Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets

A spacer according to DIN 1045 and DBV

1 rules and DBV data sheets

In the current regulations of concrete construction, the demands on the quality of construction of
sophisticated controlled than before. In this context, some DBV leaflets are quoted or made the
basis of planning and construction.

► specialized topics ► reinforcement

► Publications ► Leaflet Collection
Table set offers a selection of manufacturers and spacers that match the requirements of the
DBV data sheet "Spacers". The selection of the suitable for the construction projects spacer is
the responsibility of the planner or the construction

Introduction, here are a compilation of the rule references:

[1] DIN 1045-1, 4.2.1 reinforcement drawings

(3) In the reinforcement drawings shall cover in particular:

- Where appropriate, special measures to quality assurance.

2)
See, for example, DBV data sheet "concrete cover” [2]

[1] DIN 1045-1, 6.3 Concrete cover

(9) The values for the Allowance ∆c according to table 4 may be mitigated by 5 mm,
if this occurs through an appropriate quality control in planning, design, manufacture and
Contractor be justified.
4)
CS data sheets “concrete cover and reinforcement” [2] and "spacers" [3]

[4] DafStb Book 525 to 6.3 concrete cover

The size of the actually existing in the component concrete cover depends on the dimensional
deviations of the reinforcement , the component dimensions and the position of the
reinforcement in the component. With respect to measurement ... of the concrete cover on the
finished component, see [2].
The Allowance of ∆c in Table 4 is different.
In the cases where the join condition or low requirements in the environmental conditions of the
component (Table 4 , line 1) ∆c = 10 mm is sufficient , there are special requirements in the
environmental conditions of the components (Table 4, lines 2-4) , is a value ∆c = 15 mm is
required [2 , ...] .
Leaflet "concrete cover and reinforcement”

[5 ] DIN 1045-3 , 6.4 Installation of reinforcement

(5 ) To ensure the minimum concrete cover c min ( see, e.g., DBV data sheet " concrete cover and
reinforcement " [2 ] ) according to DIN 1045-1:2001-07 , 6.3, are given in the reinforcement
drawings nominal dimensions of concrete cover c nom execution shall be based . The nominal
dimensions correspond to the installation dimensions and result from the minimum concrete cover
c min and an Allowance ∆c by 10.3. The prescribed nominal thickness of the concrete cover
by suitable spacers ( see, e.g., DBV data sheet " Spacers" [3 ] ) and appropriate
Supports to secure the position of the upper reinforcement (see, e.g., DBV data sheet “subsidies"
[6 ] ) to ensure that should not corrode at the concrete surface .

[7 ] DafStb issue 526 , to 6.4 Installation of reinforcement

 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets
(5) The nominal concrete cover is c nom both for the design of reinforcement, i.e., the effective depth
d adopted, as well as for the height or thickness of the spacer custom- bend . The nominal
concrete cover c nom is primarily decisive for the design, engineering and construction, the minimum
concrete cover c min , however, for assessing the concrete cover on the finished component .
Basically may regardless c nom from the nominal concrete cover usually is a term component, the
concrete cover each rebar, also the bracket on all sides the minimum concrete cover c min not fall
below.
Normally, one can assume that compliance with the minimum concrete cover is ensured by the
Allowance ∆c, with regular checks of the finished rebar mesh before concreting are self-evident. If
the concrete cover measured it in exceptional cases on the finished part and the results evaluated
statistically, so - as with other geometric sizes - even the minimum concrete cover no absolute
lower limit . In the case of statistical analysis is to prove that a certain agreed of all measured
values does not fall below the specified minimum concrete cover (see DBV data sheet " concrete
cover and reinforcement " [2 ] ) .

[7] DafStb issue 526, to 10.3 Tolerances on the concrete cover

A reduction of the allowance value by 5 mm according to DIN 1045-1, 6.3 (9) shall only be made
in consultation between the designer, concrete technologists and construction manager or plant
manager . It is permissible if certain measures are taken. For this, the DBV data sheet “loading
concrete cover and reinforcement” [2 ] contains information for the usual applications , e.g. via
measures in design offices , in the bending operation , the placing of reinforcement as well as the
manufacture and processing of the concrete. Particularly noteworthy are the details of the type,
number and arrangement of the spacers for different components. Further Information on this can
be found in the DBV data sheet “Spacers" [ 3]. The selected measures are indicated on the
reinforcement drawing.

