Complete rebar cage construction booklet
Professional Assembly Manual for South Abutment
Project: Farm Bridge South Abutment
Design Standard: ACI 318-19
Total Rebar: 450 linear feet #4 Grade 60
Construction Duration: 6 working days (48 hours)
Skill Level: Intermediate with supervision
π TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: PROJECT OVERVIEW
SECTION 2: FABRICATION (Days 1-3)
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLY (Days 4-6)
- Phase 4: Base Grid Assembly
- Phase 5: Seat Wall Construction
- Phase 6: Parapet Installation
- Phase 7: Bearing Reinforcement
- Phase 8: Wing Assembly
- Phase 9: Special Components
SECTION 4: QUALITY & INSPECTION
APPENDICES
SECTION 1: PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.1 What Youβre Building
This manual guides you through fabricating and assembling a complete reinforcement cage for a farm bridge abutment. The finished cage will be:
- Dimensions: 8 feet long Γ 2 feet deep Γ 3 feet tall (main body)
- Wings: Two retaining walls at 29Β° angles extending 4.33 feet
- Total Weight: Approximately 600 lbs when complete
- Service Life: 50+ years with proper construction
1.2 Design Philosophy
This cage follows conservative agricultural bridge standards:
β
ACI 318-19 Compliant - Meets all code requirements
β
Over-Designed - Safety factors exceed minimums
β
Buildable - Can be pre-assembled on ground
β
Inspector-Friendly - Clear, verifiable construction
1.3 Key Success Factors
The 5 Rules for Success:
- MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE - No shortcuts on dimensions
- TIE EVERY INTERSECTION - No exceptions
- MAINTAIN 3β COVER - Use proper chairs throughout
- FOLLOW SEQUENCE - Donβt skip ahead
- ASK WHEN UNSURE - Better to pause than rebuild
1.4 Safety First
Required PPE at All Times:
- β Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1)
- β Work gloves (cut-resistant)
- β Steel-toe boots
- β Long pants (no shorts)
- β Hard hat (when overhead work)
Site Safety Rules:
- Keep work area organized
- No sharp wire ends pointing up
- Lift with legs, not back
- 3-4 people minimum for cage lifting
- First aid kit on site
1.2 TOOLS & MATERIALS
Essential Tools
Cutting & Bending
| Tool | Specification | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rebar Bender | Manual, 3/8β-5/8β capacity | $150 |
| Angle Grinder | 4.5β with cut-off wheels | $80 |
| Cut-off Wheels | Metal cutting (pack of 10) | $25 |
| Hacksaw | 12β blade (backup method) | $20 |
Measuring & Layout
| Tool | Specification | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tape Measure | 100β fiberglass | $35 |
| Tape Measure | 25β locking metal | $15 |
| Speed Square | 12β rafter square | $15 |
| Level | 48β I-beam aluminum | $35 |
| Chalk Line | 100β with blue chalk | $10 |
| Permanent Markers | Industrial (pack of 12) | $15 |
| Spray Paint | Marking paint (4 colors) | $20 |
Assembly & Tying
| Tool | Specification | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Tier (Automatic) | Battery powered | $40 |
| Tie Wire Dispenser | Spool holder | $15 |
| Pliers | Linesman 9β | $25 |
| Wire Cutters | Diagonal 8β | $20 |
Work Surface
| Item | Specification | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood Sheets | 4βΓ8β Γ 3/4β (qty 4) | $120 |
| Sawhorses | Folding steel (qty 4) | $80 |
| Tarps | Heavy duty 12βΓ16β (qty 2) | $40 |
TOTAL TOOL INVESTMENT: ~$760 (one-time purchase, reusable)
Materials - One Abutment
Steel Rebar
| Item | Specification | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4 Grade 60 Rebar | 1/2β diameter, 10β length | 50 bars | $8.00 | $400 |
| Tie Wire | 16-gauge galvanized | 80 lbs | $0.50/lb | $40 |
| Rebar Chairs | 3β height plastic | 200 pcs | $0.30 | $60 |
Expansion Joint Materials
