OCCDC

Reinforced Concrete
Reference Guide
 CONCRETE DEVELOPMENT
ONTARIO CAST-IN-PLACE

COUNCIL (OCCDC) VOICE OF THE CONCRETE INDUSTRY

WHO WE ARE WHAT WE DO

The Ontario Cast-in-Place Concrete Development The primary objectives of the OCCDC are:
Council (OCCDC) was established in 1999 by a number
of key firms in the Ontario concrete industry. The • Promotion of cast-in-place concrete as a
OCCDC members represent three major stakeholder superior building system
groups: • Education of all industry stakeholders with
respect to technical issues and market trends
• Employer Associations • Improved communication, exchange of
(forming, reinforcing steel, and concrete) information, understanding, cooperation,
• Organized Labour and cohesion among industry stakeholders
(carpenters, ironworkers, and labourers)
• Industry Suppliers OCCDC general council meetings are held once every three
(formwork materials) months and are open to both core and associate members.

The creation of the OCCDC represents a significant step

forward for the Ontario cast-in-place concrete industry in
meeting the new challenges faced by all industry
stakeholders.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES PARTNERSHIPS

OCCDC activities include the following: The OCCDC works closely with allied groups such as:

• Development of technical publications • Cement Association of Canada

promoting the benefits of cast-in-place
concrete as a structural framing system • Ontario General Contractors Association

• Annual production of case histories • Concrete Floor Contractors Association of Ontario

documenting the effective use of reinforced
concrete

• Major supporter of the Ontario Concrete

Awards program

• Providing educational seminars on reinforced

concrete at the World of Concrete Pavilion The OCCDC’s core
and the Canadian Concrete Expo
members directly fund the
• Providing educational seminars to Ontario organization and all
Ontario Cast-in-Place Concrete University programs in Architecture and
Development Council (OCCDC) Engineering members volunteer time
1 Prologis Blvd., Unit 102B and other resources to
Mississauga, ON L5W 0G2
Phone: 905-564-2726
complete specific
Fax: 905-564-5680
Email: [email protected]
projects.
www.occdc.org

1
OCCDC CORE MEMBERS
In 1999, the Ontario Cast-in-place Concrete Development Council (OCCDC) was formed to aid
the owner/developer, architect/engineer and design-build contractor in the decision-making
process of choosing the best construction material for the framing system of new structures.

THE CARPENTERS DISTRICT COUNCIL OF ONTARIO is an umbrella organization representing 16 Local Unions in
Ontario. The Carpenters Union provides the best trained and most productive skilled carpenters and apprentices performing
concrete forming in the Province of Ontario. www.thecarpentersunion.ca

IRON WORKERS DISTRICT COUNCIL OF ONTARIO is the organization established to oversee the Six Local Unions in the
province. The council represents and co-ordinates activities of Ironworkers and Rodworkers throughout the entire province. We
supply competent and productive journeymen and apprentices to hundreds of contractors who are involved in concrete and steel
construction. iw721.org

THE ONTARIO FORMWORK ASSOCIATION is an employers’ organization which represents contractors engaged in
residential high-rise construction within the province of Ontario. Member contractors are responsible for performing work to
approximately 95% of the residential high-rise construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area. At our peak member
contractors employ upwards of 4,000 unionized workers. www.ontarioformworkassociation.com

PERI has considerably added to the continued improvement of construction processes in the field of formwork and scaffolding
technology with many pioneering product and safety innovations for better, safer construction. www.peri.ca

CONCRETE ONTARIO, formerly the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario, was formed in 1959 to act in the best
interest of Ontario’s ready mixed concrete producers and the industry in general. It is fully funded by the membership (Active and
Associate) and provides a broad range of services designed to benefit its members and the industry in general. With a total
membership of about 180 companies, it is recognized as the authoritative voice of the ready mixed concrete industry in Ontario.
www.concreteontario.org

REINFORCING STEEL INSTITUTE OF CANADA promotes the use of rebar reinforced concrete construction; provides
technical information to developers, designers and general contractors and provides information to members. www.rebar.org

The CONCRETE FORMING ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (CFAO) was established in 1971 and speaks for the interests of
companies working in the institutional, commercial, industrial (ICI) sector of the construction industry. It accounts for the bulk of
cast-in-place construction work in the Golden Horseshoe area, the hub of Ontario’s economy.

LIUNA Ontario Provincial District Council represents the 12 affiliated local unions throughout the province of Ontario. Building on
our over 100 years of experience and dedication to quality, LIUNA have contributed considerably to the establishment of Ontario
as the best place in Canada to call home. Together we educate, train and provide the broadest range and best qualified segment
of construction craft workers to the forming industry. www.liunaopdc.org

MID TO HIGH RISE RESIDENTIAL CAST-IN-PLACE

2019
SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
RIVER CITY - PHASE 3 Location Toronto, Ontario
Start Date October/2015
Completion Date October/2018
River City Phase 3 is the third phase of a 1200-unit residential development by
Contract Value $68,000,000
Urban Capital in the west Donlands neighborhood. It boasts 149 residential
Foot Plate 3000m²
vehicle parking spaces, one electric charging station, 18 visitor spots and 4-car
Total Concrete 17,700m³
share locations.
Owner Urban Capital Additional • Aluma Systems Inc.
Architect of Record Saucier+Perrotte Architectes / Zas Architects Participants • BASF Canada Inc.
Engineer of Record RJC Engineers • Carpenters Union Local 2
General Contractor Bluescape Construction Management • Ironworkers Local 721
Forming Contractor Avenue Building Corporation • IUOE Local 793
Material Supplier St Marys CBM • LiUNA Local 183
2
 THE ADVANTAGES OF REINFORCED
CONCRETE BUILDING FRAMING SYSTEMS

Reinforced concrete is the best choice for the building framing system
based upon the following advantages:

FAST-TRACK CONSTRUCTION COST SAVINGS

Quicker Start-up Times: A reinforced concrete framing Favourable Cash Flow: Materials and labour are expensed to the
system does not require extensive preordering of materials and project as they are completed, unlike structural steel, where substantial
fabrication lead time. Construction can begin on the foundations down payments are required months before the material arrives on-site.
and lower floors prior to the structural design of the upper floors
being finalized. Standard Floor Layouts: Repetitive flooring systems which employ
flying forms, uniform forming layouts and standard reinforcing steel details
Reduced Total Construction Time: Reinforced concrete lead to significant cost savings.
buildings can be constructed at a rate of one floor per week
(above the first few floors) and other sub-trades can begin work Faster Forming Reuse: High early strength concrete allows for faster
on completed floors earlier. form stripping and reuse.

Lower Floor To Floor Heights: Reinforced concrete framing

systems allow for the lowest floor to floor heights, minimizing exterior
cladding and vertical servicing costs.

Zoning Height Restrictions: Reinforced concrete framing systems

allow for a greater number of floors within a given building height
restriction, due to lower floor to floor heights.

Thermal Resistance: The thermal mass of a reinforced concrete

structure offers a lower rate of building heat gain or loss resulting in
reduced building cooling/heating costs. In addition, lower floor to floor
heights result in a reduced interior volume of air that must be heated or
cooled by the HVAC system.

Fire Resistance: Reinforced concrete structures are inherently fire

resistant and do not require the expensive secondary application of
coatings in order to obtain the necessary fire rating values.
Choosing the best construction material for
the framing system of a new building is one of More Floor Space: High Performance Concrete (HPC) means
the most important decisions that an smaller column sizes and more rentable floor space.
owner/developer, architect/engineer or
design-build contractor must make. Minimal Maintenance: Concrete provides a hard, durable
wearing surface that resists weathering extremely well.
The construction material selected has a
Architectural Finishes: Reinforced concrete can act both as a
significant impact upon:
structural member and an architectural finish with the use of coloured
concrete and special texturing techniques.
• Initial capital costs
• Speed of construction and early
return on investment
• The amount of rentable space available
• Attracting and retaining tenants
• Yearly energy and maintenance costs
• Cost of insurance
• Building aesthetics and public image
• Resale value

3
STRUCTURAL ADVANTAGES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Design Flexibility: Structural design changes are more Recycled Materials: Recycled materials are used in the production of
easily accommodated in the field with a reinforced concrete reinforcing steel. As well, supplementary cementing materials are waste
framing system due to the fact that the system is constructed by-products from other industrial processes that, in the production of ready
on-site rather than months ahead of time at a fabricating plant. mixed concrete, improve the performance characteristics of the
cast-in-place concrete.
Shear Wall Design: Reinforced concrete shear walls
efficiently carry the lateral and gravity loads applied to a building Transportation Considerations: Since reinforced concrete involves
while also acting as interior partitions and sound dampers. a greater use of local materials, the overall environmental costs associated
with transportation are reduced.
Structural Integrity: Additional reinforcing steel can be
used to prevent structural failure under extreme conditions Low Energy Intensity: While the production of cement is very energy
(exterior or interior explosions) at a minimum of cost. intensive, concrete only contains 9% – 15% cement. Concrete’s other major
components, aggregates and water, make concrete a very low energy
Maximum Vibration and Earthquake Resistance: building material.
Reinforced concrete buildings are inherently stiffer than
structural steel framing systems thereby eliminating the floor
vibration associated with structural steel. Seismic considerations LOCAL ECONOMY BENEFITS
can also be more easily handled with a reinforced concrete
framing system through the use of shear walls and reinforcing Reinforced concrete framing systems employ the local labour force to
steel detailing techniques. construct the building.

Sound Isolation: The high mass of a reinforced concrete Local aggregate and ready mixed concrete producers are used to supply
structure reduces sound migration from floor to floor and the ready mixed concrete for the building frame.
room to room.
A greater portion of the economic benefit of the project is concentrated in
Underground Parking: A reinforced concrete framing the local economy.
system easily allows for the creation of underground parking
structures, thereby maximizing land use.

Minimal Staging Areas: Concrete pumping techniques

allow for high-rise construction in busy downtown centres
adjacent to existing structures.

Adaptability To Unforeseen Soil Conditions:

Reinforced concrete framing systems can be modified to meet
actual site conditions without extensive project delays.

ARCHITECTURAL MERIT CAST-IN-PLACE

TTC PIONEER VILLAGE SUBWAY STATION
Pioneer Village Station is a brand-new transit hub straddling the northern border of Toronto. This project forms part of Toronto
Transit Commission’s (TTC) $3.2 billion, 8.6km subway extension called the Toronto York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE).

Project Credits Project Details

Owner Toronto Transit Commission Location Vaughan, Ontario
Architect of Record IBI Group Contract Type Lump Sum
Engineer of Record WSP Canada Inc. Project Type Transit
General Contractor Walsh Canada Construction Value $223,825,706 M
Forming Contractor Limen Structures Start Date October 1, 2011 2018
Material Supplier St Marys CBM Completion Date June 15, 2017

Additional Participants
• AGC Glass • Core Metal Inc. • LEA Consulting
• Alsop Architects • Deep Foundations • LiUNA Local 506
• BASF Canada • FCFP • Plan Group
• Benson Steel Ltd. • Harris Rebar • Richard Stevens Architects
• Bird Mechanical Ltd. • HH Angus • Ritz Architectural System
• Carpenters Union Local 27 • Ironworkers Local 721 • The Spadina Group Associates
4
 SIMPLE DESIGN RULES THAT CAN
REDUCE PROJECT COSTS
Reinforced concrete is the material of choice for architects and engineers due to the fact
that it can be sculpted into any shape or form while also acting as the primary structural
support for any type of structure. While reinforced concrete is already a very cost
effective building material, the designer can realize additional cost savings during the
preliminary design stage of the project if they consider the following simple design rules.

