Care and treatment of steel reinforcement and the protection of starter bars

This publication provides guidance for designers, resident engineers and contractors on the proper treatment of reinforcement on site, explaining the basis for such advice. It is directed at reinforcement in new work, rather than the assessment and repair of damaged or corroded steel in existing construction.
Reinforcement considered here includes steel strand, wire and bars for prestressed concrete; and steel starter bars, reinforced temporary and permanent stopends, couplers, and cast-in sockets that provide continuity of reinforcement between two stages of a concrete construction. The effects of rusting, chemicals and other contaminants found on site are reviewed and the report concludes with recommendations for good practice.