for Reinforcing Steels. Available from:
Engagement 1995, clauses 2. 7 (e) and 2.8 (b).
https://www.carescertification.com/
● British Association of Reinforcement (BAR), Guidance for
● Concrete Society TR43: Post-tensioned Concrete Floors Design
Couplers.
Handbook, Third Edition, 2024.
● British Standards Institution BS EN 1991-1-1: 2004 +A1:
● Health and Safety Executive: Managing Health and Safety
2004. Eurocode 2. Design of Structural Concrete Structures.
General Rules and Rules for Buildings.
in Construction: Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2015.
● British Standards Institution BS 6744:2016. Stainless
● The Concrete Centre, 2018: How to Design Concrete
Steel Bars. Reinforcement of Concrete Requirements and Test
Methods.
Structures Using Eurocode 2.
● Royal Institute of British Architects. RIBA Plan of Work, 2020.
● British Standards Institution BS 8666: 2020. Scheduling,
● Concrete Society CS101: 1989. Spacers for Reinforced
Dimensioning, Bending and Cutting of Steel Reinforcement for
Concrete — Specification.
Concrete.
● British Standards Institution BS 4483: 2005.
● The Institution of Structural Engineers: Manual for the Design
Steel Fabric for the Reinforcement of Concrete — Specification.
(NB: BS4483 will be updated in 2025)
of Concrete Building Structures to Eurocode 2, Second Edition,
2021.
● British Standards Institution BS 4449: 2005 + A3: 2016.
● The Institution of Structural Engineers: The Standard Method
Steel for the Reinforcement of Concrete. Weldable Reinforcing
Steel. Bar, Coil and Decoiled Product — Specification.
of Detailing Structural Concrete. Fourth Edition: 2021.
● The Institution of Structural Engineers: The Structural Plan of
● British Standards Institution BS 4482: 2005. Steel Wire for
Work, 2020.
the Reinforcement of Concrete Products — Specification.
Further information
Further information on any of the issues referred to in
this publication can be obtained by contacting:
The General Manager
CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group
1st Floor,
297 Euston Road,
London NW1 3AD England
Telephone: 0844 249 1355
45
CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group (CSG) was
incorporated as a Company on 30 March, 1994. Its arrival
was timely due to a recession in the early 1990s and the
increased competitive nature of modern markets. This
emphasized the need for improved productivity and
standards, underlined by the recommendation of the
Latham Report in January 1994. Since CONSTRUCT CSG’s
incorporation, there have been many more reports and
changes to legislation such as The Construction (Design
and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) and the
introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022.
CONSTRUCT CSG can trace its origins back to the 1960s
with the formation of several companies starting life
as groundwork and formwork subcontractors. These
organisations were soon responsible for building multistorey
concrete frames and other major concrete structures. The
Specialist Concrete Contractor was born, and a new industry
has subsequently grown up around them.
CONSTRUCT CSG as a trade association has established
itself as a forum for contractors, clients, consulting engineers
and suppliers, providing an interface for all sectors of the
concrete structures market. As well as the CONSTRUCT
CSG Council there are several Task Groups and designated
committees:
● Concrete Frame Training Forum
● Formwork Suppliers Group
● Groundworks Committee
● Health & Safety Committee
● Sustainability Forum
Through the activities of the Task Groups and designated
committees, our members work together to address
important issues for the benefit of the whole concrete and
groundwork industry.
The results of these activities are disseminated via open
seminars and publications and this document is a typical
product. A Guide To Contractor Detailing Of Reinforcement In
Concrete has been produced to assist Clients and Consulting
Engineer in making the best use of the skills of the Specialist
Concrete Contractor to increase construction efficiency.