FORMWORK CONSIDERATIONS
Select a single framing system Select a standard column size
The use of multiple framing systems results in higher project costs. This can be achieved by varying the amount of reinforcing steel and the
Multiple framing systems increase mobilization and formwork costs as concrete strength within the column. This will allow for a single column
well as extending the learning curve for the contractor’s work force. form and will minimize the number of variations to meet slab or beam
forms.
Consider architecturally exposed concrete
The extra cost for high quality formwork and concrete placement may be Use the shallowest floor framing system
less than other cladding options. By minimizing the floor-to-floor height you will be reducing the costs
associated with mechanical services, stairs and exterior building cladding.
Orient all framing in one direction for one-way systems The limiting factor will be deflection considerations.
There will be less time-wasting confusion and fewer formwork
challenges in the areas where the framing changes direction. Make all beams and joists the same depth
The savings in formwork and shoring costs will exceed any additional
Design for the use of “flying forms” costs for concrete and reinforcing steel. This will also provide a uniform
Forming costs can be minimized when a repetitive framing system can ceiling elevation and minimize mechanical service installation difficulties.
be used ten or more times on a structure. Repetitive floor & wall layouts
will allow for cost savings that can allow for more intricate formwork in Make the height of drop panels fit standard lumber DIM
high profile areas such as entrance lobbies and common areas. Standard sizes should be 2.25˝, 4.25˝, 6.25˝ or 8˝
(assuming the use of ¾˝ plywood).
Space columns uniformly from floor-to-floor
Uniform column layout results in simpler formwork that can be used Use high early strength concrete
repetitively from floor to floor This will allow for earlier form stripping and will reduce total construction
time.

KEY TERMS BAR LIST TIE WIRE

List of bars indicating such things as: mark, quantity, size Annealed wire (16 gauge) used to secure intersections of
length and bending details. reinforcing bars for the purpose of holding them in place.

EMBEDMENT LENGTH TEMPERATURE BARS

The length of embedded reinforcement provided beyond a Bars distributed throughout the concrete to minimize
critical section. cracks due to temperature changes.

REINFORCING STEEL BAR YIELD STRENGTH

Deformed steel bars used in the reinforcing of concrete. The stress at which the reinforcing steel exhibits
plastic, rather than elastic behavior.
SHEAR REINFORCEMENT
Reinforcement designed to resist shearing forces; usually
consisting of stirrups bent and located as required.

5
CONCRETE CONSIDERATIONS REINFORCING STEEL CONSIDERATIONS
Use high strength concrete in columns Use the largest bar size that will meet the
The high strength may reduce the column size or the amount of design requirements
reinforcing steel required for the column. High strength concrete may also Large bars reduce the total number of bars that must be placed and
allow for the use of one standard column size throughout the structure. minimize installation costs. Avoid the use of 10 m bars whenever
possible.
Do not specify concrete mix designs
Allow the contractor and concrete producer to develop site-specific mix Eliminate bent bars wherever possible
designs that meet all of your design requirements and are compatible Bent bars increase fabrication costs and require greater storage area
with the contractors method of concrete placement. The numbers of mix and sorting time on the job site.
designs should be limited to two to four to avoid possible ordering
confusion. Increase beam sizes to avoid minimum bar spacing
Minimum bar spacing results in tight rebar installations and it takes
Consider the use of self consolidating concrete (SCC) more time to properly place the material. Rebar lapping can also result
Heavily reinforced concrete columns and beams can be very congested in bar congestion, which makes proper concrete placement difficult.
with rebar, which prevents the proper placement of the concrete. SCC
maximizes concrete flowability without harmful segregation and Use lap splices where practical
dramatically reduces honeycombing and rock pockets once the formwork The cost of additional bar length is usually less than cost of material
is removed. Visit the RMCAO’s website to download a copy of their “Best and labour for mechanical splices.
practice guidelines for SCC” and a copy of their SCC cost calculator.

Limit the coarse aggregate size to 20 mm or smaller

If the minimum clear bar spacing is 25 mm. Smaller coarse aggregate
sizing may be required in high rebar congestion areas to avoid material
segregation and concrete placement difficulties (honeycombing, rock
pockets, etc).

Require a concrete quality plan

This document will indicate how the contractor and their sub-contractors
and material suppliers will ensure and verify that the final reinforced
concrete product meets all of the specification requirements.
OCCDC promotes the benefits of reinforced
concrete as the construction material of choice
based upon the following advantages:

FAST-TRACK CONSTRUCTION
Cast-in-place concrete offers quicker start-ups
and reduced total construction time.
Other
Materials COST SAVINGS
Lower floor-to-floor heights, high fire resistance
and minimal maintenance costs are achieved with
cast-in-place systems.
Concrete
STRUCTURAL ADVANTAGES
Design flexibility, structural integrity, sound and
vibration isolation, as well as the ability to include
underground parking are some of the advantages
CONCRETE FACT: provided by concrete structures.

TWICE AS MUCH CONCRETE IS USED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

The use of local aggregates and recycled materials
IN CONSTRUCTION AROUND THE (slag & fly ash) in concrete, make it a “green” product
WORLD THAN THE TOTAL OF ALL that is requested by environmentally responsible
OTHER BUILDING MATERIALS owners.
INCLUDING WOOD, STEEL, PLASTIC
LOCAL ECONOMY BENEfiTS
AND ALUMINUM COMBINED. Cast-in-place concrete framing systems utilize the local
Source: Cement Association of Canada
work force and materials, as well as maximizing the
economic benefit to the community.
6
 IDENTIFICATION
REINFORCING STEEL
REQUIREMENTS
INSTITUTE OF CANADA
Deformed Concrete Reinforcing Bar comply with CSA
Standard G30.18 -09 R19
One of the objectives of the Members of the
Reinforcing Steel Institute of Canada is the Identification markings occur at intervals of 1 to 1.5
metres along the bars.
development of and adherence to industry
standard practices that: ensure the safety of SEQUENCE
both the public and our workers and
provide quality construction at competitive MILL SYMBOL
On all grades
costs to the buyer.
BAR SIZE
On all grades

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
BLANK SPACE
If grade symbol is in numbers
The RSIC is a nonprofit organization whose members are companies that
are fabricators, steel mills and suppliers to the reinforcing steel industry.
GRADE SYMBOL
The members collectively as the institute assist the design and the See grade details below
construction professionals in the best uses and applications for reinforced NOTE: The letter R is not
rolled onto the bar
concrete structures.

As the Institute promotes these standards practices, it contributes greatly

to advancement and development of reinforced concrete structures. GRADE Either the number 400 or one offset line
400R through at least 5 spaces.
The RSIC website hosts the sales of the RSIC Manual of standard
practice, it is highly regarded in the industry, providing valuable GRADE Either the number 500 or two offset lines
information on all aspects of the reinforcing steel industry. 500R through at least 5 spaces.

GRADES
Contact the RSIC for more information. 400W The letter W between the blank space and
500W the grade symbol or in the blank space.

THE ELEMENTS OF REINFORCING STEEL

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS
Order your copy of “The Elements of Reinforcing Steel”
manual today and learn about:

• Architectural/Engineering Information
• Material Standards and Specifications
• Standard Quotation Components
• Standard Practices for Estimating and Detailing
• Fabrication Standards
• Standards for Placing and Bar Supports
• Reinforcing Steel in Corrosive Environments
• Requirements for Splicing
• Welded Wire Fabric Standards
• Standards for Post-Tensioning
• Appendix and Tables To achieve clarity of symbols on all sizes and to
accommodate a variety of roll marking techniques it has
been trade practice for mills to modify symbol size or
orientation while still observing the prescribed sequence.

Note - Identification on markings occur at intervals of 1.0

to 1.5 meters along the Bar. If from Rod Coils markings
could be at 0.5 meter intervals.

7
TYPICAL IDENTIFICATION PATTERNS OF
PRODUCERS SUPPLYING THE CANADIAN MARKET

Reinforcing Steel Institute of Canada (RSIC) Identifies those producing mills who are
industry members of the RSIC and who participate financially and as technical advisors
in the activities of the Institute.
[email protected] | 416-239-7746 | rebar.org
8
 TYPICAL BAR BENDS

9
 HOOK DIMENSIONS
TABLE 5A.

STIRRUP AND TIE HOOK DIMENSIONS STANDARD HOOK DIMENSIONS FOR

BLACK/STAINLESS STEEL REINFORCING
400R or 500R 400W or 500W
BAR BAR 90° HOOK 180° HOOK 90° HOOK 180° HOOK
SIZE DIAM. D J A or G* A or G D J A or G* A or G*
d b (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
10M 11.3 70 90 180 140 60 80 180 130
15M 16.0 100 130 260 180 90 120 250 170
20M 19.5 120 160 310 220 100 140 300 200
25M 25.2 150 200 400 280 150 200 400 280
30M 29.9 250 310 510 400 200 260 490 350
35M 35.7 300 370 610 480 250 320 590 430
45M 43.7 450 540 790 680 400 490 770 620
55M 56.4 600 710 1030 900 550 660 1010 830
135° HOOK
BAR BAR PIN 90° HOOK
SIZE DIAM. DIAM. A or G A or G H (approx.)
d b (mm) D(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)

10M 11.3 45 100 100 70

15M 16.0 65 140 140 100
20M+ SAME AS 180° HOOK

REINFORCING STEEL BARS

BAR NOMINAL DIMENSIONS
DESIGNATION MASS CROSS
NUMBER kg/m DIAM. PERIMETER
SECTIONAL
(BAR SIZE) mm mm
AREA mm2
10M 0.785 11.3 100 35.5
15M 1.570 16.0 200 50.1
20M 2.355 19.5 300 61.3
25M 3.925 25.2 500 79.2
30M 5.495 29.9 700 93.9
35M
45M
7.850
11.775
35.7
43.7
1000
1500
112.2
137.3 CONCRETE FACT:
55M 19.625 56.4 2500 177.2
THE TOTAL PRODUCTION OF READY MIXED
The nominal diameter, db, of metric reinforcing may be taken as the bar designation number.
CONCRETE IN ONTARIO FOR 2019 WAS
APPROXIMATELY 10.0 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
Source: Concrete Ontario

2019 Location Toronto, Ontario

INFRASTRUCTURE Construction Cost $62,000,000
Construction Start January 2016
GUILDWOOD STATION Official Opening June 19, 2019
Structural Formwork 14,100 m2
Concrete Placed 5,374 m3
Guildwood Station, a simple linear composition comprised of a station Precast Pedestrian Tunnels Total 33.8 linear metres
building, utility building, plazas and tunnel access pavilions, is located Caissons Installed 330+
on a narrow interstitial space between an existing parking lot and Precast Curbs Installed 2,150
bermed rail corridor on the north side of the property.
Owner Metrolinx Additional • BASF Canada Inc.
Architect of Record RDHA Participants • Elias +, Landscape Architect
Engineer of Record WSP • Euclid Chemical
General Contractor Kenaidan Contracting Ltd. • Gilbert Steel Limited
Material Supplier Ontario Redimix, A division of CRH Canada Group Inc. • Ironworkers Local 721
Pre-Con
10
 PLACING SEQUENCE OF PLACING
Placing Reinforcing Bars
BOTTOM BAR SUPPORTS AND BARS
Reinforcing bars should be accurately placed in the
positions shown on the placing drawings, adequately
tied and supported before concrete is placed, and
secured against displacement within the tolerances
recommended in RSIC Manual of Standard Practice,
Chapter 7.

Placing Drawings
As the term implies, “placing drawings” are used by
Ironworkers at the job-site to place (install) the
reinforcing steel within the formwork. In preparing the
placing drawings for a specific structure, the Detailer
determines the quantity of reinforcing bars, bar lengths,
bend types, and bar positioning from the information
and instructions provided on the project drawings and in
the project specifications. Placing drawings are not
design documents since they only convey the
Architect/Engineer’s intent. Thus, project specifications
should not require that a Licensed Professional
Engineer prepare or check and seal the placing
drawings. The latest edition of RSIC “Manual of SEQUENCE OF PLACING
Standard Practice” is recommended for details. For
more information visit our website at www.rebar.org.
TOP BAR SUPPORTS AND BARS

BAR SUPPORTS
The use of bar supports should follow the industry
practices presented in Chapter 8 of RSIC Manual of
Standard Practice. Placing reinforcement on layers of
fresh concrete as the work progresses and adjusting
the bars during the placing of concrete should not be
permitted. Bar supports may be made of steel wire,
precast concrete, or plastic.

