Category: Structure & materials
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A bar bending schedule lists every bar in an element: diameter, shape, lengths, number and weight. The steel fixer cuts and bends from it, and the rebar quantity is calculated from it accurately.
Why it matters on a project
A good schedule cuts waste, prevents shortages on site and makes it easy for the engineer to check reinforcement before the pour.
Measurement and pricing
Weight = total length × unit weight per metre for the bar size, summed in tonnes per element and floor.
Worked example
12 bars of 16 mm at 6.00 m: total length 72 m × 1.58 kg/m = 113.8 kg.
Common mistake
Preparing it from the drawing without laps and anchorage lengths, so shortages appear at fixing.
Frequently asked questions
Who prepares the bar bending schedule?
The contractor or a shop drawing office, checked against the structural drawings before cutting.
Is the schedule enough without a drawing?
No. It comes with a drawing showing bar positions and marks so each bar is fixed in the right place.
Related terms
- Reinforcement (rebar)Steel bars placed inside concrete per bar-bending schedules to strengthen structural elements.
- Shop drawingsDrawings prepared by the contractor or fabricator showing how items are made and installed, approved by the consultant before execution.
- Quantity take-offExtracting quantities from drawings under defined measurement rules, with a reference for every figure.
- Waste allowanceA percentage added to material quantities to cover cutting, damage and site loss.
Read next
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