Concrete Cover for

Reinforcement
Concrete cover for reinforcement is the minimum distance between the outer
surface of the reinforcement and the surface of the concrete. It provides
protection against corrosion and fire resistance.

Prepaid By : Eng. Shaik Abdullah.

Technical Specifications
Minimum Recommended
Cover
The minimum concrete cover for
reinforcement is determined based
on several parameters such as the
type of structure, its intended use,
the diameter of the reinforcement,
and the exposure condition. For
example, the recommended cover
for concrete structures exposed to
mild weather conditions is 20mm.
Design
The design of the concrete cover for reinforcement should be in accordance with the relevant building code and standards. It
Deviation from
Recommended Cover
Deviation from the recommended
concrete cover can lead to the
corrosion of the reinforcement, which
in turn can lead to structural failure. It
is important to ensure that the cover
is not reduced during construction
due to poor workmanship or
formwork failure.
Measurements
The thickness of the cover can be
measured non-destructively using
covermeters. The process involves
placing a probe on the surface of the
concrete, which detects the position
of the reinforcement below and
measures the thickness of the cover.
Types of Cover Blocks
Fibre Reinforced Cement Cover Blocks
Fibre reinforced cement cover blocks are made by mixing
cement, water, fibre, and other additives. They are available
in various sizes and thicknesses, and are suitable for both
horizontal and vertical reinforcement structures.

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Plastic Cover Blocks Concrete Cover Blocks

Plastic cover blocks are lightweight and easy to handle and Concrete cover blocks are made from concrete and are
install. They come in various thicknesses and sizes, making available in different shapes, sizes and thicknesses. They
them suitable for different concrete cover requirements. are commonly used in construction and are durable and
They are also durable and resistant to weather, chemicals, long-lasting, but can be heavy and difficult to handle.
Materials Used for Making Cover Blocks
Plastic
Plastic cover blocks are made from
polypropylene and are lightweight and
durable, making them suitable for use in
construction.
Cement
Cement is a binding material used in the
manufacture of fibre reinforced cement
cover blocks. It provides strength,
durability, and resistance to weathering
and chemicals.
Aggregate
Concrete cover blocks are made from a
mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and
water. The aggregates provide strength
and durability to the cover blocks.
Advantages of Using Cover
Blocks

1 Corrosion Protection 2 Ease of Installation

Concrete cover for reinforcement
provides protection against
corrosion, which can damage the
reinforcement and lead to
structural failure. Cover blocks
help to achieve the required cover
and prevent corrosion.
Cover blocks are easy to install
and handle, which makes them
suitable for use in construction.
They are also available in various
sizes and thicknesses, allowing for
flexibility in their use.

3 Durability
Cover blocks are durable and resistant to weather, chemicals, and fire, ensuring
long-term protection for the reinforcement.
Disadvantages of Using Cover Blocks
Cost
Cover blocks can be expensive,
especially if they are made from
high-quality materials such as
plastics or fibre-reinforced cement.
Design Constraints
Cover blocks can create design
constraints, especially when they are
used in areas with limited space or
complex reinforcement
arrangements. They can also be
unsightly when used on the surface
of the concrete.
Quality Control
Cover blocks require strict quality
control during manufacturing to
ensure the required properties and
dimensions. Poor-quality cover
blocks can lead to poor concrete
cover, which can affect the durability
of the reinforcement.
Importance of Appropriate Concrete Cover for
Reinforcement in Construction
Structural Integrity
The appropriate concrete cover for
reinforcement is crucial for the structural
integrity of the building. It ensures that
the reinforcement is protected from
corrosion and fire and remains strong
and durable over the life of the building.
Occupant Safety
The use of appropriate concrete cover
for reinforcement in construction
ensures the safety of occupants by
providing a structurally sound building
that can withstand natural disasters and
other hazards.
Cost Savings
The use of appropriate concrete cover
for reinforcement in construction can
result in cost savings over the life of the
building by reducing the need for
maintenance and repairs due to
reinforcement corrosion or damage.