FABRICATION OF
REINFORCING BAR
Fabrication consists of the cutting, identification of bars,
bundling, bending and loading for transport, reinforcing
steel to a specified bar list. It is recommended that all
rein- forcing bars be shop fabricated, since fabrication
operations can be performed with greater accuracy in
the fabricating shop. MILLIMETERS OF LAP RELATED TO NUMBER OF BAR DIAMETERS
NUMBER OF BAR DIAMETERS (Using Bar Size)
Dimensions of a bent reinforcing bar are the overall BAR BAR
SIZE DIAM
measurements and, unless otherwise specified on the 12 20 24 30 36 40 48 54
project drawings or in the project specification, bent 10M 11.3 120 200 240 300 360 400 480 540
reinforcing bars are furnished to standard tolerances. 15M 16.0 180 300 360 450 540 600 720 810
The latest edition of RSIC Manual of Standard Practice 20M 19.5 240 400 480 600 720 800 960 1080
is recommended for more details.
25M 25.2 300 500 600 750 900 1000 1200 1350
30M 29.9 360 600 720 900 1080 1200 1440 1620
35M 35.7 420 700 840 1050 1260 1400 1680 1890
45M 43.7 LAP NOT PERMITTED
55M 56.4 LAP NOT PERMITTED

11
 STANDARD METRIC CONSTRUCTION FABRIC
STANDARD SIZE
WELDED WIRE FABRIC
STANDARD SIZE
METRIC IMPERIAL STEEL AREA WEIGHT ROLLS, SHEETS
ROLLS, SHEETS
DESIGNATION EQUIVALENT SQ.MM/LIN. M KG /SQ. M
EASTERN CANADA
WESTERN
CANADA
Welded Wire Fabric (WWF) is a prefabricated
ROLL**, 7-6 x10, reinforcement consisting of parallel series of high strength,
152x152 MW9.1 x MW9.1 6x6 10x10 59.9 1.02 ROLL* 8x20
7-6 x 20 cold-drawn or cold-rolled wire welded together in square or
152x152 MW11.1 x MW11.1 6x6 9x9 74.3 1.22 ROLL* 4x8 8x12 8x20
rectangular grids. Each wire intersection is electrically
152x152 MW13.3 x MW13.3 6x6 8x8 88.7 1.46 8x20 ROLL*+ , 7-6 x 20
ROLL* 4x8 8x12
resistance-welded by a continuous automatic welder.
152x152 MW18.7 x MW18.7 6x6 6x6 *** 124.5 2.05
8x16 8x20
ROLL*+ , 7-6 x 20
Pressure and heat fuse the intersecting wires into a
152x152 MW25.7 x MW25.7 6x6 4x4 *** 171.5 2.83 8x12 8x20 7-6 x 20 homogeneous section and fix all wires in their proper
152x152 MW34.9 x MW34.9 6x6 2x2 232.8 3.81 8x12 8x20 7-6 x 20
position. Plain wire, deformed wire or a combination of both
152x152 MW47.6 x MW47.6 6x6 0x0 317.3 5.22 8x12 8x20 7-6 x 20
102x102 MW18.7 x MW18.7 4x4 6x6 *** 186.8 3.02 8x12 8x20 7 x 20
may be used in WWF.
102x102 MW25.7 x MW25.7 4x4 4x4 *** 257.2 4.14 8x12 8x20 7 x 20
203x203 MD51.6 x MD51.6 8x8 D8XD8 257.2 4.14 8x14 Welded smooth wire reinforcement in standard sheets or
305x305 MW22.2 x MW22.2
12x12 XW3.4xW3.4 73.0 1.22 8x20 8x20
rolls, referred to as “construction mesh”, is commonly
Step through
specified as temperature and shrinkage reinforcement in
305x305 MW37.4 x MW37.4
Step through
12x12 W5.8xW5.8 123.0 2.05 8x20 8x20 slabs. It bonds to concrete by the positive mechanical
305x305 MW51.5 x MW51.6
12x12 W8xW8 170.0 2.83 8x20 8x20 anchorage at each welded wire intersection. Standard
Step through
102x152 MW43.9 x MW39.4
styles are listed in Table 11.2 and 11.3 of the manual.
4x6 W6.1xW6.1 430.1 / 259.2 5.9 8x14
Road Mesh

*Upon Request ***Also available in Galvanized sheet 8X20 Available in Grades Fy 485Mpa, 550Mpa
For Roll availability- check with local suppliers
SPLICING
Limitations on the length of reinforcing steel bars due to
NOMENCLATURE manufacturing, fabrication, transportation and
constructability restraints make it impossible to place
continuous bars in one piece throughout the structure.
Such conditions may necessitate splicing of reinforcing
bars. Other conditions may require the use of splices such
as, but not limited to rehabilitation work, future expansion
and connecting to existing structures. Properly designed
splices are key elements in design.

The recommendations and examples in the RSIC Manual

of Standard Practice concerning the type of splice, method
of splicing, welding processes and splicing devices are
merely illustrative. Proper engineering must be followed to
achieve the specific design requirements. Some
proprietary splicing devices are shown in this chapter for
information purposes only.

Splices are designed for Tension and Compression or

Compression only. There are three methods of splicing:
• Lapped
• Mechanical
• Welded
SPACING FOR SUPPORT ACCESSORIES
Each method can be used for either compression splices
Type of WWF DIAMETER/SIZE SPACING
or tension splices.
Heavy MW 58.1 and larger 1.2 to 2.0m
Medium MW 32.3 to 51.6 0.9 to 1.2m
Welded Construction and Standard Mesh specifications in
Canada and USA as per ASTM A1064/A1064M-17,
Light MW 25.8 or less 0.8m or less
*Standard "Specifications for Carbon Steel Wire and
MINIMUM MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR WWF Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed for
Concrete"
Type of WWF Minimum Minimum Yield Minimum Weld
Tensile Strength Strength Fy Shear Strength
Smooth Wire Fabric 515 Mpa 450 Mpa 240 Mpa

Deformed Structural 550 Mpa 485 Mpa 240 Mpa (ASTM)

Wire Fabric 140 Mpa (CSA)

12
 REINFORCEMENT
IN CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTS SURFACE CONDITION
OF REINFORCING BAR
The RSIC Manual of Standard Practice discusses the materials available for corrosive At the time of concrete placement, all reinforcing
environments. Specifically covered are Epoxy Coated Reinforcing Steel, Stainless Steel, bars should be free of mud, oil, or other
GFRP, and Hot Dipped Galvanized Reinforcing Steel. These various types of materials deleterious materials.
are used to deter concrete spalling. Spalling is a premature deterioration of reinforced
concrete due to corrosion of reinforcing steel. This corrosion takes place when solutions Reinforcing bars with rust, mill scale, or a
containing materials such as; salt, potash or sulphur, penetrate the surface of concrete combination of both should be considered as
structures and attack the reinforcing steel. satisfactory, provided the minimum dimensions,
weight and height of deformations of a
APPLICATION hand-wire-brushed test specimen are not less
Many types of concrete structures are subjected to a corrosive environment where Epoxy than the applicable CSA specification
Coated Reinforcing Steel, Stainless Steel or Hot Dipped Galvanized Reinforcing Steel, requirements. RSIC publishes detailed guidance
GFRP would be beneficial. Primary applications include: bridges, parking garages, on this subject available on RSIC’s Manual of
seawater structures, water and sewage treatment facilities, mining projects, chemical Standard Practice.
plants, and processing plants where chemicals are used.

DETAILING
The detailing service rendered by the Fabricator never replaces the APPROVAL OF REINFORCING
function of the Architect and the Structural Engineer. The purpose of
this detailing service is to facilitate the efficient fabrication and
STEEL PLACING DRAWINGS
The Engineer – unequivocally the final decision maker – shall either
installation of the reinforcing steel.
approve, or approve with corrections, or disapprove proposed details.
Only the structural Engineer has performed the analysis for all loading
Effective detailing service can be performed only if all dimensions and
effects and knows the effective area of steel required at all locations,
related information are available. Lacking this, the Detailer must make
and thus must provide interpretations of Building Code requirements.
time-consuming and possible job-delaying inquiries. Detailing without
clear instructions from the Engineer invariably involves additional work
Standard Practice in the industry is such that the reinforcing steel
for all concerned.
Fabricator will not provide a professional Engineer’s stamp on the
placing drawings as prepared by the reinforcing steel Detailer.
RESPONSIBILITY
No responsibility shall be assumed by the Fabricator for the structural
design or the accuracy of the dimensions on the drawings supplied by
RSIC DETAILER
others. The Fabricator shall not be held responsible for the CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
coordination or accuracy of information shown on drawings or bar lists In order to standardize the practice of detailing, the RSIC developed a
furnished by others. Detailer certification program.

The RSIC standards for certification of a reinforcing steel Detailer

ensure a minimum of a 2 year apprenticeship period. Placing drawings
are then submitted to the RSIC certification committee for review, upon
approval certification is granted.

13
ONTARIO FORMWORK
ASSOCIATION
“We are an important voice of the
“We have a genuine and deep rooted formwork industry in Ontario”
commitment to quality.”
ADVANTAGES
WHO WE ARE
In short, we are an important voice for the Formwork
The Ontario Formwork Association is an organization of High Rise Formwork Industry in Ontario. We are the communications link for
Contractors. The Association was formed in 1968 to provide a forum for our members and provide representation on important
members to discuss subjects of common interest to the formwork sector of issues before all levels of government, regulatory boards
the construction industry in Ontario. Since that time the Association has and commissions. The Association has been given
grown to reflect the needs of its membership in a business environment, responsibility for employer/employee relation including
which has been and continues to be affected by an expanding economy, an labour contract negotiations, including the general
ever increasing regulatory environment and significant changes in administration and interpretation of contracts and
technology. arbitration of labour disputes. In all our work we place
special emphasis on employee health and safety issues.
Today the Association represents member firms with a work force of
approximately 4,000 unionized workers. Our active participation in industry The Formwork industry takes enormous pride in the
matters provides our membership with the benefits of industry-wide professional and creative skills of our craftsmen and our
knowledge and experience. Member firms are responsible for approximately outstanding record for quality workmanship. The
95% of the residential high-rise construction within the province of Ontario. Association is committed to maintaining and enhancing
our reputation for quality management and the
development of state-of-the-art management systems.
WHAT WE DO We recognize that it is only through excellence – in
management, in workmanship, in productivity and the
The Ontario Formwork Association is able to put at your fingertips an innovative and creative development and application of
enormous body of proven knowledge and expertise both in terms of technology that we can maintain and advance the
management and in the field. Our members are at the leading edge of new leading-edge reputation and competitiveness of our
technology and management techniques. Few construction associations, membership!
anywhere in the world can offer as much experience, both local and
international. We have a genuine and deep rooted commitment to quality In a highly competitive industry within a free-market
and take pride in the fact that our construction and management expertise economy, quality work and highly effective management
can guarantee that a building is carried out quickly and efficiently at the best skills are essential, not only to success, but to survival. It
possible cost. is the task of the Association to protect and enhance the
industry’s position of leadership and reputation for
Formwork enjoys considerable advantages over other construction methods excellence. For this reason we encourage, promote and
including structural steel in terms of durability, safety, speed, sound are actively involved in educational and training programs
insulation and cost effectiveness, to name but a few. It has a history for to constantly upgrade and improve the skills of both
satisfying people’s desire for comfort and security in aesthetically pleasing management and employees to keep both totally up to
surroundings. Add these advantages to those offered by our Association and date with changes and innovation in the industry.
the solution to future construction needs becomes clear. The future is
formwork. The future is with the experts. The Ontario Formwork Association has an excellent track
record and we intend to maintain and build upon that
record by accepting the challenges offered by
WHERE WE WORK international trade and the growing global market.
Most of our projects are situated in the province of Ontario, although we work
in other Canadian provinces, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean,
Western Europe and Middle Eastern Countries. Ontario is Canada’s largest “The future is formwork.
province and construction its largest industry, with an excess of $100 billion The future is with the experts.”
a year focused on the building industry. Building and construction employs
6.5% of the Ontario workforce. The Ontario Formwork Association has been
equally innovative in all of these areas and our member companies are
generally regarded as leaders in the field – both at home and abroad. MEMBERS OF THE OFA
Avenue Building Corporation Premform Ltd
Delgant Construction Ltd Resform Construction Ltd
“The Ontario Forming Industry is a Dominion Forming Inc. Straw Construction Group
world leader in quality, innovation Hardwall Construction Summit Forming
Hardcastel Group T.F. Construction Ltd
and efficiency.” Italform Limited Verdi Inc.
J.M.S. Forming Ltd Yukon Construction Inc.
Paramount Structures Ltd

14
 FORMWORK FOR CONCRETE

CONCRETE FACT: CONCRETE IS

SECOND ONLY TO WATER AS
THE MOST CONSUMED
SUBSTANCE IN THE WORLD.
Source: Globe & Mail

ONE-PIECE TIES SAFE LOADS

Used to secure and space modular panel forms.