[7] DafStb issue 526 , to 11.3 Monitoring

(1) Third coat: . Suitable spacers are e.g. according to the DBV data sheet " distance piece " [3 ]
described and tested products Suitable supports are , for example, according to the DBV data
sheet " support " [6 ] described and tested products .

[8] DafStb WU guidelines to 11.2.1 spacers, formwork ties

It must be used spacers and formwork ties, which do not affect the water impermeable permeability
of the structure locally (see, e.g., DBV "Spacers" [3] and DBV "Water structure of concrete” [ 9]).

2 concrete cover
The concrete cover of the reinforcement has according to [1], section 6.3 (1) to fulfill three
main tasks (Fig. 1 and 2):
- Ensuring the durability of the reinforcement by a sufficiently thick and dense concrete
layer, the advance of corrosive substances to the reinforcement in the course of the
underlying life with sufficient reliability prevented
- Ensuring the transmission of forces between the reinforcement and surrounding concrete
on all sides composite.
- Ensuring a fire resistance by delaying the temperature increase of the covered steel
reinforcement due to a fire load of the concrete surface .

The required in [1 ] thickness of the minimum concrete cover c min for durability refers to a
tightness of the outer concrete layer laid down in DIN 1045-2 and DIN EN 206-1 with a
maximum permissible water-cement ratio and minimum cement contents for the
authoritative exposure class will . Therefore, part of the minimum concrete cover is always
a minimum resist.

Strength class of normal concrete is the concrete in accordance with dense (at least two
strength grades available higher than required for the relevant exposure class with respect
to the reinforcement corrosion), the minimum concrete cover shall be reduced by 5 mm
 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets
(except for XC1 ) .

Composite

Corrosion

Floor System

Precast
Picture 1 Minimum concrete cover and Allowance

Only in case of
Multilayer

Along the rod

Clip

Spacers
Dimensions
Clip / Transverse reinforcement

Longitudinal reinforcement

Clip

Distance of the heavy line from the outside edge of the inner
longitudinal reinforcement to concrete outside edge parallel
Compute value of the concrete cover of the longitudinal
reinforcement of the reinforcement construction
Picture 2 Illustrate the installation dimensions of the reinforcement
 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets

The principal goal of the standard is the existence of the minimum concrete cover on the finished
construction part. The minimum concrete cover c min according to DIN 1045-1, Section 6.3 and
Table 4, the minimum distance to be maintained with sufficient reliability between the concrete
surface and the reinforcing bars, the tendons in the immediate bond and the cladding of tendons
with subsequent bond. Like all technical parameters, the concrete cover is a statistical factor, which
is subject to variations. To ensure the reliability of the final result, there are various possibilities. As
an application rule is to increase the minimum level c min in the planning and execution
An Allowance ∆c to a nominal value of concrete cover c nom in DIN 1045-1, ex-Section 6.3 (8) to
understand.

The Allowance of the concrete cover ∆c according to DIN 1045-1 , Section 6.3 ( 8) and Table 4, is
the inevitable deviations from bending and placing of reinforcement , type and installation of
spacers , making the formwork and placement and compaction of loading tons cover .

In DIN 1045-1 the required reliability of the effects of any local shortfalls in the concrete cover is
differentiated with respect . Is the durability determines the minimum required concrete cover is for
the less critical ambient conditions - dry or permanently wet (exposure class XC1 ) - an Allowance
of 10 mm, all other critical exposure classes XC, XD and XS , however, an increased Allowance of
15 demanded mm (Fig. 1a) ) . This increased level may according to [1 ] , section 6.3 (9 ) , be
reduced by 5 mm when consistent quality assurance measures in planning and execution are
taken. This is justified if the scattering of the concrete cover be reduced in construction. The DBV
data sheets " concrete cover and reinforcement " [2 ] , "spacers" [3 ] and " support " [6 ] contain
appropriate quality assurance measures in the design , in the bending operation , during installation
of the reinforcement and concreting as well as requirements on the stability and sustainability the
distance border elements themselves ( certificate requirements ) as well as recommendations for
Maximal. The additional measures will have to be given to the reinforcement plans and monitored
in practice.

