Wire Ties vs Zip ties

[SteelPE]

I have a contractor that would like to substitute zip ties for the wire ties for intersecting reinforcing. Is this allowed in accordance with the ACI? Is there any specification that tells you what type of tie is allowed?

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

I know it's allowed, and have specified, zip ties to be used with FRP rebar. I know of nothing that limits zip ties being used for steel rebar but haven't done a thorough check for any limits.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.

http://www.fepc.us

 

[Archie264]

I can't say I like it. I know chairs have plastic on their tips for corrosion protection but they aren't in the compression zone. I can imagine some long, untrimmed portions of the zip tie flapping around in the breeze waiting to be embedded in concrete. At the end of the day it probably wouldn't affect things materially but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I wouldn't want plastic bags falling into the concrete mix either, though I'd be hard-pressed to point you towards a code prohibition against that, per se. Anyway, your question wasn't my opinion on the matter but, rather, what ACI had to say about it. I hope someone can point you to a specific code reference that disallows it but I don't know of one.

 

[hokie66]

I haven't heard of anyone doing it, but like the idea.

 

[SteelPE]

So, I'm not the only one who has no idea about the ties that they use. I know they are to be tied to keep the reinforcing from moving during concrete placement.... but never dug much deeper than this.

 

[hokie66]

Oh, I know full well about steel ties. The problem with them is keeping them out of the cover area, and the corrosion which results. Plastic makes sense, just as it does for chairs. Just haven't seen zip ties used for that purpose. They will cost more, but would be quicker and done with less skill.

 

[Lomarandil]

SteelPE, are we talking about a static, unloaded application? (e.g. mat steel?)

I've never heard of it, but it makes sense -- especially if finding experienced rodbusters is getting as difficult as the other trades.

I've done some work with wire ties for use in loaded applications (wall curtains, braced columns and tripping cages). If you were considering a zip tie for those, I'd want to see some test data -- the tied connections often end up controlling those applications.