CHAPTER 8: DEVELOPMENT LENGTH AND HOOKS
8
8.1 INTRODUCTION
DEVELOPMENT LENGTH – is the length of embedded reinforcement required to develop the design strength of
reinforcement at a critical section.
412.2 Development of Reinforcement - General
412.2.1 Calculated tension or compression reinforcement at each section of structural concrete members shall be
developed on each side of that section by embedment length, hook, headed deformed bar or mechanical device, or a
combination thereof. Hooks and heads shall not be used to develop bars in compression.
412.2.2 The values of √𝑓′𝑐 used in Section 412 shall not exceed 8.0 MPa.
412.2.3 In addition to these requirements in the section that affect detailing of reinforcements, structural integrity
requirements of Section 407.14 shall be satisfied.
8.2 DEVELOPMENT LENGTHS FOR TENSION REINFORCEMENT
As shown in Figure 8.1, it can be seen that both the maximum moment in the beam and the maximum stresses in the
tensile bars occur at the face of the support. Theoretically, a small distance back into the support the moment is zero,
and thus it would seem that reinforcing bars would no longer be required. This is the situation pictured in (a). Obviously,
if the bars were stopped at the face of the support, the beam would fail.
The bar stresses must be transferred to the concrete by bond between the steel and the concrete before the bars can
be cut off. In this case the bars must be extended some distance back into the support and out into the beam to anchor
them or develop their strength. This distance, called the development length (𝑙𝑑 ), is shown in (b).
Figure 8.1 Development length in a cantilever support (Design of Reinforced Concrete: McCormac and Brown)
412.3 Development of Deformed Bars and Deformed Wire in Tension
412.3.1 Development length, 𝑙𝑑 , in terms of diameter 𝑑𝑏 , for deformed bars and deformed wires in tension shall be
determined from either Section 412.3.2 or 412.3.3 and the applicable modification factors of Section 412.3.4 and
412.3.5, but 𝑙𝑑 shall not be less than 300 mm.
412.3.2 For deformed bars or deformed wires 𝑙𝑑 shall as follows
20 mm bars and smaller 25 mm bars and larger
bars and deformed wires bars
Clear spacing of bars or wires
developed or lap spliced not less than
𝑑𝑏 , clear cover not less than 𝑑𝑏 , and
stirrups or ties throughout 𝑙𝑑 not less 𝑓𝑦 𝜓𝑡 𝜓𝑒 𝑓𝑦 𝜓𝑡 𝜓𝑒
than the code minimum, ( ) 𝑑𝑏 ( ) 𝑑𝑏
Or 2.1𝜆√𝑓′𝑐 1.7𝜆√𝑓′𝑐
Clear spacing of bars or wires being
developed or lap spliced at least 2𝑑𝑏 and
clear cover not less than 𝑑𝑏
𝑓𝑦 𝜓𝑡 𝜓𝑒 𝑓𝑦 𝜓𝑡 𝜓𝑒
Other cases ( ) 𝑑𝑏 ( ) 𝑑𝑏
1.4𝜆√𝑓′𝑐 2.1𝜆√𝑓′𝑐
[Link] For deformed bars or deformed wires, 𝑙𝑑 shall be calculated by:
(Equation 412-1)
𝒇𝒚 𝝍𝒕 𝝍𝒆 𝝍𝒔
𝒍𝒅 = [ ] 𝒅𝒃
𝟏. 𝟏𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 ( 𝒃 + 𝑲𝒕𝒓 )
𝒄
𝒅𝒃
𝑐𝑏 = the smaller of (1) the distance from the center of the bar or wire to the nearest concrete surface, and (2) one-half
the center-to-center spacing of the bars or wires being developed
In which the confinement term (𝑐𝑏 + 𝐾𝑡𝑟 )⁄𝑑𝑏 shall not exceed 2.5, and
(Equation 412-2)
𝟒𝟎𝑨𝒕𝒓
𝑲𝒕𝒓 =
𝒔𝒏
where 𝑛 is the number of bars or wires being spliced or developed along the plane of splitting. It shall be permitted to
use 𝐾𝑡𝑟 = 0 as a design simplification even if transverse reinforcement is present.