If the join condition in the sense of [1], section 6.3 ( 4) , for the concrete cover is custom- bend ,
according to [4 ] is an Allowance of ∆c = 10 mm is sufficient (Fig. 1 b)). In the area of Internal
construction joints at floor system finished parts may on the whole Allowance be omitted (see
Figure 1 c)). In this case, however, the over the precast joints across run -de reinforcement for
exposure classes> XC1 must also be adequately protected against corrosion be (c min + ∆c ) .

A further reduction of the allowance value of regulated in DIN 1045-1 possibilities, it is conceivable,
for example, for additional that reduce the scatter in the construction execution stronger or removed
before concreting. This is then deviated from the standardized application rules. One way of
proving that it still meets the requirements of DIN 1045-1 with reasonable reliability, is to measure
the concrete cover on the finished component (see also [4]). Notes on the procedure for the
measurement and statistical analysis of the measured results are in DBV “Concrete cover and
reinforcement “[2].

A compilation of the concrete cover dimensions for reinforced concrete elements with conventional
rod diameters and concrete strength in accordance with the durability and composite requirements
and practical construction of a 5 mm - rounding the nominal dimensions, the table 1.

However, the ultimate measure of the structural design (static height of) and the site (appointment
of the spacer) is the laying of the reinforcement CV. This results from the reinforcement structure
(layers and diameter of the reinforcement) and the measurements of the spacers and supports
(Fig. 2) according to DIN 1045-1.

Section 4.2.1 (3) to right on the reinforcement plans specifying the installation dimension ( for
ordering ) and the allowance value ( for monitoring) required. C min on the indication of the minimum
dimension should be avoided to avoid confusion (Pic. 3).

In general, the outermost layer of reinforcement is supported and is the laying of the reinforcement
 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets

refers to this . With the support of other documents (e.g. the longitudinal reinforcement instead of
the bracket) this shall be recorded separately.
Particular attention should be paid to multi-level shocks in welded steel mesh, which require be-
cause of the increased position Dimensions matching support heights.

Table 1: Concrete cover for reinforced concrete elements with minimum strength class
1 2 3 4 5 6

Exposure Concrete Rod-∅ Minimum Allowance ∆c Nominal size

class strength [mm] concrete cover cmin [mm] cnom
class [mm] [mm]

6 – 10 10 20
12 12
14
25
14
1 XC1 C16/20 16 16 10
30
20 20
25 25 35
28 28 40
6 – 20 20 15
XC2 C16/20 35
2 XC3 25 25 10
C20/25
28 28 10 40
6 – 25 25 15
3 XC4 C25/30
28 28 10
40

a)
XD1, XS1 C30/37
a)
4 XD2, XS2 C35/45 6 – 28 40 15 55
a)
XD3, XS3 C35/45

a) L ow e r w h e n us ing ai r-en t r ain ed co nc r e te, fo r e x amp le, be c au s e o f co n cu rre n t r eq u es ts from th e

e x po su r e cl as s X F, a s tr e ng t h cl as s.

The following example (see Picture 3) to illustrate the correlations . The exposure class XC1 at the
top of the exposure class XC3 and the minimum concrete strength class according to Table 3 in [ 1]
are adopted at the component base. First, the necessary nominal dimensions for the individual
reinforcement layers determined (see also Table 1) :

Location 1, below , ∅ 12: c nom , 1u = 12 + 10 = 22 mm ( composite )

Layer 2, below, ∅ 10: c nom , 2u = 10 + 10 = 20 mm ( composite and corrosion protection XC1 )
Location 1, above, ∅ 20: c nom , 1o = 20 + 15 = 35 mm (corrosion protection XC3 )
Position 2, above, ∅ 12: c nom , 2o = 20 + 15 = 35 mm (corrosion protection XC3 )

The spacers are provided in 5 mm steps, is therefore is the laying of the lower first layer C V = 25
mm> 22 mm. The actual concrete cover then found to be:

Location 1, below, ∅ 12: C 1U = c v = 25 mm> c nom , 1u = 22 mm

Layer 2, below, ∅ 10: c 2u = 25 + 12 = 37 mm> c nom , 2u = 20 mm

If the upper reinforcement , as shown in Figure 3, on a pre- support due to safety considerations ,
which is on the first lower reinforcement layer , a support level h U is a maximum possible of :

h U ≤ h - c 2u - c nom , 1o - d s , 1o - d = 300-37 - 35-20 - 12 = 196 mm

 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets

Location 1 Above:

Location 2 Above:

Location 1 Below:

Location 2 Below:

Picture 3 Example of determining the laying degree of reinforcement and the concrete cover

Again, it should be noted that support structures up to 400 mm height usually in

10 mm increments are available. Therefore, h U is selected = 190 mm:

Position 2, above, ∅ 12: c 2o = 300-37 - 190-12 = 61 mm> c nom, 2o = 35 mm

Location 1, above, ∅ 20: c 1o = 61-20 = 41 mm> c nom, 1o = 35 mm

It can be seen that distinguish the calculated concrete cover due to the practical embodiment
opportunities based on the installation dimensions of the nominal dimensions of the concrete
cover. Therefore, these calculated dimensions of the structural design for the static payload
height shall be used.

3 DBV data sheet “Spacers"

Spacers are intended to prevent compliance with the concrete cover and do not interfere during
concreting EL-EMENT and after concreting the serviceability and durability of the component. The
spacers on the market consist of the rule of cement mortar (possibly with added fiber).
The DBV data sheet [3] is to provide assistance
-Select the structural engineer, the appropriate spacers in terms of performance class and possibly
the special requirements and shall determine their number,
-The supervisor / foreman, which can be ordered the spacers and install,
-The supervising engineer in the request correct installation of the spacers has to check connection
with the acceptance of reinforcement,
-The manufacturer, who by complying with the requirements contained in this leaflet must
demonstrate tests of Annex of the leaflet.

To ensure the concrete cover thickness and tightness with respect to the spacers have the time of
installation
- A sufficient capacity and tipping stability - depending on load and Temperature demands
monitoring - have,
- Be - if necessary - safe enough can be attached to the reinforcing bar ,
- Have a very low spring back effect, so after stripping the concrete near the surface layer is not
broken off ,
- Be so designed that they can only be used for a cv laying measure ,
- Be designed so that the concrete of the spacer is not completely enclosed and as a result the
built-in spacer separates,
- Be sufficiently resistant to the alkalinity of the concrete,

Be made of a material that does not corrode even -

 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets

- May be made of a material that does not promote the corrosion of the reinforcement and as well -
as the fresh and the hardening the hardened concrete not damaged.

Particular requirements for the spacer material in terms of fire protection are unnecessary. In case
of fire, for example, melting a plastic spacers. The spacer but due to their size no appreciable
influence on the resistance to fire of the component [12 ] .

The spacers are divided into the capacity classes of L1 and L2:
L1: No increased demands on capacity and tilt stability. Use, for example in cases where the
reinforcement is not claimed by committing (e.g. production of finished parts) .
L2: Increased demands on the carrying capacity and rollover stability . Use as standard spacers in
situ concrete (e.g. stressed by committing reinforcement, with ex- spacers, are being used while
clamping the formwork; against external loads that are temporarily stored on the installed
reinforcement).

Particular requirements for spacers may arise regarding

- Increased freeze- thaw resistance,
- Suitability for components that are exposed to temperature stresses ,
- High resistance to water and resistance to chemical attack.

If there are further requirements beyond this , the suitability of the spacers is demonstrated in
individual cases ( e.g. architectural concrete requirements ) . The performance classes and the
suitability of the spacer for the special requirements [3] proved by the manufacturer in accordance
with Annex A of the data sheet. The corresponding certificates (e.g. issued by material testing )
shall be displayed on demand from the manufacturers.

The length limitation of linear spacers interrupt the concrete cover significantly, it is important to
prevent a continuous weakening of the concrete cover in a cross section transverse to the principal
tensile direction (risk of crack formation in the tension zone). This applies typically also
perpendicular to the main direction of compressive stress (compression zone), if the compatibility
of the compressive strength of the concrete and of the spacer is demon-started separately. The
spacers are installed correspondingly offset.