FLAT TIE 1500, 2250,
Available in several configurations. Notched for
and 3000 Ib
breakback.

2250 and Secures and spaces prefabricated modular forms.

LOOP TIE
3000 Ib Notched for a 1” breakback. Crimp is antiturn feature.

SNAP TIE WITH Used for job-built forms, lighter construction. May have
2250 and cone spreader and waterseal washer. Notched for a 1”
SPREADER
3350 Ib breakback.
WASHERS

3000, 7500, Long lengths supplied for cutting as desired on the job.
FIBERGLASS TIE and 25,000 Ib Custom colors available. Cut off flush with surface of
hardened concrete.

7500 to Used where specs require or permit complete

TAPER TIE
50,000 LB removal of tie from concrete. Tie is reusable.

THREADED BAR Standard 20-ft lengths cut to meet project require-ments.

10,000 to
WITH UNATTACHED Double nuts may be needed for higher load capacities.
32,500 Ib
SLEEVE Bar is reusable

INTERNALLY DISCONNECTING TIES

4900 to 64,000 Ib Heavy duty, with reusable end bolts. No internal

SHE-BOLT TIE up to 155,000 in spreader, but external spreader bracket available.
high strength steel

TWO-STRUT COIL Two-strut, 3000 to 13,500 Ib; Designed for medium to heavy construction.
TIE WITH CONES Four-strut, 9000 to 27,000 Ib With or without cone spreaders. Bolts reusable.

Some common one-piece and internally disconnecting ties. Safe loads, taken from manufacturers’ recommendations, are based on a safety factor of 2. Wedges, nuts, or other
holding devices are shown schematically and may vary from that pic-tured. A wide range of safe loads indicates that there are several diameters, grades of steel, or different
fastener details.Source: Formwork for Concrete – Seventh Edition, M.K. Hurd, ACI Committee 347.

15
CONCRETE FORMWORK
ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO
Established in 1971, the Concrete Formwork Association of Ontario (CFAO)
speaks for the interests of companies working in the institutional,
commercial, industrial (ICI) sector of the construction industry. It accounts for
the bulk of cast-in-place construction work in the Golden Horseshoe area,
the hub of Ontario’s economy. CFAO works in partnership with men and
women of:

• Labourers’ International Union of North America,

• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America International
• Union of Operating Engineers

Our Association sits as members of the Advisory Board of the General

Contractors’ Section of the Toronto Construction Association; on the
Carpenters’ and Labourers’ Employer Bargaining Agencies in negotiating
Provincial collective agreements, to establish wages, etc., that apply to our
sector.

AWARDS GIVEN EACH YEAR

AT RYERSON UNIVERSITY
The Concrete Forming Association of Ontario, in conjunction with Ryerson
University, established a trust fund for Ryerson students who have
completed their first or second year of the Civil Engineering program and
who are continuing on into the second and third year on a full time basis in
the immediate year following.

CFAO SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDE:

1) CONCRETE FORMING ASSOCIATION AWARD to a second or third year
student with demonstrated experience or background in the construction
industry and a clear academic standing.

2) CONCRETE FORMING ASSOCIATION AWARD to a second or third

year student with demonstrated experience or background in the
construction industry and a clear academic standing.

3) CONCRETE FORMING ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (FEMALE)

AWARD presented to a female student with the highest standing in second
year environmentally related courses including hydrology, fluid mechanics,
hydraulic engineering and environmental science for engineers.
MEMBERS OF THE CFAO
Alliance Forming Ltd.
4) DAN DORCICH MEMORIAL AWARD
Avenue Building Corporation
(Sponsored by Concrete Forming Association of Ontario) for a student
Caledon Structures Inc.
with demonstrated interest, experience or background in the construction
Delgant Construction Limited
industry and a clear academic standing.
Dell-Core Equipment Ltd.
Forma-Con Construction
5) NICK BARBIERI MEMORIAL AWARD
Hardrock Forming Co.
(Sponsored by Concrete Forming Association of Ontario) for a student
Outspan Concrete Structures Ltd.
who has demonstrated interest, experience or background in the
Premform Group Inc.
construction industry and a clear academic standing.
Rapid Forming Inc.
Res 2000 Structures Inc.
Structform International Ltd.
Yukon Construction Inc.

16
 CONCRETE EXPOSURE CLASSES

Determination of the minimum concrete

performance properties is based upon
identifying the following key
requirements:

APPLICABLE EXPOSURE CONDITIONS MINIMUM DURABILITY REQUIREMENTS

The designer must assess the environmental conditions that the Based upon the designer’s assessment of the exposure conditions,
concrete will be exposed to during its service life. Direct input is also the CSA A23.1 standard sets minimum concrete properties.
required from the Owner regarding possible future uses since they can
significantly affect the exposure class selection. In cases where these various factors result in differing material
properties, the designer must select the most stringent requirement
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS as the minimum concrete performance requirement.
The designer must determine the minimum concrete properties
required to meet the applicable loading conditions. CSA A23.1:19 – Concrete materials and methods of concrete
construction, Tables 1 – 4 outline the minimum durability
ARCHITECTURAL REQUIREMENTS requirements.
The designer must consider the effects of selecting various
architectural finishes on concrete material properties.

TABLE 1
DEFINITIONS OF C, F, N, A, S & R CLASSES OF EXPOSURE
(See Clauses 3,4.1.1.1.1, 4.1.1.1.3, 4.1.1.5, 4.1.1.8.1, 4.1.2.3, 6.1.4, 6.6.7.6.1, 7.1.2.1, 9.1, L.3, and R.1, Tables 2, 3, and 17, and Annex L.)

C-XL Structurally reinforced concrete exposed to chlorides or other N-CF Interior concrete floors with a steel-trowel finish that are not S-1 Concrete subjected to very severe sulphate exposures (Table 2
severe environments with or without freezing and thawing exposed to chlorides, nor to sulphates either in a wet or dry and 3).
conditions, with higher durability performance expectations than environment.
the C-1 classes. Examples: interior floors, surface covered applications S-2 Concrete subjected to severe sulphate exposure (Table 2 and 3).
(carpet, vinyl tile) and surface exposed applications (with or
C-1 Structurally reinforced concrete exposed to chlorides with or without floor hardener), ice-hockey rinks, freezer warehouse S-3 Concrete subjected to moderate sulphate exposure and to
without freezing and thawing conditions. floors. seawater or seawater spray (Table 2 and 3).
Examples: bridge decks, parking decks and ramps, portions
of structures exposed to seawater located within the tidal A-XL Structurally reinforced concrete exposed to severe manure and/or R-1 Residential concrete for footings for walls, columns, fireplaces and
and splash zones, concrete exposed to seawater spray, and silage gases, with or without freeze-thaw exposure. Concrete chimneys.
salt water pools. For seawater or seawater-spray exposures exposed to the vapour above municipal sewage or industrial
the requirements for S-3 exposure also have to be met. effluent, where hydrogen sulphide gas might be generated, with R-2 Residential concrete for foundation walls, grade beams, piers, etc.
higher durability performance expectations than A-1 class.
C-2 Non-structurally reinforced (i.e., plain) concrete exposed to R-3 Residential concrete for interior slabs on ground not exposed to
chlorides and freezing and thawing. A-1 Structurally reinforced concrete exposed to severe manure and/or freezing and thawing or deicing salts.
Examples: garage floors, porches, steps, pavements, silage gases, with or without freeze-thaw exposure. Concrete
sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. exposed to the vapour above municipal sewage or industrial
effluent, where hydrogen sulphide gas might be generated.
C-3 Continuously submerged concrete exposed to chlorides, but not to Examples: reinforced beams, slabs, and columns over Notes:
freezing and thawing. manure pits and silos, canals, and pig slats; and access
Examples: underwater portions of structures exposed to holes, enclosed chambers, and pipes that are partially filled 1) “C” classes pertain to chloride exposure.
seawater. For seawater or seawater-spray exposures the with effluents.
requirements for S-3 exposure also have to be met. 2) “F” classes pertain to freezing and thawing exposure without
A-2 Structurally reinforced concrete exposed to moderate to severe chlorides.
C-4 Non-structurally reinforces concrete exposed to chlorides, but not manure and/or silage gases and liquids, with or without
to freezing and thawing. freeze-thaw exposure. 3) “N” class is exposed to neither chlorides nor freezing and
Examples: underground parking slabs on grade. Examples: reinforced walls in exterior manure tanks, silos thawing.
and feed bunders, and exterior slabs.
F-1 Concrete exposed to freezing and thawing in a saturated condition, 4) All classes of concrete exposed to sulphates shall comply with
but not to chlorides. A-3 Structurally reinforced concrete exposed to moderate to severe the minimum requirements of S class noted in Tables 2 and 3. In
Examples: pool decks, patios, tennis courts, freshwater manure and/or silage gases and liquids, with or without particular, Classes A-1 to A-4 and A-XL in municipal sewage
pools, and freshwater control structures. freeze-thaw exposure in a continuously submerged condition. elements could be subjected to sulphate exposure.
Concrete continuously submerged in municipal or industrial
F-2 Concrete in an unsaturated condition exposed to freezing and effluents. 5) No hydraulic cement concrete will be entirely resistant in severe
thawing, but not to chlorides. Examples: interior gutter walls, beams, slabs, and columns; acid exposures. The resistance of hydraulic cement concrete in
sewage pipes that are continuously full (e.g., forcemains); such exposures is largely dependent on its resistance to
N Concrete that when in service is neither exposed to chlorides nor and submerged portions of sewage treatment structures. penetration of fluids.
to freezing and thawing nor to sulphates, either in a wet or dry
environment. A-4 Non-structurally reinforced concrete exposed to moderate manure 6) Decision of exposure class should be based upon the service
Examples: footings, walls and columns. and/or silage gases and liquids, without freeze-thaw exposure. conditions of the structure or structural element, and not upon the
Examples: interior slabs on grade. conditions during construction.

Source: Table 1, CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19 Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction/Test
methods and standard practices for concrete. © 2019 Canadian Standards Association

17
 TABLE 2 | CSA A23.1
REQUIREMENTS FOR C, F, N, R, S AND A CLASSES OF EXPOSURE
(See Clauses 4.1.1.1.1, 4.1.1.3, 4.1.1.4, 4.1.1.5, 4.1.1.6.2, 4.1.2.1, 4.3.1, 7.4.1.1, 8.8.3, and 8.8.6.1, and Table 1.)