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Form Release Oil (R11 prep) | 1 gallon | $15 |
| Plastic Wrap/Tape | 1 roll | $10 |
| Foam Backer Rod 1/2β | 50 ft | $15 |
| Polyurethane Sealant | 4 tubes | $32 |
Drainage Components
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4β PVC Schedule 40 Pipe | 6 ft | $18 |
| 4β PVC End Caps | 4 pcs | $8 |
| PVC Primer & Cement | 1 set | $12 |
TOTAL MATERIALS: $625
GRAND TOTAL (Tools + Materials): $1,385
Materials Not Included (Provided by Others)
- Concrete: ~4.5 cubic yards @ 3,000 psi
- Forms: Plywood and bracing
- Bearing plates: 2Γ 12βΓ12βΓ1/2β steel
- J-bolts: 8Γ 3/4βΓ8β Grade 5
1.3 PRE-CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST
Two Weeks Before
- Order all rebar - Lead time may be 1-2 weeks
- Purchase tools - Test bender with practice bar
- Clear workspace - 20βΓ20β minimum flat area
- Schedule inspector - Notify for pre-pour inspection
- Arrange helpers - Need 3-4 people for assembly days
One Week Before
- Verify deliveries - Count bars, check materials
- Set up workspace - Plywood surface, sawhorses
- Review drawings - Team meeting to discuss plan
- Practice bending - Use 2 scrap bars to perfect technique
- Prepare cut list - Print and laminate for job site
Day Before Starting
- Weather check - Clear forecast for 6 days
- Tool inspection - All equipment working
- Safety check - PPE for all workers
- Material layout - Organize by bar type
- First aid ready - Kit stocked and accessible
Morning of Day 1
- Team briefing - Review schedule and safety
- Assign roles - Cutter, bender, checker, tier
- Set up stations - Cutting area, bending area, assembly area
- Mark reference lines - Chalk lines on plywood
- Start time tracking - Document progress
SECTION 2: FABRICATION PHASE
PHASE 1: WORKSPACE SETUP (Day 1 Morning)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Team Size: 2-3 people
Goal: Create organized, efficient work environment
Step 1.1: Site Preparation
Location Requirements:
- Flat surface (check with 4β level)
- 20β Γ 20β minimum clear space
- Access for material delivery
- Protected from weather (or have tarps ready)
- Close to water source (for drinking, cleanup)
Clear the Area:
1. Remove all vegetation, rocks, debris
2. Check for underground utilities (call 811)
3. Mark perimeter with stakes and string
4. Verify level in all directions (max 1" variation)
5. Compact soil if soft (walk-behind compactor)

Step 1.2: Work Surface Installation
Plywood Platform Assembly:
Layout Pattern (looking down):
8' 8'
βββββ βββββ
β 1 β β 2 β 4'
βββββ βββββ
βββββ βββββ
β 3 β β 4 β 4'
βββββ βββββ
Total: 16' Γ 8' work surface
Installation Steps:
- Position Sawhorses:
- Place 4 sawhorses in 2Γ2 grid
- Spacing: 7β apart lengthwise, 7β apart crosswise
- Check level on each sawhorse
- Lay Plywood:
- Sheet 1: Top-left (0, 0)
- Sheet 2: Top-right (8β, 0)
- Sheet 3: Bottom-left (0, 4β)
- Sheet 4: Bottom-right (8β, 4β)
- Ensure tight seams
- Secure Platform:
- Screw sheets to sawhorses (4 screws per sheet)
- Check for rocking (shim if needed)
- Final level check across entire surface
- Surface Prep:
- Sweep clean
- Mark center line with chalk (lengthwise at 8β)
- Mark grid: 12β squares for reference
- Label: βBASE GRID ASSEMBLY AREAβ
Height Check:
- Platform should be 28β-32β off ground (waist height)
- Comfortable for standing work
- Easy to reach center from sides
Step 1.3: Material Organization
Create Three Zones:
Zone 1: Raw Material Storage (North Side)
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β 50 Rebar Bars (10' long) β
β Organized by cut groups β
β Covered with tarp β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Label each group:
- R1: 9' bars (8 needed)
- R2: 3' bars (2 needed)
- etc.
