Demystifying Bar Bending Schedules: A Comprehensive Guide to Calculation, Preparation, and Standards (BS 4466)

What Is Bar Bending Schedule?

Bar bending is calculating of steel quantity that calls bar bending schedule. The preparation of bar bending schedules is one of the final stages in any concrete design following the preparation and detailing of the working drawings.

Whereas the procedure is generally straightforward, it does require a certain amount of calculation which can readily be carried out with the aid of a computer program. The program in this section calculates the lengths of reinforcing bars required and outputs a bar bending schedule table together with the total weight of steel.

Why Calculating of Bar Schedule?

1. A requirement of steel in the project
2. Labor cost
3. Project monitoring
4. Material reconciliation
5. Contol of Wastage in steel etc..

As per the above point reason of bar bending schedule.

Preparation of Bar Bending Schedule as Per Bs 4466

As per BS (British Standard) 4466:1989

1. Form of Schedule as Per Bs 4466
2. Form of Fabric Schedule
3. Preferred Shapes, Their Method of Calculation and Measurement of the Length
4. Other Shapes, Their Method of Calculation and Measurement of the Length
5. Minimum Former Radii, Book and Bend Allowances
6. Scheduling 
7. Bends and Hooks
8. Tolerances on Cutting and Bending Dimensions

Form of Schedule as Per BS 4466

From of Bar Schedule

Form of fabric schedule

Preferred Shapes, Their Method of Calculation and Measurement of the Length

Shape code	Method of measurement of bending dimensions	Total length of bar (L) measured along centreline
20		A
32		A + h
33		A + 2h
34		A + n Where the overall dimension of the bob is critical, use shape code 37
35		A + 2n Where the overall dimension of either bob is critical, do not use this shape code
37		A + (B) –½r–d This formula is approximate Where r is greater than the minimum value inTable 3 use shape code 51
38		A + B + (C) –r –2d
41		If angle with the horizontal are 45° or less,A + B + (C) length formula is near about and when bending angles exceed 45 ° the length could be calculated more accurately allowing for this difference between the specified overall the true length and dimensions measured along the central axis of this bar or wire.
43		If angle with the horizontal are 45° or less,A + 2B + C + (E) length formula is near about and when bending angles exceed 45 ° the length could be calculated more accurately allowing for this difference between the specified overall the true length and dimensions measured along the central axis of this bar or wire.
51		A + (B) –1/2R – d This formula is approximate R is minimum, use shape code 37If R is greater than 200 mm
61		2(A + B)+ 12d Neither A nor B are to be less than 12d or 150 mm, whichever is the greater, for grade 460 in size not exceeding 20 mm nor less than 14d for size of 25 mm and over Neither A nor B are to be less than 10d for grade250 with a minimum value of A and B of 100 mm
62		If angle with the horizontal is 45° or less,A + (C)
82		length formula is near about and when bending angles exceed 45 ° the length could be calculated more accurately allowing for this difference between the specified overall the true length and dimensions measured along the central axis of this bar or wire.2A + 3B + 18d If B is greater than 400 + 2 d

Table: 1

Other Shapes, Their Method of Calculation and Measurement of the Length

Shape code	Method of measurement of bending dimensions	Total length of bar (L) measured along centreline
39		A + 0.57B + (C) –1.57dIf B is greater than400 + 2d, If B is greater than 400 + 2d
42		If the angle with horizontal is 45° or less, A + B + C + n
45		If the angle with horizontal is 45° or less A + B + (C) –1/2r –d
49		If the angle with horizontal is 45° or less, A + B + (C)
52		A + B + C + (D) –11/2r–3d
53		A + B + C + D + (E) –2r –4d
54		A + B + (C) – r + 2d
55		A + B + C + D + (E) – 2r – 4d
65		A
77		2A + B + 20d
78		2A + B + C +3d
79		2A + 3B + 10d : Neither A nor B aren’t to be more than 12dor150mm, whichever is the greater, for grade460in sizes not exceeding 20 mm more than 14d for sizes of 25 mm and over. Neither A nor B aren’t to be more than 10d for grade250 with a minimum value of A and Bof100mm
85		A + B + 0.57 C + (D) – 1/2r –2.57d IfCisgreaterthan 400 + 2d
87		Where B is not greater than A/5 (C/B)π(A-d) (L≤12m) where A is the external dia (in mm)B is the pitch in helix (in mm)C is the overall height in helix (in mm)there B is greater than A/5 the formula doesn’t apply. There may be at least two full turns in the helix.

