Technical Guide: Rebar Weight and Bar Bending Schedules (BBS)
Reinforcing steel (rebar) provides tensile capacity in reinforced concrete elements such as beams, columns, foundation mats, and retaining walls. Because steel is procured and delivered by weight (metric tons or pounds), translating structural drawings and bar lengths into accurate weight schedules is essential for cost estimation and site logistics.
Derivation of the d²/162 Rule
In the metric system, the unit weight of rebar is derived from fundamental geometry:
Weight (kg/m) = [π × (d / 2000)² × 1.0 m] × 7850
Weight (kg/m) = (π / 4) × (d² / 1,000,000) × 7850
Weight (kg/m) = d² × 0.006165 = d² / 162.2
How to Account for Laps and Bends
Structural engineering design codes (such as ACI 318 or Eurocode 2) mandate minimum lap splice lengths (frequently between 40d and 50d) to ensure stress transfer between adjacent bars. When compiling a comprehensive Bar Bending Schedule (BBS), always append development lengths, standard 90° or 135° seismic hooks, and rolling tolerance allowances (typically +2% to +5%).