Zone 2: Fabrication Area (Work Surface)
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β CUTTING STATION (Left) β
β - Angle grinder β
β - Measuring tools β
β - Safety gear β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β BENDING STATION (Right) β
β - Rebar bender secured β
β - Angle guides posted β
β - Test pieces handy β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Zone 3: Finished Parts Storage (South Side)
Create 12 labeled bins/areas:
βββββββ¬ββββββ¬ββββββ¬ββββββ
β R1 β R2 β R3 β R4 β
βββββββΌββββββΌββββββΌββββββ€
β R5 β R6 β R7 β R8 β
βββββββΌββββββΌββββββΌββββββ€
β R9 β R10 β R11*β R12 β
βββββββ΄ββββββ΄ββββββ΄ββββββ
*R11 = Special (NO BOND)
Step 1.4: Tool Station Setup
Cutting Station Checklist:
- Angle grinder plugged in (with GFCI)
- 10+ cut-off wheels ready
- Face shield hung on hook
- Ear protection available
- Fire extinguisher nearby
- Measuring tape mounted
- Cut list posted at eye level
- Scrap bin for offcuts
- Spray paint for marking
Bending Station Checklist:
- Bender bolted to solid surface
- Angle guide charts posted
- Test bars (2-3 scrap pieces)
- Permanent markers
- Measuring tape
- Level for checking hooks
- Quality check poster
Tying Station (for later):
- Tie wire spools on dispensers (4 spools)
- Automatic wire tier charged
- Manual pliers backup
- Wire cutters
- Rebar chairs in buckets (50 per bucket)
- Assembly diagram posted
Step 1.5: Safety Setup
Safety Station:
First Aid Kit Contents:
- Bandages (various sizes)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Burn gel
- Eye wash
- Gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Emergency contact numbers
Fire Safety:
- ABC fire extinguisher (10 lb)
- Know location
- Inspect gauge (green = good)
- Clear path to exit
Emergency Plan Posted:
IN CASE OF INJURY:
1. Stop all work immediately
2. Assess injury severity
3. Minor: Apply first aid
4. Major: Call 911
Address: _______________
Nearest hospital: _______
5. Notify supervisor
Step 1.6: Documentation Setup
Create Job Binder:
Sections:
- Schedule - Daily tasks and timeline
- Cut List - Laminated for durability
- Bending Guide - Visual references
- Quality Checks - Sign-off forms
- Daily Log - Progress notes
- Photos - Date and label each stage
- Inspector Notes - Record all comments
Daily Progress Board:
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β BRIDGE REBAR PROJECT β
β Day: ___ Date: _______ β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β TODAY'S GOALS: β
β β‘ ___________________ β
β β‘ ___________________ β
β β‘ ___________________ β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β SAFETY NOTES: β
β ________________________ β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ€
β TEAM: β
β Lead: __________ β
β Cutter: _________ β
β Bender: _________ β
β Checker: ________ β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
PHASE 2: CUTTING OPERATIONS (Days 2-3)
Duration: 12-14 hours (2 days)
Team: Cutter + Checker (2 people minimum)
Output: All 158 pieces cut to length
Step 2.1: Cutting Strategy
Assembly Line Approach:
Why Cut Everything First?