NOTES:
Air Content category Curing type
a
See Table 1 for a description of classes of exposure. as per Table 4d (see Table 19)
b
The minimum specified compressive strength may be h
gt aw
ied en d) les th
a
adjusted to reflect proven relationships between strength and re r- d
su te ious iob cif str e ( yc aw to eze/ te an
the water-to-cementitious materials ratio provided that a e re n y ts c
po t
w ti ra t e
sp siv d a g c
to e/th
d
e e nc 1 io bilit en est
freezing and thawing and de-icer scaling resistance have been
fe
x
um menrials m es n d z p os of fr l co N- -2 e a m t
u a ,i
e rid tr re t
demonstrated to be satisfactory. The water-to-cementitious so m pr a) st os free Ex les a CM SCM
b
im e m lo ne qui e a
materials ratio shall not be exceeded for a given class of as ax o-c ate ini om MP t te p o t c or VS
exposure. Cl M t m M c ( a Ex o f N cy N H HV Ch pe re ag

c
In accordance with CSA A23.2-23C, an age different from C-XL or A-XL 0.40 50 within 56 d 1 e
3 3 3 < 1000 coulombs within 91 d
that indicated may be specified by the owner. Accelerated
moist curing in accordance with CSA A23.2-23C may be C-1 or A-1 0.40 35 within 56 d 1 e
2 3 2 < 1500 coulombs within 91 d
specified by the owner; in such cases, the age at test shall be C-2 0.45h 32 at 28 d 1 n/a 2 2 2 --
28 d. Where calcium nitrite corrosion inhibitor is to be used,
the same concrete mixture, without calcium nitrite, shall be C-3 0.50 30 at 28 d n/a e
1 2 2 --
qualified to meet the requirements for the permeability index
in this Table. For field testing, the owner shall specify the type C-4e 0.55 25 at 28 d n/a e
1 2 2 --
of specimen and location from which it is taken. If cores are A-2 0.50 32 at 28 d 1 e
2 2 2 --
required, the concrete cores shall be taken in accordance with
CSA A23.2-23C. A-3 0.50 30 at 28 d 2 e
1 2 2 --
d
Air entrained concrete shall not receive a steel trowelled A-4 0.45 25 at 28 d 2 e
1 2 2 --
finish. See Note 4) to Clauses 7.7.4.3.1 and 7.7.4.3.2. F-1 0.50j 30 at 28 d 1 n/a 2 3 2 --
e
Class N-CF concrete shall not contain an air entraining F-2 or R-1 or R-2 0.55j 25 at 28 d 2f n/a 1 2 2 --
admixture. Other classes of concrete falling in this air content
category have no requirement to provide entrained air N As per the For structural n/a e
1 2 2 --
however the producer may choose to add entrained air in mix design for design
order to modify plastic concrete properties such as bleeding, the strength
workability, cohesiveness, etc. No air entrainment shall be required
added to concrete which is to receive a steel trowel finish. N-CFg or R-3 0.55 25 at 28 d n/a e
1 2 2 --
f
Air entrainment shall be waived for F-2 class exposures frozen S-1 0.40 35 within 56 d 1 e
2 3 2 --
in an air dry condition and receiving very limited cycles of
freeze/thaw. Interior ice rink slabs brought to sub-zero levels S-2 0.45j 32 within 56 d 1 e
2 3 2 --
before the introduction of water and dry freezer slabs have S-3 0.50j 30 within 56 d 1 e
1 2 2 --
been found to perform satisfactorily without entrained air
when steel trowelled.
g
See Clause 7.1.2 for concrete mixes for concrete floors. j
For reinforced concrete surfaces exposed to air and not and balconies and exposed vertical surfaces that receive little
directly exposed to precipitation, with depths of cover less direct precipitation. For concrete that is continuously moist,
h
The maximum water-to-cementitious material ratio for than 50 mm, the water-to-cementitious materials ratio shall be the process of carbonation will be very slow.
HVSCM-1 concrete in a C-2 exposure shall not exceed 0.40. not greater than 0.40 for HVSCM-1 concrete and not greater
than 0.45 for HVSCM-2 concrete. This requirement is intended Source: Table 2, CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19 Concrete
i
A different age at test may be specified by the owner to meet to minimize the risk of corrosion of embedded steel due to materials and methods of concrete construction/Test methods
structural or other requirements. carbonation of the concrete cover. The exposure conditions and standard practices for concrete. © 2019 Canadian
that present the greatest risk are the soffits of suspended slabs Standards Association

TABLE 3 TABLE 4
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCRETE Performance
REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR
SUBJECTED TO SULPHATE ATTACK1 requirements4, 6
CONTENT CATEGORIES
(See Clauses 4.1.1.1.1, 4.1.1.6.2, 4.1.1.6.3, and L.3 and Tables 1, 7, 24, and 25.) Maximum expansion (See Clauses 4.1.1.1.1, 4.1.1.3, 4.1.1.4,
when tested using
CSA A3004-C8, % 4.1.1.5, 4.3.1, and 4.3.3.2, and Table 2.)
te , e, te
e ha le pl ha le,
%
e
a
ur lp p lp Range in air content* for
sur pos e
su sam
l 4) in sam e
su cled mp e 7
s concretes with indicated nominal
xp
o ex l i
ub so O er l y s
ub ec e
a us b s th
of ol in (S t
e dwa ol in r gat io to th on maximum sizes of course
ofe e -s † at L s ntit ials4 on m aggregate, %
e r
e ) h n / r
e ) re e r m
as
s gr at O4 lp ou g at O4 g m ate ed 6 12
Cl De W (S 2 % Su gr 3 m W (S ag Ce m us At At
Air content category 10 mm 14-20 mm 28-40 mm
S-1 Very severe > 2.0 > 10,000 > 2.0 HS5,HSb, 0.05 0.10
HSLb, or HSe 1† 6-9 5-8 4-7
S-2 Severe 0.20 – 2.0 1500 – 10,000 0.60 – 2.0 HS5, HSb, 0.05 0.10 2 5-8 4-7 3-7
HSLb, or HSe
S-3 Moderate 0.10 – 0.20 150 – 1500 0.20 – 0.60 MS, MSb, MSe, 0.10 * At the point of discharge from the delivery equipment,
(including MSLb, LH, LHb, unless otherwise specified.
seawater HS5, HSb, HSLb,
exposure1) or HSe † For hardened concrete, see Clause 4.3.3.2.

Notes: 1) The above difference in air contents has been

1
For sea water exposure, also see Clause 4.1.1.5. 7
If the expansion is greater than 0.05% at 6 months but established based upon the difference in mortar fraction
2
In accordance with CSA A23.2-3B. less than 0.10% at 1 year, the cementitious materials volume required for specific coarse aggregate sizes. 2) Air
3
In accordance with CSA A23.2-2B. combination under test shall be considered to have contents measured after pumping or slip forming can be
passed. significantly lower than those measured at the end of the
4
Where combinations of supplementary cementitious materials and chute.
Portland, Portland-limestone, or blended hydraulic cements are to Note: Limestone fillers shall not be used in concrete for
be used in the concrete mix design instead of the cementitious any S class exposure listed in Tables 1 to 3.
materials listed, and provided they meet the performance Portland-limestone cement shall not be used as the sole Source: Table 4, CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19 Concrete
requirements demonstrating equivalent performance against cementitious material in concrete for any S class materials and methods of concrete construction/Test
sulphate exposure, they shall be designated as MS equivalent (MSe) exposure listed in Tables 1 to 3. However, blended methods and standard practices for concrete. © 2019
or HS equivalent (HSe) in the relevant sulphate exposures (see hydraulic cements, or combinations of Portland-lime- Canadian Standards Association
Clauses 4.1.1.6.2, 4.2.1.1, and 4.2.1.3, and 4.2.1.4). stone cement and the minimum levels of supplementary
cementitious materials listed in Table 9 of CSA A3001 With permission of Canadian Standards Association, (operating as
5
Type HS cement shall not be used in reinforced concrete exposed and also meeting the test requirements of Table 5 in CSA “CSA Group”), 178 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto, ON, M9W 1R3, material is
to both chlorides and sulphates, including seawater. See Clause A3001, may be used in any S class exposure listed in reproduced from CSA Group’s standard CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19
4.1.1.6.3. Tables 1 to 3. Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction/Test
methods and standard practices for concrete. This material is not the
complete and official position of CSA Group on the referenced subject,
6
For demonstrating equivalent performance, use the testing Source: Table 3, CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19 Concrete which is represented solely by the Standard in its entirety. While use of
frequency in Table 1 of CSA A3004-A1 and see the applicable notes materials and methods of concrete construction/Test the material has been authorized, CSA Group is not responsible for the
to Table A3 in CSA A3001 with regard to re-establishing compliance methods and standard practices for concrete. © 2019 manner in which the data is presented, nor for any representations and
if the composition of the cementitious materials used to establish Canadian Standards Association interpretations. No further reproduction is permitted. For more
compliance changes. information or to purchase standard(s) from CSA Group, please visit
store.csagroup.org or call 1-800-463-6727.

18
 COLD WEATHER CONCRETING

Weather conditions can have a dramatic effect on both the setting

time and concrete placing, finishing and protection systems that
must be followed for proper concrete placement. As per CSA A23.1,
cold weather concreting conditions are defined as:
• When the air temperature is 5°C or lower.
• Or when there is a probability that the temperature may fall below
5°C within 24 hours of placing the concrete.

GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR COLD WEATHER CONCRETING INCLUDE:

• Removing all ice and snow from the subgrade or formwork. • The surface of the concrete should not be allowed to dry out while it
is still plastic since this may cause plastic shrinkage cracking. The
• Ensuring that all materials and equipment needed for adequate longer set times encountered during cold weather combined with the
protection and curing are on hand before the concrete placement. effects of hot dry air from heaters being blown along the top surface of
• Protection equipment shall include heated enclosures, coverings, the concrete significantly increase this risk.
insulation or a suitable combination of these methods. • Wet curing methods are typically not recommended during cold
• Supplying the necessary supplemental heat required to ensure that weather conditions since the concrete will not have a sufficient time
forms, subgrades, and reinforcing steel is maintained at a minimum period to air dry before the first freeze/thaw cycle.
temperature of 10°C well prior to the concrete placement. • The possibility of thermal cracking, which is caused by large
• Ordering concrete with a temperature between 10°C – 25°C. temperature differences between the surface and the interior of the
concrete, must be considered when the heating supplied during the
• Concrete should be ordered using the lowest practical water slump curing period is going to be suspended. Protection shall not be
since this will reduce bleeding and setting times. Chemical admixture removed until the temperature differential indicated in CSA A23.1
can still be used to improve the workability of the concrete. Table 20 has been achieved.
• Chemical admixtures and mix design modifications can be used to Special care should be taken with concrete test specimens used for
offset the slower setting times and strength gain of concrete during the acceptance of the concrete. The initial test specimens shall be
cold weather conditions. Considerations should be given to ordering stored in a controlled environment that maintains the temperature at
concrete that will obtain higher early strengths. 20 ± 5°C as per CSA A23.1/.2 requirements.
• Concrete temperature must be maintained at a minimum of 10°C for
the full curing period as is defined by CSA A23.1 Tables 2 & 19.

CAUTION REGARDING THE

USE OF PORTABLE GAS
FIRED HEATERS
Plastic concrete exposed to a carbon dioxide source
(CO2) during the concrete placing, finishing and curing
period will develop a soft, chalky, carbonated surface
(known as dusting). Carbon Dioxide is an odourless and
colourless gas that is heavier than air and is produced
by all forms of combustion. Typical sources include
open flame heaters (stacks must be vented to outside),
and internal combustion engines (e.g. on trucks, power
trowels, concrete buggies, etc.). Precautions must
therefore be taken to properly vent the placement area.

19
 COLD WEATHER TABLES HOT WEATHER TABLES

TABLE 19 | CSA A23.1:19 FIGURE 1

ALLOWABLE CURING REGIMES ESTIMATION OF RATE OF
(see Clause 4.1.1.1.1, 7.7.1, 7.7.2.1, 7.8.9, 8.12.2, and Table 2) EVAPORATION OF MOISTURE
Curing Type Name Description FROM A CONCRETE SURFACE
1 Basic curing 3 d at ≥ 10 °C or for the time
necessary to attain 40% of the
specified strength.

2 Additional curing* 7 d total at ≥ 10 °C and for the time

necessary to attain 70% of the
specified strength.

3 Extended wet curing A wet-curing period of 7 d at ≥ 10 °C

and for the time necessary to attain
70% of the specified strength. The
curing types allowed are ponding,
continuous sprinkling, absorptive mat,
or fabric kept continuously wet.

