Maximum spacing of reinforcement in footings

[KGL]

We have a discussion going on in our office regarding the maximum spacing of reinforcement in footings. I have always operated under the premise that there was a maximum spacing limitation of 18 inches. I have attempted to find this in the ACI-318 code but I can only find this as a limit for walls and slabs in section 7.6. Could someone out there help me on this one? Thanks

 

[benjaminmarra]

ACI 10.5.4 ...3 times thickness or 18" max.

 

[henri2]

I feel Sec 7.6.5 should be ammended down the line to include flexural steel in footings because most field inspectors(unless they are engineers) typically refer to Chapters 1 through 7. Also after the ammendement, 10.5.4 should cross refrence 7.6.5.

BTW, suppose a heavily loaded spread footing requires top mat reinforcement in addition to the bottom mat tension steel. What would be the maximum required spacing between individual bars in the top mat?

 

[KGL]

benjaminarra and henri2,

Thanks for the assistance. I knew there something in the code that addressed this.