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Civil Engineering/Tension lap and compression lap

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Expert: - 5/25/2010


Question
Dear Sir,
I would like to ask what is tension lap and compression lap for reinforcement bar lapping?

Thank you

Answer
Hi Yong,

This is the length of over-lap required for rebar in order to safely transfer the stress/load for one bar to the other. The lap length depends on various factors such as size and type of bar (ribbed, round, etc), the spacing of bars (single or bundled), the stress in the bars, the location (e.g. near surface, etc), the concrete strength, etc. To be on the safe side, most engineers specify a minum lap length of around 40 times the rebar diameter, if they are not bundled.

You can find more info here:

http://www.bridgesite.com/bridgesightsol/FILES/Rebar.pdf

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=220406&page=5  

Civil Engineering

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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