* When using silica fume concrete, additional curing procedures shall be

used. See Clause 1.3.13.

TABLE 20 | CSA A23.1:19

Maximum permissible temperature differential between concrete surface
and ambient to minimize cracking - wind up to 25 km/h (see Clauses To use this chart:
7.1.2.5 and 7.5.3 and Figure D.2.)
1.Enter with air temperature,
move up to relative humidity.
Maximum permissible temperature differential, °C
2.Move right to concrete
Length to height ratio of structural elements * temperature.
3.Move down to wind velocity.
Thickness of
Concrete, m 0† 3 5 7 20 OR
MORE
4.Move left; read approximate
< 0.3 29 22 19 17 12 rate of evaporation.

0.6 22 18 16 15 12
0.9 18 16 15 14 12
1.2 17 15 14 13 12
> 1.5 16 14 13 13 12 Note: Adapted (with metric values) from PCA EB101.05T. Additional information can be obtained from
Berhane, 1984, and discussions of this article in ACI Materials Journal 82 (1985). Futher information
and background can be obtained from Uno, 1998.
* Length shall be the longer restrained dimension and the height
shall be considered the unrestrained dimension
† Very high, narrow structural elements such as columns.

Notes:
(1) Curing of plant production of precast concrete shall be as set out in CSA A23.4.
(2) Concrete should be allowed to air-dry for a period of at least one month after the end of the
curing period, before exposure to de-icing chemicals.
(3) The rate of compressive strength gain in concrete is significantly reduced below 10°C.

20
 HOT WEATHER CONCRETING

Weather conditions can have a dramatic effect on both the setting time
and concrete placing, finishing and protection systems that must be
followed for proper concrete placement. Hot weather concreting
conditions typically include:
• High ambient air temperatures (≥ 27°C)
• Low relative humidity conditions
• High wind speeds
• Solar radiation or heat gain
PLACING
These conditions can result in the following challenges for the After the concrete is properly mixed ensure that it is discharged as
concrete contractor: soon as possible. Consider the use of larger crews to accelerate
• Increased concrete water demand. placement rates.
• Accelerated concrete slump loss.
• Increased rate of setting leading to placing and FINISHING
finishing difficulties.
• Increased tendency for plastic shrinkage cracking In cases where protection against rapid evaporation of water from the
• Increased concrete temperature resulting in concrete surface is a concern (Figure 1), consider the use of one or
lower ultimate strength. more of the following actions:
• Increased potential for thermal cracking • Erect sunshades and wind breaks
• Need for early curing. • Cover the surface with white polyethylene sheets
• Apply fog spray
The first step that must be taken is to identify when hot weather • Place and finish at night or early morning
concreting conditions may apply and modify the normal concrete • Apply temporary evaporation retarder after the
placing and finishing procedures accordingly. Possible steps that may screeding operation
be taken include:
CURING
PREPARATION Curing shall begin immediately following the placing and finishing
During hot weather conditions where plastic shrinkage cracking may operations and the concrete shall be cured for the duration outlined in
be an issue, ACI 305R recommends that the subgrade should be CSA A23.1:19 Tables 2 and 19 for the identified class of exposure.
prewetted and forms and reinforcing steel should be dampened prior
to concrete placing (there should be no standing water). The purpose TESTING
of these actions is to prevent the absorption of water from the concrete To avoid inaccurate strength test results, the initial test specimens
into the subgrade. shall be stored in a controlled environment that maintains the
temperature at 20 ± 5°C as per CSA A23.1/.2 requirements. Concrete
TEMPERATURE CONTROL test cylinders that exceed these temperature requirements typically
To minimize concrete temperatures, concrete placements should be exhibit much lower 28-day strengths.
scheduled during cooler periods of the day (I.e. early morning or night)
to limit the exposure to the elements. To help control concrete
temperatures, the ready-mix supplier can use a combination of the
following tactics: TABLE 14
• Spraying aggregate piles with water Permissible concrete temperatures at placing
• Cooling the mix water (See Clauses 5.2.5.4.1, 7.2.2.1, 7.5.1.3, 7.6.3.2.3, and 8.5.5.)
• Use of ice or liquid nitrogen
• Increased use of SCMs Temperatures, °C
• Use of chemical admixtures Thickness of section, m Minimum Maximum
The maximum concrete temperature at delivery shall be according to < 0.3 10 32
CSA A23.1:19 Table 14. ≥ 0.3 - < 1 10 30
≥1-<2 5 25
SLUMP
≥2 5 20
A concrete slump which allows for rapid placement and consolidation
should be considered. Chemical admixtures such as super-plasticizers Source:
1. Annex D Figure D.1 & Table 14, CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19 Concrete materials and methods of concrete
can dramatically improve the concrete slump and reduce placement construction/Test methods and standard practices for concrete. © 2019 Canadian Standards Association
2. ACI 305R-10 Guide to Hot Weather Concreting, American Concrete Institute 3. ACI 305.1M-14
times. Specification for Hot Weather Concreting, American Concrete Institute

21
PROPER CONCRETE JOINTING THE BASIC JOINTING SYSTEMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Isolation Joints: Joints that permit both horizontal and vertical
DETAILS TO CONTROL movement between the slab and the adjacent concrete (diagram 1). The
purpose of this joint is to completely separate the two concrete elements
RANDOM CRACKING (since they may move independently of each other) and to provide
space for both expansion and contraction of the concrete. These joints
are typically 13 mm in thickness and are constructed of a compressible
Shrinkage is an unavoidable fact of concrete construction. The key to a material.
successful concrete project is understanding how to minimize shrinkage
and knowing what steps to take to avoid random concrete cracking. Contraction Joints: Joints that permit horizontal movement of the
slab and induce controlled cracking at preselected locations (diagram 2).
The primary factors that result in concrete shrinkage and/or cracking These joints are typically created by grooving the concrete while it is still
include: in the plastic state or cutting the concrete in its hardened state once it
• Settlement of the sub-grade. has obtained sufficient strength (typically 4 – 12 hours after placement).
• Chemical shrinkage of the concrete.
• Temperature and moisture changes in the concrete. Construction Joints: Joints that are stopping places in the process
• Application of loads to the concrete surface. of construction (diagram 3). The person designing the joint layout has
• Restraint of concrete movement during either the option with construction joints to have them act as a contraction joint
expansion or contraction. and allow horizontal movement only (diagram 3-b) or to create a fully
bonded joint with deformed rebar and not permit either horizontal or
The actual amount of concrete shrinkage is governed by: vertical movement (diagram 3-c).
• The concrete’s raw constituents
• The unit water content of the mix Proper jointing layout is performed before the concrete is placed by
• The drying conditions that the concrete is exposed to utilizing the basic rules above to determine the maximum joint spacing
• The size and shape of the concrete element. and then reviewing the plan view of the project to determine the proper
locations of the three basic jointing types (see below). Concrete
Once these facts are known, the designer and contractor can properly placement should never occur until a proper joint layout drawing has
address concrete shrinkage by selecting the appropriate concrete been prepared, reviewed and approved.
thickness and layout, installing the necessary concrete jointing systems
and utilizing the correct amount of reinforcement in suitable locations.

Methods to minimize the volume change of concrete and reduce internal

stresses from a mix design standpoint include:
• Lowering the unit water content of the concrete as much as practical
• Using the largest practical size of coarse aggregate in order to
minimize the paste content of the mix
• Utilizing well graded aggregate blends which exhibit low shrinkage TYPICAL JOINT LAYOUT
• Minimizing the water demand of the concrete by utilizing
Isolation joints
supplementary cementing materials Contraction (control) joints
• Avoid admixtures that increase drying shrinkage Unbonded construction joint
( i.e. calcium chloride based accelerators).

BASICS OF UNREINFORCED CONCRETE

SLAB-ON-GRADE CONSTRUCTION
As stated previously, concrete shrinks in all directions as it cures. Whether ISOLATION JOINT – DIAGRAM 1 CONSTRUCTION JOINT – DIAGRAM 3
the concrete will crack due to material shrinkage alone is dependent on
the shape of the concrete, the thickness of the concrete and the restraint
supplied by subgrade or adjacent elements. If the concrete is free to move
then no stresses are created and the concrete doesn’t crack. To avoid
random concrete cracking we utilize a system of joints (isolation,
contraction & construction) to force the concrete cracking to follow specific CONTRACTION JOINT – DIAGRAM 2
lines (See adjacent photos).

The basic rules for layout of these joints are as follows:

• The maximum joint spacing should not exceed 24 to 36 times the
thickness of the slab and should not exceed 4.5 m as per CSA A23.1
• The resulting panels created by these joints should be as square as
possible. The length/width ratio of the panels should never exceed 1.5
• Joint depths should be at least ¼ the depth of the slab
• Contraction joints should be located at all “re-entrant” corners
(corners with angles greater than 90°) to prevent radial cracking References:

• “T” intersections of contraction joints should be avoided since the

1 CSA A23.1-19 – Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction, Canadian Standards Association International
2 Concrete Digest – 2nd Edition, Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario
random cracks will tend to continue through into the next slab. 3
4
Slabs on Grade, ACI Concrete Craftsmen Series CCS-1, American Concrete Institute
Concrete in Practice #6 – Joints in Concrete Slabs on Grade, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

22
 CURING CONCRETE

Curing is defined as “maintenance of a satisfactory moisture content

and temperature in the concrete for a period of time immediately
following placing and finishing so that the desired properties may GENERAL NOTES REGARDING CONCRETE CURING:
develop.” Early curing is critical when the concrete will be exposed to
harsh Canadian weather conditions since it dramatically affects the 1. Alternating cycles of wetting and drying during the curing process is
permeability and durability of the concrete. In some instances, curing extremely harmful to the concrete surface and may result in surface
must be initiated even before the finishing operations are complete to crazing and cracking. This should be avoided at all costs.
provide the necessary concrete properties.
2. A 28-day air drying period is recommended immediately following the
Since the strength and durability properties of concrete are set by the curing period to provide the necessary freeze/thaw resistance for the
chemical reactions of the various components during the hydration concrete. Curing methods that result in fully saturated concrete, which will
process, there are three key factors to proper curing. be exposed to freeze/thaw cycles once the curing period is over, may
result in premature deterioration of the concrete (even if the concrete is
Moisture - Having sufficient moisture to ensure the hydration properly air entrained).
process continues.
3. Concrete with low W/CM ratios (≤ 0.40) may not have sufficient free
Temperature - Maintaining a sufficient temperature (≥10°C) to ensure moisture in the mix to allow for the use of “moisture loss prevention”
that the chemical reaction continues. curing methods. This situation should be reviewed prior to the start of the
project.
Time - Maintaining both the moisture and temperature requirements
for a minimum period of time (3 - 7 days - Table 19) to ensure that the Curing of concrete can be completed by two basic methods:
durability properties fully develop. Curing needs to be initiated as soon • Preventing the loss of moisture from the concrete
as the finishing operations are complete, and the surface will not be • Keeping the exposed surface continuously
damaged by the curing operation.

