Different types of bar chairs and bolsters

Rebar support, also known as reinforcing steel bar chair, is mainly used to provide support for horizontal reinforcing bar or wire mesh. With great flexibility, it is widely used in big constructions to save time and improve the quality of the project.

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Material and surface treatment
Low-carbon steel (Q195, Q235), medium carbon steel, plain, galvanized, plastic-protected, epoxy-coated or plastic tipped.

One individual rebar chair with four epoxy tips
Two galvanized rebar chairs with plate
One slab bolster upper with plain profile Specification of nine types rebar supports Rebar support Description Individual rebar chair Height: 1 inch to 40 inch.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support and space the top mat of rebar off the form Individual rebar chair with plate Height:1 inch to 40 inch.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support lower slab steel or other soft materials Continuous rebar chair Length: 5 feet.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support and space the top mat of steel off the form Continuous rebar chair upper Length: 5 feet.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support and space the top mat of steel off the bottom mat Slab bolster Length: 5 feet.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support and space the bottom steel off the form Slab bolster upper Length: 5 feet.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support and separate the top mat of steel from the bottom mat Beam bolster Length: 5 feet.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support lower beam steel from the slab form Beam bolster upper Length: 5 feet Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support successive layers of steel one above the other Beam bolster with plate Length: 5 feet.
Wire diameter: 4.0mm - 6.5mm.
Used to support heavy bottom steel on soft material

Note: other sizes are available according to your request.

Features

• Good stability.
• High intensity.
• Plastic-coated treatment for electric-static discharge and rust protection.
• Environmental protection.
• Cost saving and construction pace acceleration.

Packing
Plastic wrap in carton boxes, or as your request.

By Joe Kirkwood and Holly Kirkwood

Rebar or bar support is a term used to describe products that elevate rebar in reinforced concrete. When concrete is poured for bridges, roads, runways, foundations, caissons, etc., rebar and bar supports are required to strengthen the structure and to provide additional support. Rebar is needed to when pouring big slabs of concrete to reinforce the strength of the concrete and to help reduce cracking. Rebar aids in absorbing and distributing tension caused when concrete expands and contracts due to climate variations (hunker.com). In order to have rebar in a concrete pour, contractors also need rebar support. The type of rebar or mesh support used depends on the type of surface underneath the concrete, the structural elements and the design of the project.

There are several types of rebar support used depending on the needs of the project. The CRSI (Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute) has implemented standards for such products. At Outpost, we have found Dayton Superior to be our company of choice when it comes to complying with these standards. And of course, they get bonus points for being the industry standard of products Made in America. Below we break down the different types and styles of rebar or bar support and their uses.

CS - CONTINUOUS SUPPORT (aka Zig-Zags)

Continuous support is a continuous, vertical steel spacer for thick and heavy concrete applications. The support provided is stable and because of its weight, will not slide or tip. Zig Zags typically sit in the middle of the concrete. Because of its design, it can be bent around partitions and continue to hold its load-bearing capacity.

Specs:
• Height covers 2” to 16”
• Available in plain black or epoxy coating (prevents rust)
• Uses: In deep and thick concrete pours such as highways, runways, and taxiways

Castle Chair

Castle Chairs are used to maintain the elevation of rebar in reinforced concrete. The chair is cone shaped with rebar saddles and a wide base. The wide base prevents it from sinking into the dirt or base below it. The rebar intersections where the rebar ties together are what sit on top or in the rebar saddles. Castle Chairs keep the rebar off sub-straight and in its specified, engineered position.

Specs:
• Cover height 1-1/2” to 6-1/4” in ¼” increments (Dayton Superior)
• Plastic footing to keep from corroding
• Available in epoxy coated or plain
• Uses: Any concrete pour, interior slabs, driveways, etc.

SNAP-ON MESH CHAIR

Snap-On Mesh Chairs are used for high heat resistance and high strength applications and are mostly used with mesh sheets as opposed to rebar. They can support 8’ x 20’ sheets or smaller on grade at heights from 1” to 6.” The small clip on top provides a “lock-in” stability to the wire and the large base provides excellent stability.

Additional reading:
Are You Aware of the Risks of Using America Wedge Pins?

Are you interested in learning more about Concrete Reinforcing Rebar Support Chairs? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Specs:
• Covers 1” to 6” height
• Uses: Concrete slabs or driveways, for bigger spaces, anything over 8’ wide (if you’re not using rebar)

SLAB BOLSTER UPPER (aka BEAN BOLSTER)

Slab Bolster also known as continuous bar chair support, are used to support one layer of steel above another. The base is made of two even, continuous bars brought together by one top support bar connected by even spaced legs. The continuous bar support covers more distance with more support by placing multiple supports together.

Specs:
• Cover height ¾” to 5” in ¼” increments (Dayton Superior)
• Available in plain or epoxy coated
• Uses: Engineer specific, but normally used for bridges, highways, bigger projects

BEAM BOLSTERS

Beam Bolsters have a similar design as slab bolsters but do not have the continuous bar base. Instead, the top bar is supported by evenly spaced legs. The uses are similar to slab bolster but depend on the engineer and design of the project.

Specs:
• Cover height 1” through 5” in ¼” increments (Dayton Superior)
• Legs spacing 2 ½” centers
• Available in epoxy and steel
• Uses: Engineer specific, but normally used for bridges, highways, bigger projects

BAR CHAIR

Bar chairs are typically used for wide spaced, light steel in slab/deck construction. The bar chairs are lightweight and easy to install providing stability with their 4-point contact base. The foot is designed to set on most forming surfaces (Dayton Superior).

Specs:
• Cover height ¾” to 2,” ¼” increments
• Available in epoxy, plain, plastic tipped, plastic dipped and galvanized

CONTINUOUS MESH SUPPORT

Continuous mesh support is made up of two runner wires at the base one top supporting wire connected by evenly spaced legs in between. It’s used to support one layer of steel above another.

Specs:
• Cover height ¾” to 10” in ¼” increments
• Strong, resistance welded construction that withstands job site compressive loads without deforming, faster fulfillment times
• Available in plain, epoxy, or galvanize
• Uses: support steel on the soft material form surface

CONTINUOUS HIGH CHAIR UPPER

The continuous high chair upper is very similar to the continuous mesh support. These supports are available in carbon steel, stainless steel, and chromium steel, differentiating them from the mesh support as a sturdier option.

Specs:
• Cover height to 2” to 30” in ¼” increments
• Available in plain, epoxy, or galvanized
• Uses: Support steel or soft material form surfaces

There are many options when it comes to choosing a rebar support for your concrete pour. We suggest consulting your Outpost rep to find the best option for your jobsite!

For more information, please visit Galvanized Thread Bar.