The technology of reinforced concrete elements. Determination of project parameters: cencrete cover and distance between bars

Reinforced concrete is a construction material widespread in the 20th century. Its composition based on a “stone matrix”, which include concrete and bars, defines a material with a strong compression and tensile strength; its characteristics allow complex architectural forms. The mechanical resistance and the durability are guaranteed by the respect of design rules, material confection and siting operation, specified by several national and international regulations that define the limits of technological and structural parameters. The ongoing research starts on the observation that often substantial inconsistencies ensue between the design and the construction phase, due to a low deepening of technological details in the design phase and to a lacking application of regulations as well. This work aims to deepen the aspect connected with the determination of an appropriate concrete cover and the spacing of bars in the design phase, considering the real interferences in the execution phase. The research, developed on a case study, has promoted a wording of some rules for the interferences reductions between bars in structural nodes and shall promote a methodology that aims to realize the overlap of bars, solving critical issues by ensuring a proper structures durability.