Table: 2

Minimum Former Radii, Book and Bend Allowances

Table: 3

Scheduling

1. Each sheet or bar of fabric should be scheduled completely and without any reference to earlier schedules. Such as descriptions  “See schedule 12” or “As before” shall not be used
2. The preferred shape codes to be used shall be as given in Table 1. Table 2 gives other shape codes that may be required. Shapes that do not have a specific shape code number given in Table 1 or Table 2
3. For shapes without an end anchorage, the
   dimension shown in parentheses in Table 1 and Table 2 shall be the variable dimension to allow for the permissible deviations
4. No dimension given in Table 1 or Table 2 shall be given a zero value, as this changes the basic shape.
5. If the angle between both portions of the shaped meeting at a bend isn’t a right angle, it should be given and shall be defined by co-ordinates and not by degrees of arc.
6. The overall off-set dimension of a crank should be not less than twice the size of the bar or wire.
7. The angled length as shown in Figure 6 shall be not less than 10d for grade 250 nor less than 12d for grade 460 in sizes of less than 20 mm nor less than 14d for grade 460 in sizes of 25 mm and over.
8. Or all shapes with two or more bends into the same or opposite directions, the overall dimension is given on the schedule shall always include a minimum straight of 4d between the curved portion of the bends, as shown in as per the below figure. The value of x in as per below figure  shall be not less than the following:

The minimum length of material to be given on this schedule to form a hook or bend shall be as given for n or h respectively inTable 3.

Bends and Hooks

Before taking into account the cumulative cutting tolerances, the nominal value for y in table 3 shall be calculated as follows:

• 1. For a bend, n – 0.57r+ 0.21d;
  2. For a hook, h–2.14r– 0.57d

Tolerances on Cutting and Bending Dimensions

The tolerances given in Table 4 shall apply for cutting and/or bending dimensions and should be taken in the account then completing the schedule. The end anchorage or the dimension in parentheses into the shape codes given inTable 1 and Table 2 shall be used to allow for any permissible deviations resulting from cutting and bending.

Cutting and bending tolerances

Radius of Bending in Reinforcement

Reinforcement to be formed into a radius exceeding that given in Table 5 shall be supplied straight.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) you can include in your article about bar bending schedules:

What Is a Bar Bending Schedule (Bbs)?

A bar bending schedule (BBS) is a detailed report that provides information about the quantity, type, and placement of reinforcing steel bars (rebars) in a reinforced concrete structure.

Why Is a Bar Bending Schedule Important in Construction Projects?

A BBS is crucial for ensuring accurate placement of reinforcement, meeting structural requirements, controlling material wastage, and estimating costs accurately.

What Information Does a Typical Bar Bending Schedule Include?

A BBS typically includes details such as bar mark (identification), bar size and type, bending shapes and dimensions, lengths of bars required, total weight of steel, and tolerances for cutting and bending.

How Is a Bar Bending Schedule Prepared?

Preparation involves interpreting structural drawings, calculating the required lengths and shapes of rebars according to design specifications (such as BS 4466), and detailing these in a systematic schedule format.

What Are the Benefits of Using Standardized Codes Like Bs 4466 for Bar Bending Schedules?

Standards like BS 4466 ensure uniformity, clarity, and accuracy in bar bending schedules, facilitating easier comprehension, fabrication, and inspection by contractors, engineers, and inspectors.

Can Bar Bending Schedules Be Generated Using Software?

Yes, modern construction management software often includes tools for automating the creation of bar bending schedules, which can save time, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency in construction projects.

How Do Tolerances Affect Bar Bending Schedules?

Tolerances specified in bar bending schedules account for permissible deviations in cutting and bending dimensions, ensuring that the fabricated rebars meet the design requirements without compromising structural integrity.

What Considerations Should Be Taken into Account When Creating a Bar Bending Schedule?

Factors such as bar placement, bending radius, minimum straight lengths for bends and hooks, and adherence to local building codes and regulations are critical in creating accurate bar bending schedules.

Who Uses Bar Bending Schedules in Construction Projects?

Bar bending schedules are used by structural engineers, contractors, steel fabricators, and site supervisors to ensure proper reinforcement detailing, compliance with design drawings, and quality control in construction.

How Does a Bar Bending Schedule Contribute to Project Management?

A well-prepared BBS helps in resource planning, material procurement, labor management, and progress monitoring, thereby contributing to efficient project execution and timely completion.