Field & trade terms
Reinforcement (rebar)
Reinforcement is the steel (deformed bar, welded mesh or both) set inside concrete to take the pulling forces that concrete on its own can't handle. Concrete is strong in compression and weak in tension, so the steel does the tension work, but only if it's the right size, in the right place, and held there while the concrete flows around it. Bar size, spacing, lap length and cover are all specified, and every one of them disappears the moment the pour starts.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Pre-pour concrete checklist
13 items · 23 photos required
Why it matters
Rebar in the wrong place, short on laps, or with too little cover is a structural problem hidden inside a member that looks perfect from outside. Too little concrete cover also lets moisture reach the steel and start it corroding, which spalls the concrete off years later. It's a classic pre-pour hold: cheap to fix while the steel is exposed, impossible after.
What an inspector looks at
The check is bar size and grade, spacing, lap and development lengths, and clear cover held by chairs and spacers off every form face and the ground. Congestion, missing bars and bars tied out of position get logged while the mat is still open to view.
RTI is photo gated, so the reinforcing is documented before concrete, with bar layout, laps and cover shown against the forms as the record that the steel was placed to the drawing and not just assumed.
Standards it's verified against
Checklists that put reinforcement (rebar) to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- FormworkThe temporary molds and bracing that hold wet concrete in shape and position until it's strong enough to stand on its own.
- GroutA flowable cementitious or resin mix used to fill voids, bed plates and cells, or pack the joints between tile or masonry units.
- Anchor boltA bolt cast into or drilled into concrete that ties structure (sill plates, columns, equipment) down to the foundation.
- Embed plateA steel plate with anchors cast flush into concrete so later steel, connections or supports have something to weld or bolt to.
- SheathingThe structural panel skin over studs, rafters or joists that braces the frame and gives cladding, roofing and the barrier a base to attach to.
- UnderlaymentThe layer between structure and finish (under roofing, flooring or tile) that adds water resistance, a smooth base or the right bond surface.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
30-day trial · No card required