Cover to reinforcement - getting it right

The paper describes how to achieve the specified cover to reinforcement in reinforced concrete structures. The problem of failing to achieve the specified cover is widespread and in the UK alone is reliably estimated to cost £550M each year. Achieving the specified cover is important for the structural, durability and fire performance of structures. It highlights the problem, and describes the development and application of BS 7973 to provide the solution. (A)