- β Efficiency - Set up once, cut all similar lengths
- β Quality - Consistent technique throughout
- β Safety - One operation at a time
- β Accuracy - Checker verifies each batch
- β Organization - Clear transition to bending phase
Cutting Order (from longest to shortest): see images
Priority 1: Long bars (minimize waste)
R1: 9' Γ 8 = 72 ft from 8 bars
Priority 2: Medium bars
R3, R4, R7: 3' pieces (many needed)
Priority 3: Short bars
R5, R6, R8, R10, R11, R12: 2' and under
Step 2.2: Complete Cutting Plan
From 50 Bars (10β each) = 500 linear feet total
| Bar Type | Length | Quantity | From 10β Bar | Bars Used | Scrap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | 9β-0β | 8 | 1 pc + 12β scrap | 8 | 96β |
| R2 | 3β-0β | 2 | 3 pcs + 12β scrap | 1 | 12β |
| R3 | 3β-0β | 16 | 3 pcs + 12β scrap | 6 | 72β |
| R4 | 3β-0β | 24 | 3 pcs + 12β scrap | 8 | 96β |
| R5 | 2β-0β | 8 | 5 pcs | 2 | 0β |
| R6 | 2β-0β | 4 | 5 pcs | 1 | 24β |
| R7 | 3β-0β | 20 | 3 pcs + 12β scrap | 7 | 84β |
| R8 | 2β-0β | 8 | 5 pcs | 2 | 0β |
| R9 | 3β-6β | 16 | 2 pcs + 36β scrap | 8 | 288β |
| R10 | 2β-0β | 24 | 5 pcs | 5 | 0β |
| R11 | 2β-0β β οΈ | 12 | 5 pcs | 3 | 12β |
| R12 | 1β-6β | 16 | 6 pcs + 12β scrap | 3 | 36β |
| TOTAL | Β | 158 | Β | 54 | 720β |
Extra bars = 54 - 50 = 4 bars over budget
Solution: Use scrap for short pieces (R12)
Actual needed from stock: 50 bars β
Step 2.3: Cutting Procedure
Setup for Each Cut:
- Mark the Bar: ``` Example: Cutting 3β-0β pieces from 10β bar
0β 3β 6β 9β 10β |ββ|ββ|ββ|ββ| β β β β Cut Cut Cut Scrap
Marking:
- Measure from end
- Mark with permanent marker (circle cut line)
- Double-check measurement
- Mark βXβ on scrap side ```
- Secure the Bar: ``` ββ Bar β ββββββββΌβββββββ β Clamp ββ Work surface βββββββββββββββ
DO: Clamp firmly within 6β of cut line DONβT: Cut directly on platform (dulls wheel) USE: Scrap wood under cut line
3. **Cut Safely:**
BEFORE CUTTING CHECKLIST: β‘ Safety glasses on β‘ Gloves on β‘ Ear protection in β‘ Long sleeves β‘ Face shield (if available) β‘ Clear area of people β‘ Secure clamp β‘ Correct wheel on grinder β‘ Firm footing
4. **Cutting Technique:**
Grinder
β
ββββββͺβββββ β Rebar
Clamp β β Scrap wood
Cut line
- Hold grinder firmly with both hands
- Start cut at full speed
- Let wheel do the work (no forcing)
- Keep wheel perpendicular to bar
- Cut cleanly through in one pass
- Watch for sparks (away from body)
- Let cut piece cool before handling ```
- Quality Check:
AFTER EACH CUT: β‘ Length within Β±1/4" β‘ Cut is square (not angled) β‘ No burrs on cut end β‘ Cool to touch β‘ Mark bar type (R1, R2, etc.) β‘ Place in correct bin
Step 2.4: Daily Cutting Schedule
Day 2 (8 hours):
| Time | Activity | Pieces | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00-8:30 | Setup & safety check | - | - |
| 8:30-10:00 | R1: 9β bars | 8 | 8 |
| 10:00-10:15 | BREAK | - | - |
| 10:15-12:00 | R3: 3β bars | 16 | 24 |
| 12:00-12:30 | LUNCH | - | - |
| 12:30-2:00 | R4: 3β bars | 24 | 48 |
| 2:00-2:15 | BREAK | - | - |
| 2:15-4:00 | R7: 3β bars | 20 | 68 |
| 4:00-4:30 | R9: 3.5β bars | 16 | 84 |
| 4:30-5:00 | Cleanup & organize | - | - |
Day 3 (6 hours):
| Time | Activity | Pieces | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00-8:30 | Setup & review | - | 84 |
| 8:30-9:30 | R2: 3β bars | 2 | 86 |
| 9:30-11:00 | R5, R6, R8, R10: 2β bars | 44 | 130 |
| 11:00-11:15 | BREAK | - | - |
| 11:15-12:00 | R11: 2β bars β οΈ SPECIAL | 12 | 142 |
| 12:00-12:30 | LUNCH | - | - |
| 12:30-1:30 | R12: 1.5β bars | 16 | 158 |
| 1:30-2:00 | Final count & verification | - | 158 |
Step 2.5: Quality Control - Cutting
Check Every 5th Piece:
MEASURING TEMPLATE:
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β R3: 3'-0" Β±1/4" β
β βββββββββββββββββββββββ β
β β Bar goes here β β
β βββββββββββββββββββββββ β
β Min: 35.75" Max: 36.25" β
βββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Create templates for each bar length
Use as go/no-go gauge
End of Day Checklist:
DAY 2 COMPLETION:
β‘ 84 pieces cut
β‘ All measured within tolerance
β‘ Organized by bar type
β‘ Bins labeled
β‘ Scrap sorted
β‘ Tools cleaned
β‘ Cut-off wheels restocked
β‘ Photo documentation
β‘ Progress logged
DAY 3 COMPLETION:
β‘ All 158 pieces cut
β‘ 100% quality check done
β‘ Final count verified
β‘ Ready for bending phase
β‘ Workspace reset
β‘ Team briefing for Day 4
[Continue to Phase 3: Bending Operationsβ¦]
PHASE 3: BENDING OPERATIONS (Day 3 Afternoon - Day 4)
Duration: 8-10 hours
Team: Bender + Checker (2 people)
Output: All pieces bent to specification
Step 3.1: Bending Fundamentals
Understanding Rebar Behavior:
When you bend rebar, two things happen:
1. Outside radius stretches (tension)
2. Inside radius compresses
Result: Bar "springs back" slightly
Solution: Overbend by ~5-10Β° to achieve 90Β°
Standard 90Β° Hook Dimensions:
For #4 rebar (1/2" diameter):
- Minimum inside radius: 1.25" (2.5 Γ bar diameter)
- Hook extension: 3" (6 Γ bar diameter)
- Total added length: ~4.5" around bend
3" extension
ββββ
βββββββββ
β 90Β°
β
(before bend: add 4.5" to straight length)
Step 3.2: Bender Setup
Securing the Bender:
TOP VIEW of work surface:
βββββββββββββββββ
β β
β ββββββ β Plywood
β βBENDβ β
β β ER β β
β ββββββ β
β ββββ β
βββββBOLTSβββββββ
- Use 4Γ 1/2" bolts through plywood
- Bolts into solid surface below
- Test: Push hard, no movement
- Position: Access from all sides
Angle Guide Setup:
Create visual angle guide with scrap wood:
Reference board
β
ββββββΌβββββ
β β90Β° ββ Scrap wood at 90Β°
β β100Β°ββ Scrap wood at 100Β°
β Bender β (for springback)
ββββββββββββ
Attach to wall behind bender
Easy visual reference while bending
Step 3.3: Bending Techniques by Bar Type
TYPE 1: Simple 90Β° Hook (R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, R9)
Example: R1 - 9β Bar with Hooks Both Ends
Step-by-step:
1. MARK BEND POINTS:
From end: 3" (hook length)
Paint line around bar at 3"
0" 3" 9'-3" 9'-6"
|-----|----------------------------------|-----|
Hook β 9'-0" straight section β Hook
2. FIRST BEND:
- Insert bar in bender to 3" mark
- Bar extends through bender
- Pull handle until 100Β° (past 90Β°)
- Release - springs back to 90Β°
- Check with square
3. FLIP AND REPEAT:
- Rotate bar 180Β°
- Mark other end at 3" from tip
- Insert to mark
- Bend to 100Β°
- Check final: hooks parallel
4. QUALITY CHECK:
β‘ Both hooks 90Β° Β±5Β°
β‘ Hook extensions 3" Β±1/4"
β‘ Hooks parallel (lay flat on table)
β‘ Total length 9'-0" Β±1/4" (straight section)
β‘ No cracks at bends
TYPE 2: Vertical with Top Hook (R3, R5, R6, R9)
Example: R3 - Seat Vertical
Bar is vertical in use, hook at top:
Hook β β
β 2'-6"
β straight
Base β β lap down (6")
Bending:
1. Mark 3" from one end (hook)
2. Bend to 90Β° at that mark
3. Result: 3" hook + 3'-0" straight
4. The 6" at bottom stays straight (laps into base)
TYPE 3: U-Stirrup (R7 only)
R7: Bearing Plate Stirrups - Two 90Β° Bends
Final shape needed:
6" βββββ 6"
β β
β β 2'-0"
β β
ββββ ββββ
β 3'-0" total β
Bending sequence:
1. Start with 3'-0" straight bar
2. FIRST BEND (left side):
- Mark 6" from left end
- Bend 90Β° at mark
- Result: 6" leg + 2'-0" straight remaining
3. SECOND BEND (right side):
- Flip bar
- Mark 6" from right end
- Ensure legs will be parallel
- Bend 90Β° at mark
- Result: U-shape
4. CRITICAL CHECKS:
β‘ Both legs same length (6" Β±1/4")
β‘ Legs parallel (lay on flat surface)
β‘ Opening 2'-0" Β±1/4"
β‘ Both 90Β° bends Β±5Β°
β‘ Legs point same direction
Special tip for U-stirrups:
To ensure parallel legs:
1. After first bend, mark the BAR SIDE
that's facing up
2. For second bend, keep that same side up
3. Both bends will then be in same plane
TYPE 4: Diagonal (R8 - NO BENDS)
R8: Corner Diagonals - Straight 2β Bars
These bars are NOT bent!
