Reinforcing bars, depth and tying together.

[jotto]

Have just spent the last 2 hours tying my 3 reinforcing sheets together. As Im a sparky by trade I used single core 2.5mm2 copper cable to tie it all together. All nice and tight and secure...

1st question is this OK, I mean using the cable to tie it together? Im guessing as long as it all acts like one big sheet, which it does, I should be OK.

2nd Question, The reinforcing, should it be in the middle of the concrete for best effect or can it be flat within a varying depth base?
Basically my base varies in depth from around 150mm to 300mm. To get it right in the middle will be a pain in the proverbial but it would be alot easier to lay it on half bricks..whats the general consensus? Im pretty sure its well over engineered as it is but might as well do it a near to correct as possible!

Thanks.

[Dave_L]

Aslong as the tying wire is strong enough and the sheets are firmly fixed toegther, I don't forsee any problems.

Should ideally be in the middle of said concrete - may I ask what it is for?

[jotto]

Aslong as the tying wire is strong enough and the sheets are firmly fixed toegther, I don't forsee any problems.

Should ideally be in the middle of said concrete - may I ask what it is for?

its for a parking area, about 6 x 5m. Will probably erect a wooden garage type structure at some point.

I reckon it will hold a sherman tank once its done! lol.

[seanandruby]

make sure you have a minimum of 50ml cover on the steel, also overlap 350ml. Expensive ties tho, copper.

[jotto]

easily a min of 50mm covering the steels...overlap wasnt quite as big as 350 tho....almost!

main concern was if steels were level, they would be in around 75 to 225mm of concrete.....how strong would the stuff be where the steels was lower down in the deep stuff?

[seanandruby]

easily a min of 50mm covering the steels...overlap wasnt quite as big as 350 tho....almost!

main concern was if steels were level, they would be in around 75 to 225mm of concrete.....how strong would the stuff be where the steels was lower down in the deep stuff?

Was it set out that way ....to differ in levels? unless there is an intended thickening the subbase should of be of a consistent level.
ideally at 350 there should of been a top and bottom "mat." but 75/100ml should be fine. what is the slab for?

[matt h]

should have levelled the ground out first then there wouldnt be a problem..differing levels will cause problems later imho