[TowerTalk] Rebar Roundup

[Malcolm Clark]

K7LXC requested I post a summary of the rebar tips I received.  Happy to
comply, and I shouldn't have needed prodding.

On Rohn's requirement that cages NOT be welded:  
 1.  Welding weakens rebar.
 2.  Welding doesn't weaken rebar (IF the proper rod
     is used).

On whether to tie rebar to tower or not:
 No contest, everyone said tie it.

On Ufer grounds:
 Tie rebar tightly to maximize lightning
 current distribution thru concrete.
 (Visit Polyphaser WWW site for lots more)

On general placement:
 Support cage on bricks to keep rebar
 "within" concrete.

On rebar numbering:
 Rebar comes in one eighth sizes. #7 is 7/8 in,
 #3 is 3/8 in., etc.

General note on Rohn spec:  Rohn calls for number 7 rebar.  I was unable
to obtain it, and after talking to a concrete guy, used number 5 at
decreased spacing.  Even after buying a rebar bender ($25 at Home
Despot), I was barely able bend the number 5.  It must take a real
gorilla to hand bend number 7.

73
Malcolm KR4HP

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