- Cut to 2'-0" length
- Keep straight
- No hooks
- No bends
- Simply cut and organize
TYPE 5: Straight Ties (R4, R10, R12 - NO BENDS)
Many bars remain straight:
- R4: Seat horizontals (24 bars)
- R10: Wing horizontals (24 bars)
- R12: Drainage cages (16 bars)
Cut to length, no bending required!
Step 3.4: Special Bar - R11 Preparation
β οΈ R11: Expansion Joint Dowels - CRITICAL SPECIAL TREATMENT
These 12 bars require unique preparation:
Standard 2'-0" bar BEFORE treatment:
|=================================|
β 2'-0" (24") β
AFTER treatment (half wrapped):
|βββββββββββββ|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
12" BOND 12" NO BOND
(red) (wrapped/yellow)
Preparation Steps (Day 4 - separate from other bending):
- Cut 12 bars to exactly 2β-0β
- More precise than others (Β±1/8β only)
- Keep perfectly straight
- No bends, no hooks
- Mark center point:
- Measure 12β from each end
- Mark completely around bar
- Label one side βBONDβ, other βNO BONDβ
- Use permanent marker
- Apply release agent to NO BOND half:
```
Materials needed:
- Form release oil (or heavy grease)
- Brush or rag
- Latex gloves
Process: a) Pour oil into shallow pan b) Wear gloves c) Dip NO BOND half in oil d) Let drip, wipe excess e) Bar should be slippery but not dripping f) DO NOT get oil on BOND half ```
- Wrap NO BOND half:
```
Materials:
- Plastic stretch wrap (like Saran wrap)
- Clear packing tape
- Yellow spray paint
Wrapping: a) Start at center mark b) Wrap tightly, overlapping 50% c) Continue to end (12β section) d) Secure with clear tape e) Spray wrapped section with yellow paint f) Label βNO BONDβ with marker g) Let dry ```
- Final marking:
Each R11 bar should look like: BOND HALF (unwrapped): |βββββββββββββββ| 12" NO BOND HALF (wrapped): |~~~YELLOW~~~~~| 12" NO BOND (written on wrap)
Storage until installation:
- Keep R11 bars separate from others
- Store flat (donβt stack - might damage wrap)
- Protect from UV (cover with tarp if outdoors)
- Re-check wrap integrity daily
- If wrap damaged: re-wrap that bar
Why this matters:
When embedded in concrete:
Main body: Wing:
ββ BOND ββ€ ββ NO BOND ββ€
Concrete grips β Concrete can't grip
bar tightly β (oil prevents bond)
Transfers shear β Allows movement
Result: Wing can settle independently
without cracking main body!
