Bundled reinforcing bars are normally required to have a minimum cover of at least the diameter of the bundle, except in permanent proximity to earth where the minimum will be:

Bundled reinforcing bars are normally required to have a minimum cover of at least the diameter of the bundle, except in permanent proximity to earth where the minimum will be:

• A. 3 inches
• B. 1 inch
• C. 2 inches
• D. 4 inches

Answer: (A)

Bundled reinforcing bars need concrete cover to protect the steel from moisture, chemicals in the environment, and cracking that could expose the bars. When bars are in a bundle, the usual rule is to have a cover at least equal to the bundle’s diameter to fully encase the group. But if the reinforcement is permanently in contact with the earth, that protection is increased to 3 inches to better guard against soil moisture and aggressive conditions over the life of the structure. So the minimum in permanent proximity to earth is 3 inches. The other options don’t fit because they would provide insufficient protection or exceed the specified requirement.

Bundled reinforcing bars need concrete cover to protect the steel from moisture, chemicals in the environment, and cracking that could expose the bars. When bars are in a bundle, the usual rule is to have a cover at least equal to the bundle’s diameter to fully encase the group. But if the reinforcement is permanently in contact with the earth, that protection is increased to 3 inches to better guard against soil moisture and aggressive conditions over the life of the structure. So the minimum in permanent proximity to earth is 3 inches. The other options don’t fit because they would provide insufficient protection or exceed the specified requirement.