Cutting Rebar in Field 2

[Whiffle]

What are the requirements for cutting rebar in the field? I know torching the rebar is not recommended, but it does happen. Can anyone point me to something code related that says one way or the other?

 

[dik]

For bars 25M and smaller I don't have a problem. The area of steel affected is away from the maximum stress. For bars greater than 25M I like to see them cut with a saw or circular grinder; there's no rational for this, just my preference.

Dik

 

[civilperson]

Who does not recommend torch cutting? Most rebars are sheared, but field fit bars are routinely cut with torch.

 

[dik]

Over the years, I've seen many specs that do not permit flame cutting...

Dik

 

[Whiffle]

Thanks for your comments dik. I've seen it in specs too. I'm told torch cutting weakens the bar in the area around the cut. I'm looking for something from CRSI or ACI that can give some more info.

 

[KBVT]

I don't see much of an issue allowing torch cutting. I have also seen specs limiting torch cutting of bars, but I think this requirement is more applicable to epoxy coated bars due to the melting of the bar coating that would occur. Check out this question/answer link from CRSI. They say that steel within 3/16" of the bar end will be affected by the torch cutting, nothing to really be concerned about in 99.9% of cases.

http://www.crsi.org/contractors/faqs.cfm

 

[dik]

It may affect the metallurgy of the bar in the vicinity of the 'burn' but the area is generally a low stress area and is not consequential. I noted that for 30M and up... I like the bars cut with a grinder and that there really is no rational for this.

Dik