According to the requirements spacers in this product data sheet are denoted by :

DBV – c – L / F / T / A / D

The figures mean:

► For control requirements:

DBV - This spacer meets the requirements of the DBV data sheet "Spacers".
c - Laying measure of reinforcement c v [mm]
L - Performance class L1 or L2

► For special requirements:

F - Increased freeze-thaw resistance
T - Suitable for parts which are exposed to temperature stresses
A - High resistance to water and resistance to chemical attack and
Chlorides in the exposure classes XA, XD and XS
D - Allowable bar diameter range for the spacers (only if necessary)

Recommendations for the selection of the spacers, the table 2

 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets

Wheel Shape

Point Shape,
unattached

Point Shape,
attached

Line Shape,
unattached 1)

Line Shape,
attached 1)

Flat Shape,
unattached

Flat Shape,
attached
1)
With length limit (350 mm or ≤ 2 h or b ≤ 0.25 with h - thickness of concrete, b - component width).

Picture 4 Examples of the classification of spacers in type groups

With long limit 350 mm or ≤ 2 h or

b ≤ 0.25
On total width inadmissible

Pressure
Procession
Example: Top view ceiling with staggered linear
spacers under the main long-reinforcement

Picture 5 Length limit of line-shaped spacers

 Spacers and Supports in accordance with DIN 1045 and DBV data sheets

Table 2: Recommendations for the choice of the spacer for exposure classes according to DIN 1045-1 [1]

Spacers with special needs at F / T / A

Exposure Attack Mechanism
Classes
Freeze- Temperature Resistance to
thaw -stress chemical attack
Reinforcement corrosion due
XC1–XC4 – – –
to
b i
Reinforcement corrosion due
XD1–XD3 – – A
to
hl id
Reinforcement corrosion due
XS1–XS3 – T A
to
Concrete exposure to
XF1, XF3 F T –
frost without de-icing
Concrete exposure to
XF2, XF4 F T A
frost with icing agents
Concrete attack by chemical
XA1– XA3 – – A
attack

4 Summaries
The planners, contractors and company are jointly responsible for achieving safe and durable
concrete structures. To ensure adequate concrete cover and static use heights appropriate
tolerances are observed. In the selection and installation of suitable spacers and supports for
reinforcement, DBV leaflets “concrete cover and reinforcement ", " spacer " and give " support "
Notes and define requirements. Compliance with these requirements is cited in DIN 1045 as a
potential quality assurance measure or criterion for suitability. Alternative, for reinforcement
installation by the building contractors are possible, crucial to achieve the required properties of the
finished component.

5 References
[1] DIN 1045-1: structures made of concrete , reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete
structures - Part 1 : Design and Construction :2008- 08th
[2] DBV : concrete cover and reinforcement , as amended July 2002. [3] DBV: spacers, version July
2002.
[4] Notes to DIN 1045-1, German Committee for Reinforced Concrete , Issue 525, Beuth- Verlag,
Berlin , 2003 and Corrigendum 1 to DafStb Book 525 : Issue 2005-05 .
[5] DIN 1045-3 : structures made of concrete , reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete
structures - Part 3: 2008
[6] DBV : supports , version July 2002.
[7] Notes to the standards DIN EN 206-1 , DIN 1045-2 , DIN 1045-3 , DIN 1045-4 and
DIN 4226 , German Committee for Reinforced Concrete , Issue 526 , Beuth- Verlag, Berlin , 2003.
[8] DafStb Directive: water impermeable concrete structures , Issue 2003-11 .
[9] DBV: Water- structure of concrete, dated June 1996.
[10] Brameshuber ; Schmidt; Schröder ; Fingerloos : Measurement of concrete cover - evaluation
and acceptance . Concrete and reinforced concrete structures 99 (2004), Issue 3, pages 169 to
175
[12] Kordina ; Meyer- Ottens : Concrete Fire Protection Handbook . Bau + Technik , 2 1999 edition.
[13] DIN 4102-4 : Fire behavior of building materials and components ; compilation and An -
application of classified building materials , components and special components , Issue :1994 -03 ,
and DIN 4102-4/A1 : Amendment A1 :2004- 11th
[14] DIN 4102-22 : Fire behavior of building materials and components - Part 22: Application
standard for DIN 4102-4 based on the design of partial safety factors :2004- 11th