Possible curing methods are outlined in the following table: TABLE 19 | CSA A23.1:19
Allowable curing regimes
(See Clause 4.1.1.1.1, 7.1.2.2, 7.8.1,
MOISTURE LOSS PREVENTION SUPPLYING SUPPLEMENTAL MOISTURE
7.8.2.1, 7.9.9, and Table 2)
CURING COMPOUNDS WATER PONDING
• Form a membrane over the top surface of the concrete • Water curing should start without causing damage to the BASIC CURING
preventing moisture loss. slab immediately after finishing. 3 d at ≥ 10°C or for the time necessary to attain 40% of the
• Must be applied at the manufacturer’s suggested • Flooding of the concrete surface to provide both moisture specified strength.
application rate. and a uniform curing temperature.
• Should be applied in two applications with the second being • Curing water should not be more than 12°C cooler than ADDITIONAL CURING*
at right angles to the first to ensure uniform coverage. the concrete temperature to avoid the possibility of 7 d total at ≥ 10°C and for the time necessary to attain 70% of the
• Should be applied as soon as the concrete surface is thermal cracking. specified strength.
finished and when there is no free water on the surface. • The water must cover the entire concrete surface.
• Curing compounds can affect the “bond” of some floor EXTENDED WET
coverings. •
WATER SPRINKLING A wet-curing period of 7 d at ≥ 10°C and for the time necessary to
• Confirm that this curing method is suitable for the final floor • Spraying water over the concrete surface. The entire attain 70% of the specified curing strength. The curing types
covering application. concrete surface must be wet for this method to be allowed are ponding, continuous sprinkling, absorptive mat, or
effective. fabric kept continuously wet.
PLASTIC SHEETING • The concrete surface must have sufficient strength to
• Ensure that the plastic sheeting covers 100% of the avoid damaging the surface.
concrete surface and that it is adequately sealed at the • Excess water will run off the concrete and must be *When using silica fume concrete, additional curing procedures
edges to prevent moisture loss. drained away. shall be used. See Annex I, Clause 1.3.13
• Select the appropriate colour (white, black, or clear) of the • This protection method can be adversely affected by high
plastic based upon the ambient air conditions. winds which prevent proper curing on the “upwind” side. Notes:
• If uniform colour is a requirement for the project, ensure (1) Curing of plant production of precast concrete shall be as set
that the plastic is not placed directly on the concrete •
WET BURLAP out in CSA A23.4.
surface. • Pre-soaked burlap is applied to the concrete surface and (2) It is recommended that concrete be allowed to air-dry for a
• Ensure that plastic sheeting is not damaged by subsequent is covered with plastic to prevent moisture loss or water is period of at least one month after the end of the curing period,
construction activities and stays in place during the curing reapplied as necessary to prevent the material from before exposure to de-icing chemicals.
period. drying out. (3) The rate of compressive strength gain in concrete is
• Burlap should be rinsed prior to its first use to avoid significantly reduced below 10 °C.
LEAVING FORMWORK IN PLACE possible staining.
• This system is most effective for vertical elements (walls, • Materials utilizing both geotextile fabric and plastic top Sources:
columns, beams, etc). Care must be taken to also protect coatings can be reused throughout the project. 1 Table 19, CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19 Concrete materials and
the top surface of the concrete appropriately. methods of concrete construction/Test methods and standard
• “Breaking” or “Releasing” the formwork dramatically WET SAND practices for concrete. © 2019 Canadian Standards Association
reduces the effectiveness of this curing method since air • Wet loose material such as sand can be used to cure 2 Ontario Building Code – 2012, Ontario Ministry of Municipal
flow is now possible between the concrete and the concrete slabs and footings. Affairs and Housing – Housing Development and Buildings Branch
formwork. • The sand thickness must be sufficient to prevent moisture 3 RMCAO Concrete Digest, Second Edition
• If uniform colour is an issue, then a uniform curing time and loss at the concrete surface or the sand must be wetted 4 Concrete in Practice #11 – Curing In-Place Concrete, National
temperature must also be maintained and form removal throughout the curing period. Ready Mixed Concrete Association
scheduled accordingly.

23
TEN STEPS TO DURABLE EXTERIOR FLATWORK
Exterior concrete flatwork is both beautiful and durable when it is properly placed,
finished and protected. In order to ensure that your project is a complete success we
strongly suggest you follow these ten steps:
1. Use the right concrete. The Ontario Building Code requires that all 7. Do not overfinish or overwork the concrete surface. Repeated
exterior concrete shall have a minimum 28-day compressive strength of troweling or finishing operations continue to bring additional cement
32 MPa and a maximum water/cementing materials ratio (W/CM) of 0.45 paste to the surface, which weakens it. This paste layer then scales or
(C-2 Concrete as per CSA A23.1) and 5-8% air for freeze-thaw mortar flakes very easily. The best procedure for all exposed concrete
durability. 25 MPa concrete should never be used! Concrete should only is to strike-off the surface, bullfloat the concrete before the bleed water
be ordered from an RMCAO member company. appears and apply a broom texture to the surface once the concrete
has gained sufficient stiffness. The use of power trowels is not
2. Use the right contractor. Use a contractor who has been trained to recommended for exterior flatwork. If further finishing is performed (not
an industry certification program such as ACI Concrete Flatwork recommended) ensure that a magnesium float is used on all
Finisher/Technician (or similar). Ask for past examples of their work and air-entrained concrete! Steel trowels should never be used on exterior
references. Call the references and visit projects that have gone through concrete.
at least two winters.
8. Install proper control joints to prevent uncontrolled cracking.
3. Avoid placing concrete late in the season. The concrete must have All joints should be cut or formed to at least one-quarter (¼) of the slab
sufficient time to both cure properly (28 days) and to dry out (additional thickness. Layout the locations of all control joints before the concrete
28 days) before being exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Early in its life, placement starts! This advanced planning will ensure that there is no
concrete contains excess moisture in order to provide the contractor with confusion when it is time to install the control joints and it may also
the slump necessary to place the material. If the concrete is allowed to indicate that the slab size should be modified in order to optimize the
freeze when this excess moisture is still present, the effects of air joint layout. Ensure that you avoid “T-Joints” and “re-entrant corners”
entrainment are dramatically reduced due to the fact that the concrete is at all times. The spacing between joints should be between 24 to 36
completely saturated with water. Because of this, concrete placements times the slab thickness (to a maximum of 4.5 m) and should be ¼
from October on should be considered very carefully or avoided. depth minimum. Sawcutting should be completed as soon as the
concrete can be cut (4 to 12h) without causing raveling
4. Avoid placing in hot or cold temperature extremes. Concrete
placed in hot weather and low humidity conditions can dry prematurely at 9. Cure the concrete immediately after Finishing. Proper concrete
the surface adding to finishing problems. Cold weather can also greatly curing addresses many defects that can be found in slab-on-grade
reduce durability if the concrete is not placed, finished, protected and concrete construction. Curing is required for a minimum of 7 days (as
cured properly. per CSA A23.1) on exposed concrete. Be sure that the curing
compound is not watered down and that care is taken to apply the
5. Ensure that the subgrade is properly prepared. The subgrade must correct amount. This is the most commonly overlooked part of the
be properly graded and compacted in order to provide uniform support to finishing process. The only caution regarding curing relates to work
the concrete slab. Subgrade settlement after concrete placement will that is completed late in the fall since care must be taken to avoid
lead to uncontrolled cracking. having a fully saturated concrete when freezing can occur.

6. Do not Finish the concrete while the bleed water is still present. 10. Did we mention curing? This point can not be overstated. All
This creates two significant problems. First, the excess water is concrete must be properly cured in order to develop the necessary
physically worked back into the concrete paste on the surface durability properties required to resist Canadian weather conditions.
dramatically increasing the W/CM and decreasing the concrete’s Owners may also wish to consider the use of concrete sealers to
strength and durability. Secondly, this action tends to seal the surface of prevent the ingress of chlorides, oils and water into the concrete.
the concrete causing all of the remaining bleed water to be trapped a few These materials, when properly applied, can significantly lengthen the
millimeters below the concrete surface. Once the concrete is exposed to life of exterior concrete.
its first winter, scaling will occur in this weak layer.
References:
1 CSA A23.1-19– Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction,
Canadian Standards Association International
2 Concrete Digest – 2nd Edition, Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario
3 Doing Driveways Right the First Time, Concrete Construction, July 1998
4 De-icers and Concrete Scaling, Concrete Construction, November, 1965

24
 CONCRETE ONTARIO
VOICE OF THE CONCRETE
INDUSTRY
CONCRETEONTARIO.ORG
is an essential technical resource for the industry.
WHO WE ARE
Concrete Ontario was formed in 1959 to act in the best interest of Ontario’s The site includes:
ready mixed concrete producers and the industry in general. It is fully funded
by the membership (Active and Associate) and provides a broad range of Feature Items
services designed to benefit its members and the industry in general. highlights current and future issues and events
With a total membership of about 180 companies, it is recognized as the Directory of Members
authoritative voice of the ready mixed concrete industry in Ontario.
contains a list of all current members complete
The Association is governed by a Board of 13 Directors, five of whom with links to their websites
represent different geographical parts of the Province, and two elected Chair
and Vice Chair of the Associate Members. Standing committees address the Calendar
many and varied concerns of specific interest to the industry. keep up-to-date on all meetings, events, etc.

WHAT WE DO Technical Information

allows you to download documents when
Marketing and Promotion you need them
Utilizing its technical and promotional expertise and resources, the Concrete
Ontario marketing programs reach far into all private and government Awards
sectors. The marketing plan encompasses Insulating Concrete Forming
Systems, the Agricultural, Residential and ICI sectors, Municipal, Provincial
and Commercial Pavements, Codes and Standards and Structural Concrete. Social media sites:
twitter.com/concreteontario
Government Relations youtube.com/concreteontario
The concrete industry deals with many different Ministry offices, as there are
several separate and distinct issues that impact the industry both on a direct linkedin.com/company/concrete-ontario
and indirect basis. The Association maintains close affiliations with
provincial and municipal government at all levels to monitor any changes and
to work effectively for the betterment of its members.

CONCRETE ONTARIO ACTIVITIES

• Actively involved in Codes & Standards development with CSA
• Concrete Ontario Plant Certification
• Technical Publications
• Educational Activities:
- ACI Field Testing Technician
- ACI Concrete Flatwork Finishing/Technician
- ACI Self Consolidating Concrete
- Concrete College
- Concrete Ontario Driver Certification
• Gold Seal Concrete Course
• Pavement Evaluation

CONTACT CONCRETE ONTARIO

1 Prologis Blvd., Unit 102B
Mississauga, ON L5W 0G2
Phone: 905-564-2726
Fax: 905-564-5680

25
CARPENTERS UNION
UNION LOCALS
Worker Training Programs Carpenters' District Council Tel: 905-652-4140
of Ontario Fax: 905-652-4139
WHO WE ARE United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 905-522-0752
Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario and Joiners of America, Fax: 905-522-0122
Local 18 (Hamilton)
Fourteen state-of-the-art Training Centres within the CDC’s jurisdiction
deliver the highest standard of Apprenticeship, Health and Safety, and United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 905-641-1877
Upgrade Training programs to thousands of Union members every year. and Joiners of America, Fax: 905-641-1809
The Carpenters’ Union is the largest Training Delivery Agent of Carpentry Local 18 (Niagara)
Apprenticeship in the province.
Carpenters and Allied Workers Tel: 416-749-7440
WHAT WE DO Local 27 Fax: 905-652-4139

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS: United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 613-745-1513

• General Carpenter and Joiners of America, Local 93 Fax: 613-745-3769
• Floor Covering Installer
• Drywall Acoustic Mechanic & Lathing
United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 613-384-3316
UPGRADE & HEALTH & SAFETY COURSES: and Joiners of America, Fax: 613-384-3730
• Computers Local 249 (Zone 1)
• Confined Spaces
• Construction Math Door & Hardware - Mechanical & Electrified United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 905-885-0885
• Elevated Work Platforms and Joiners of America, Local 397 Fax: 905-885-0850
• Estimating
• Fall Protection United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 519-737-1101
• First Aid & CPR
• Foreperson / Supervisor and Joiners of America, Local 494 Fax: 519-737-1102
• Forklift - Tow Motor & All Terrain
• Formwork Carpentry Drywall Acoustic Lathing and Tel: 416-749-0675
• Hoisting & Rigging Insulation Local 675 of United Fax: 905-652-4149
• Layout - Level, Transit, Total Station Brotherhood of Carpenters and
• Print Reading - Commercial & Residential Joiners of America
• Propane
• Red Seal Certificate of Qualification Preparatory Course
United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 519-653-7543
• Solid Surfaces
• Scaffolding - Tube & Clamp & Systems and Joiners of America, Local 785 Fax: 519-653-2837
• Stair Building
• Steel Stud Framing United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 519-344-2674
• Trim Carpentry Welding - to CWB certification and Joiners of America, Tel: 519-344-2352
• WHMIS Local 1256 Fax: 519-336-4449

