Tie After Tie: A Rebar Tying Guide for Builders

The following is an introductory rebar tying guide for builders working with intersecting reinforcing bars.

Rebar Tying Guide

Reinforcing bars are tied at intersections to maintain their position while work is done by other tradespersons or during the placing of concrete. Bars do not need to be tied at every intersection, and ties do not add strength to the finished structure. Typically, depending on the spacing, bars are tied at every second, third or fourth intersection, with at least two ties on each bar. Only coated tie wires should be used to tie coated bars.

The best rebar tying guide is the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) publication, Placing Reinforcing Bar, Chapter 10 - General Principles for Bar Placing, Splicing and Tying.

Rebar tie types are outlined by the CRSI as follows:

• "Snap Tie" – the simplest and is usually used for rebar in a flat horizontal position.
• "Wrap and Snap Tie" – normally used when tying vertical wall reinforcement to hold the bars securely into place.
• "Saddle Tie" – more complicated than A or B, but it's preferred in some parts of the country.
• "Wrap and Saddle Tie” – similar to the saddle tie except that the wire is wrapped one-and-a-half times around the first bar, then completed.
• "Figure Eight Tie" – can be used on walls in lieu of the Wrap and Snap.

For more information on tying reinforcing bars, contact a qualified White Cap rebar expert.

 

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