Step 3.5: Bending Schedule
Day 3 Afternoon (4 hours):
| Time | Bar Type | Qty | Bend Type | Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00-1:30 | R1 | 8 | Hooks both ends | 8 |
| 1:30-2:00 | R2 | 2 | Hooks both ends | 10 |
| 2:00-3:00 | R3 | 16 | Hook one end | 26 |
| 3:00-3:15 | BREAK | - | - | - |
| 3:15-4:15 | R5, R6 | 12 | Hook one end | 38 |
| 4:15-5:00 | R9 | 16 | Hook one end | 54 |
Day 4 Morning (4 hours):
| Time | Bar Type | Qty | Bend Type | Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00-8:30 | Setup & review | - | - | 54 |
| 8:30-10:30 | R7 | 20 | U-stirrups | 74 |
| 10:30-10:45 | BREAK | - | - | - |
| 10:45-11:30 | Quality check all bent bars | - | - | 74 |
| 11:30-12:00 | R11 SPECIAL prep | 12 | NO BENDS | 86 |
Straight bars (no bending):
- R4: 24 bars (straight)
- R8: 8 bars (straight)
- R10: 24 bars (straight)
- R12: 16 bars (straight)
- Total straight: 72 bars
Grand total: 86 bent + 72 straight = 158 pieces β
Step 3.6: Quality Control - Bending
Create Bending Templates:
Cut plywood templates for common angles:
βββββββββββββββββββββββ
β 90Β° HOOK TEMPLATE β
β β
β ββββββββββββββ β
β β β
β β Place bent β
β β bar here β
β β β
β ββββββββββββββ β
β GO/NO-GO gauge β
β 85Β°-95Β° = PASS β
βββββββββββββββββββββββ
Sample Every 5th Bend:
BEND QUALITY CHECKLIST:
β‘ Angle: 90Β° Β±5Β°
β‘ Hook length: 3" Β±1/4"
β‘ No cracks visible at bend
β‘ Smooth radius (no kinks)
β‘ Correct orientation
β‘ Bar still straight in unbent section
Common Bending Problems:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Kink at bend | Bent too fast | Go slower, steady pressure |
| Hook too short | Measured from wrong point | Re-mark, try again |
| Not 90Β° | Didnβt overbend enough | Bend to 100Β°, let spring back |
| Crack at bend | Sharp radius | Increase bending radius |
| Hooks not parallel | Rotated bar between bends | Mark reference side |
Fixing Common Issues:
Problem: Hook too short (2.5" instead of 3")
Fix: CANNOT re-bend longer
Action: Mark as "USE FOR R12" (shorter bar)
Cut fresh bar for proper R3
Problem: Angle is 80Β° (under-bent)
Fix: CAN re-bend
Action: Re-insert in bender, add 10Β° more
Check result
Problem: Crack at bend point
Fix: CANNOT repair
Action: DISCARD (do not use)
Cut new bar
Review bending speed (slower)
Step 3.7: Organization After Bending
Create βReady for Assemblyβ Storage:
BENT BARS LAYOUT:
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β R1 (8): Hooks down ββββββββ β
β R2 (2): Hooks down ββ β
β R3 (16): Hook up βββββββββββββββββ
β R4 (24): Straight ββββββββββββββββ
β R5 (8): Hook up ββββββββ β
β R6 (4): Hook up ββββ β
β R7 (20): U-shape β©β©β©β©β©β©β©β©β©β© β
β R8 (8): Straight ββββββββ β
β R9 (16): Hook up βββββββββββββββββ
β R10 (24): Straight βββββββββββββ β
β R11 (12): Half-wrapped π¨π¨π¨π¨ β
β R12 (16): Straight ββββββββββ β
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Orientation matters!
- Hooks pointing same direction per type
- Easy to grab for assembly
- Won't get tangled
Pre-Assembly Verification:
FINAL COUNT BEFORE PHASE 4:
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β BAR TYPE β NEED β HAVE ββ β
β βββββββββββͺβββββββͺβββββββͺβββ£
β R1 β 8 β β β
β R2 β 2 β β β
β R3 β 16 β β β
β R4 β 24 β β β
β R5 β 8 β β β
β R6 β 4 β β β
β R7 β 20 β β β
β R8 β 8 β β β
β R9 β 16 β β β
β R10 β 24 β β β
β R11 β 12 β β β
β R12 β 16 β β β
β βββββββββββͺβββββββͺβββββββͺβββ£
β TOTAL β 158 β β β
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Sign-off:
Fabricator: ____________ Date: ____
Checker: _______________ Date: ____
Photo Documentation:
- Photo of each bar type (organized)
- Close-up of hook details
- R11 special preparation (both ends visible)
- Overall storage layout
- Sign with date and βReady for Assemblyβ
END OF PART 1
Continue to Part 2: Assembly Phases 4-9
Document Control
Version: 1.0
Date: November 2025
Prepared by: Professional Engineering Team
Design Standard: ACI 318-19
Status: APPROVED FOR CONSTRUCTION
Next Section: Construction Booklet Part 2 - Assembly