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 807-344-0611

and Joiners of America, Fax: 807-345-2548
Local 1669

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 519-649-1200

and Joiners of America, Fax: 519-649-1208
Local 1946

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 613-746-1265

and Joiners of America, Fax: 613-744-0912
Local 2041

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 519-396-0222

and Joiners of America, Fax: 519-396-6443
Local 2222

United Brotherhood of Carpenters Tel: 705-983-2486

and Joiners of America, Fax: 705-983-4345
Local 2486
26
 LABOURERS’
INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Strong, Proud, United

WHO WE ARE
The Labourers’ International Union through the Ontario Provincial District
Council and their affiliated local unions listed above have, through training Local 183 Toronto
and education, presented the finest qualified and professional workforce to
our construction/industrial partners throughout the Province of Ontario. Local 247 Kingston
Building on our over 100 years of experience and dedication to perfection, Local 493 Sudbury
the Labourers’ have contributed considerably to the establishment of Ontario
as the best place in Canada to call home. Local 506 Toronto
Local 527 Ottawa
We recognize the need for growth through learning and have established on
a local level, five centres for education and training that ready the workforce Local 607 Thunder Bay
that will build the future of Ontario. Local 625 Windsor
We strive, through our partnerships with management, to make the
Local 837 Hamilton
workplace a safer more productive environment by promoting strict Local 1036 S. S. Marie
adherence to provincially mandated and industry recognized standards Local 1059 London
which in turn ensure a long lasting relationship that is mutually beneficial in
every facet. Local 1081 Cambridge
Local 1089 Sarnia
Contact LiUNA
Phone: 289-291-3678
Fax: 289-291-1120
E-mail: [email protected]
www.liunopdc.org

27
IRON WORKERS
WHO WE ARE
The Reinforcing Rodworker apprenticeship consists of 4000 hours in the field TRAINING CENTRES
work experience including two terms of in-school training. The trade school
intakes are basic (8 weeks) and advanced (4 weeks). Once the apprentice Ironworkers Local 721
has completed the requirements of their contract they they will challenge the
Red Seal examination where they must obtain a minimum of 70% to change Training and Rehabilitation Centre
classification to Journeyman Reinforcing Rodworker. 909 Kipling Ave. Etobicoke, ON
Tel: (416) 236-4026 • [email protected]
WHAT WE DO Ironworkers Local 700
Classes are offered throughout the year at the training center under the R.R. #3, 4069 County Rd. #46 Maidstone, ON N0R 1K0
auspices of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The Tel: 519-737-7110 • Fax: 519-737-7113
curriculum for the Reinforcing Rodworker Apprenticeship (trade regulation www.ironworkerslocal700.com
100/01 - trade code 452A) is available upon request from M.T.C.U. Ontario.
Ironworkers Local 736
The Reinforcing Rodworker apprenticeship consists of 3640 hours of on the 1955 Upper James St. Hamilton, ON L9B 1K8
job training and 360 hours of In-school training to complete the Tel: 905-679-6439 • Fax: 905-679-6617
apprenticeship.
www.iw736.com
Other courses also offered for Reinforcing Rodworker training in addition to
the formal in-school apprenticeship are: Ironworkers Local 765
• Generic Health and Safety Level 1 Training and Rehabilitation Centre
• Working @ Heights Certificate Training 7771 Snake Island Rd, Metcalfe On K0A 2P0
• WHMIS 2015/GHS Tel: (613)-821-7813
• First Aid/CPR Email: [email protected]
• Welding
• Rigging Safety Certification
• Power Elevated Work Platform Ironworkers Local 786
• Confined Space Training 97 St. George St. Sudbury, ON P3C 2W7
• Fork Truck/Propane Handling Tel: 705-674-6903 • Fax: 674-8827
• Swing Stage Operator Certification www.iw786.com
• Blueprint Reading
• Post-Tensioning Certification
For further information please contact the
PROVINCIAL Ontario Iron Workers District Council:
IRONWORKERS
LOCALS Clinton Knowlton
Apprentice & Training Co-ordinator
Local 700 Windsor, London, Sarnia
Local 721 Toronto Ironworkers Local 721
Local 736 Hamilton Tel: 647-449-7210 • [email protected]
Local 759 Thunder Bay
Local 765 Ottawa
Local 786 Sudbury

2018
STRUCTURAL DESIGN INNOVATION Location Toronto, Ontario
Completion December 31, 2017
HARBOUR RESIDENCES & ONE YORK

Menkes Developments created an innovative mixed-use community with their Harbour Plaza Residences and One York office
tower located in the South Core district of Toronto. The concept of the project was to incorporate a unique mixed-use development
for residential and office space as well as a four-storey 200,000 retail podium. The whole development was created with the goal
of starting a community which integrates live-work-shop-play, and more importantly minutes away from the subway (Union Station)
via Toronto’s PATH network.

Owner Menkes Developments General Contractor Menkes Developments

Architect of Record Sweeny &Co Architects Inc. Forming Contractor Hardwall Construction Ltd.
Harbour Residences Design Architect architectsAlliance Material Supplier Innocon Inc.
One York Design Architect Sweeny &Co Architects Inc Additional Participants • BASF Canada Inc.
Engineer of Record Stephenson Engineering Ltd. • LIUNA Local 183
• Salit Steel 28
 In Memory of Sam Manna from
the Concrete Formwork Association
ST. GABRIEL’S PASSIONIST CHURCH of Ontario. His passion for this
project was unsurpassed.

2007 Ontario Concrete Award Winning Project For Architectural Merit

The new church of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Roman Catholic their exterior side also helps to retain heat during winter and reduce heat
Parish and the Passionist Community of Canada was designed to reflect gain in the summer, thereby contributing to even greater energy savings.
the eco-theology of Father Thomas Berry, and his belief that we must all
work to establish a mutually enhancing human-earth relationship. The Concrete is also used as an integral part of the exterior design of St.
structure makes effective use of glass and concrete components Gabriel’s. An iconic roof scupper constructed of cast-in-place concrete
towards achieving both an aesthetic design and inspirational space for spills rainwater from the narthex roof into a cast-in-place concrete water
worship. feature that highlights the need to conserve and protect water as the
precious natural resource because of its use as a symbol of purification
Concrete played the dual role of structural component and architectural in the rite of Baptism.
element in this project. Designed by the collaborative efforts of both an
artist and architect, this project makes ample use of exposed concrete A generously proportioned piazza designed to be used as a seasonal
surfaces. Concrete contributes significantly to the sense of grandeur and outdoor gathering space and staging area for weddings and funerals
permanence appropriate for the groundbreaking worship space. While incorporates several series of precast pavers in a pattern inspired by the
the entire south façade wall is glazed with clear glass, the 3 remaining mid-century work of Bauhaus modern artists Josef and Anni Albers.
walls exposed architectural concrete that serve as a constantly changing Incorporating these and other sustainable design strategies contributes
canvas for the dynamic play of natural light that filters through the to an understanding of early scriptural teachings that emphasized the
coloured glass panels of the continuous perimeter skylight. This light is sacredness of all creation and not just the sacredness of human kind.
further fractured by wall-mounted dichroic coated reflectors, spilling into The new building as a sacred space presents a “Gestalt whole”, and, like
the midst of the congregation and across the concrete walls and floor. the medieval cathedrals of Europe, becomes itself a form of Catechesis,
engaging the senses and inviting transformation.
The exposed concrete walls combined with the raised concrete access
flooring provide the perfect acoustical environment for a church. The
resonance enables the organ to sound like it is being played in an PROJECT CREDITS
ancient stone cathedral. St. Gabriel’s church is distinctly different from
most suburban churches that are corralled by huge asphalt parking lots.
Owner Passionist Community of Canada
St. Gabriel’s accommodates the majority of its parking spaces in a Architect Larkin Architect Limited
concrete underground structure. This unprecedented investment Engineer Carruthers & Wallace,
ensures that a large portion of the ground plane remains devoted to the part of the Trow Group of Companies
“green-roof” garden. General Contractor Martin-Stewart Contracting Ltd.
Material Supplier St Marys CBM
Concrete was a logical choice for the superstructure because of the
underground parking. The use of concrete contributed to achieving a
number of LEED credits, such as the substitution of “slag” for a portion of Additional Participants:
the cement content and for the recycled content in the reinforcing steel • Aldershot Landscape Contractor Limited • LiUNA Local 506
used. Exposed throughout the building on floors, walls and ceilings, the • Aluma Systems Inc. • National Concrete Accessories
architectural concrete structure saves precious natural and financial • Camino Modular Systems Inc. • Ronco Steel Centre Limited
resources by eliminating the need for finishes such as drywall or paint. • Carpenters Local 27 • Salit Steel
Composed of 11/2” thick concrete panels, the raised access floor in the • David Pearl • Structform International
nave (central open area of the church) and narthex (the entrance or
• Enermodal Engineering Limited • UCC Group
lobby area) forms a plenum component of the displacement ventilation
strategy. This approach helps to maximize energy efficiencies while • Haworth Ltd. • Unilock
providing a handsome, durable and practical finish underfoot. • Ian Gray and Associates • Weissbau Inc.
• Ironworkers Local 721
The thermal mass of the exposed concrete walls, together with
the raised concrete access floor supplied by Haworth,
serve as heat sinks that absorb the sun’s energy and
release it back into the worship space when the
temperature cools. The thermal mass of the 350mm
thick concrete walls combined with R-25 insulation on

29
NATIONAL HOLOCAUST MONUMENT

Configured to create
the points of a star, a
symbol of Jewish
identity
The National Holocaust Monument is a
national symbol that honours and
commemorates the victims and survivors of
the Holocaust. The monument stands on a
one-acre site in downtown Ottawa,
symbolically across from the Canadian War
Museum.
PROJECT CREDITS
The monument is comprised of six triangular, concrete volumes
configured to create the points of a star, a symbol of Jewish identity. Owner National Capital Commission
Architect of Record Studio Libeskind
The project incorporated 90,000 square feet of custom engineered Engineer of Record Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
form work for walls with complex geometries and heights varying from General Contractor UCC Group Inc.
3 meters to 20 meters high. Material Supplier Hanson Ready Mix

Over 290 tonnes of custom detailed steel of varying sizes was used. Additional Participants
Over 3,000 m3 of concrete was used, of which over 1,000 m3 was • Aluma Systems Inc. • JWK Utilities & Site Services Ltd.
Self-Consolidating Concrete. The extensive use of Self-Consolidating • Carpenters Union Local 93 • LiUNA Local 527
Concrete was chosen because of its high performance, durability and • Claude Cormier + Associes • Sika Canada
because it required minimal use of mechanical vibration. • Harris Rebar • WSP Canada Inc.
• Ironworkers Local 765
The flexibility of the Self-Consolidating Concrete allowed for an even,
smooth flow and allowed the concrete to reach the most difficult parts
of the forms, leaving a superior exposed architectural finish,
maintaining consistent concrete features that produced continuity from
one element to the next.
PROJECT FACTS
Hand painted monochromatic photographic landscapes of Holocaust
sites are embedded in concrete walls of each of the triangular spaces. Location Ottawa, Ontario
A significant portion of the project was constructed during the winter Completion September 2017
months, which required temporary heated enclosures and constant
monitoring of temperatures and curing conditions.
Details • 1 acre site
Hard and soft landscaping, removal of contaminated soil, site • 290 tonnes of rebar
servicing, electrical, mechanical, landscape lighting, custom metal • 3,112.5 m3 of concrete
work and commemorative interactive signage elements rounded out
this iconic project.

30
 Ontario Cast-in-Place Concrete
Development Council (OCCDC)

1 Prologis Blvd., Unit 102B

Mississauga, ON L5W 0G2
Phone: 905-564-2726
Fax: 905-564-5680
Email: [email protected]
www.occdc.org

In 1999, the Ontario Cast-In-Place Concrete Development

Council (OCCDC) was formed to aid the owner/developer,
architect/engineer and design-build contractor in the
decision-making process of choosing the best construction
material for the framing system of new structures.

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All rights reserved.
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