What about designation of rebar links?

Reinforcement links, or stirrups, are an important element in a reinforcement design. They are used to reinforce concrete elements and ensure that the structure can withstand loads and stresses.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the different types of links/stirrups in reinforcement: 2-legged, 3-legged, 4-legged and multi-legged links or stirrups. And what do we actually mean by combined stirrups in the Netherlands?

It doesn't sound really intriguing, but it turns out to be a source of misunderstandings.  We dive into this big mystery. A tip of the hat. The number of cuts plays a crucial role in the naming of links.

Types of stirrups in reinforcement

2, 3 and 4-legged and multi-legged stirrups

2-legged stirrups are the most common reinforcement stirrups. In a cross-sectional view of a 2-legged stirrup, you will have to make two 'cuts' in the reinforcement bar. As you see in the drawing below, we do not count the hooks.

The same applies to a 3-legges and 4-legged and multi-legged links or stirrups. The number of 'cuts' made in a cross-section of the rebar determines the name.

Combined 4-legged stirrups

4-legged stirrups can sometimes be fully fabricated at the manufacturer of one length of rebar. This has the advantage that the stirrup immediately has the right dimensions.

Sometimes the choice is made not to do this or sometimes it simply cannot be done. Two links are then used to make a, as we call it in the Netherlands, a combined 4-legged stirrup at the production or building site.

For example, two 2-legged stirrups are then used which, due to the overlap, will have four cuts at a cross section. In the end result, it is a combined 4-legged stirrup. This is also sometimes called a double link on drawing.

Combined multi-legged stirrups

By using multiple links, you can thus compose not only 4-legged stirrups, but also stirrups with more cuts than four. That way, you create 6-, 8-, or 10-legged stirrups, for example.

In short, crucial in naming is not only the number of cuts, but also the creation in production. In addition, in the case of a combined product, the mutual placement also affects the naming.