Isolated Footings in BBS
Isolated footings are used to support individual columns and distribute the load to the soil. The Bar Bending Schedule (BBS) for isolated footings includes calculations for bottom reinforcement, top reinforcement, and side reinforcement if required.
Components of Isolated Footing Reinforcement
- Main Reinforcement: Bars placed at the bottom of the footing to resist tensile stresses.
- Distribution Reinforcement: Bars placed perpendicular to the main reinforcement to distribute the load evenly.
- Side Reinforcement: Provided for deep footings if necessary.
Example of Isolated Footing BBS
Given:
Footing size: 2m x 2m x 0.5m Cover: 50mm Main bar diameter: 16mm Distribution bar diameter: 12mm Spacing of bars: 150mm c/c
Step 1: Calculate Number of Bars
Effective dimensions = Total dimension - 2 x Cover Effective length = 2000mm - 2 x 50mm = 1900mm Effective width = 2000mm - 2 x 50mm = 1900mm Number of main bars = (Effective width / Spacing) + 1 = (1900 / 150) + 1 = 13 bars Number of distribution bars = (Effective length / Spacing) + 1 = (1900 / 150) + 1 = 13 bars
Step 2: Calculate Bar Length
Length of each main bar = Effective length + 2 x Cover = 1900 + 2 x 50 = 2000mm or 2m Length of each distribution bar = Effective width + 2 x Cover = 1900 + 2 x 50 = 2000mm or 2m
Step 3: Total Steel Quantity
Total length of main bars = Number of main bars x Length of each main bar = 13 x 2 = 26m Total length of distribution bars = Number of distribution bars x Length of each distribution bar = 13 x 2 = 26m
Best Practices
- Ensure adequate cover to protect reinforcement from corrosion.
- Follow design specifications for bar spacing and diameter.
- Maintain proper alignment of bars during construction.
By accurately preparing the BBS for isolated footings, construction teams can ensure material optimization and structural safety.