𝐴𝑡𝑟 = the total cross-sectional area of all transverse reinforcement within the spacing 𝑠 and which crosses the potential
plane of splitting through the reinforcement being developed, mm 2
412.3.4 The factors used in the expressions for development of deformed bars and deformed wires in tension in Section
412.3 are as follows:
1. Where horizontal reinforcement is placed such that more than 300 mm of fresh concrete is cast below the developed
length or splice, 𝜓𝑡 = 1.3. For other situations, 𝜓𝑡 = 1.0;
2. For epoxy-coated bars or wires with cover less than 3𝑑𝑏 or clear spacing less than 6𝑑𝑏 , 𝜓𝑒 = 1.5. For all other epoxy-
coated bars or wires, 𝜓𝑒 = 1.2. For uncoated and zinc-coated (galvanized) reinforcement, 𝜓𝑒 = 1.0. However, the
product 𝜓𝑡 𝜓𝑒 need not be greater than 1.7;
3. For 20 mm bars and smaller and deformed wires, 𝜓𝑠 = 0.80. For 25 mm diameter and larger bars, 𝜓𝑠 = 1.0; and
4. Where lightweight concrete is used, 𝜆 shall not exceed 0.75 unless 𝑓𝑐𝑡 is specified (see Section 408.7). Where normal
weight concrete is used, 𝜆 = 1.0.
𝜓𝑒 = factor used to modify development length based on reinforcement coating
𝜓𝑠 = factor used to modify development length based on reinforcement size
𝜓𝑡 = factor used to modify development length based on reinforcement location
𝜆 = modification factor reflecting the reduced mechanical properties of lightweight concrete, all relative to normal weight
concrete of the same compressive strength
412.3.5 Excess Reinforcement
Reduction in development length shall be permitted where reinforcement in a flexural member is in excess of that
required by analysis except where anchorage or development for 𝑓𝑦 is specifically required or the reinforcement is
designed under provisions of Section [Link] ………………… [(𝐴𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 )⁄(𝐴𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 )]
Example 1: Determine the development length required for the 3 - 25 mm ϕ bottom bars shown in the figure: (a) Using
Section 412.3.2; (b) Using Section 412.3.3 assume 𝐾𝑡𝑟 = 0; (b) Using Section 412.3.3 and the computed value of 𝐾𝑡𝑟 .
Material properties are 𝑓𝑦 = 415 MPa, 𝑓𝑦𝑡 = 276 MPa and 𝑓′𝑐 = 21 MPa. Stirrups are spaced at 150 mm O.C.
Example 2: The 4 - 25 mm ϕ bars shown in the figure are epoxy coated. Assume normal weight concrete, use 𝑓𝑦 = 415
MPa, 𝑓𝑦𝑡 = 276 MPa and 𝑓′𝑐 = 21 MPa. Stirrups are spaced at 150 mm O.C. Determine the required development
lengths:
(a) using simplified equations of Section 412.3.2;
(b) using Section 412.3.3 with the calculated value of 𝐾𝑡𝑟 ;
(c) using Section 412.3.3 with 𝐾𝑡𝑟 = 0.
8.3 DEVELOPMENT LENGTHS FOR COMPRESSION REINFORCEMENT
412.4 Development of Deformed Bars in Compression
412.4.1 Development length for deformed bars and wire in compression, 𝑙𝑑𝑐 , shall be determined from Section 412.4.2
and applicable modification factors of Section 412.4.3, but 𝑙𝑑𝑐 shall not be less than 200 mm.
412.4.2 For deformed bars and deformed wires, 𝑙𝑑𝑐 shall be taken as the larger of (𝟎 . 𝟐𝟒𝒇𝒚 ⁄𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 )𝒅𝒃 and 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒𝟑𝒇𝒚 𝒅𝒃
with 𝜆 is given in Section 412.3.4 (4).
412.4.3 Length 𝑙𝑑𝑐 in Section 412.4.2 shall be permitted to be multiplied by the applicable factors for
1. Reinforcement in excess of that required by analysis …………………………...………………(𝐴𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 )⁄(𝐴𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 )
2. Reinforcement enclosed within spiral reinforcement not less than 6 mm ϕ and not more than 100 mm pitch or within
12 mm diameter ties in conformance with Section 407.11.5 and spaced at more than 100 mm on center ……… 0.75
8.4 HOOKS
When sufficient space is not available to anchor tension bars by running them straight for their required development
lengths, hooks may be used. (Hooks are considered ineffective for compression bars for development length purposes.)
Figure 8.2 Standard Hooks
412.6 Development of Standard Hooks in Tension
412.6.1 Development length 𝑙𝑑ℎ in mm for deformed bars in tension terminating in a standard hook (see Section 407.2),
shall be determined from Section 412.6.2 and the applicable modification factor or factors of Section 412.6.3 but, 𝑙𝑑ℎ ,
shall not be less than 8𝑑𝑏 or less than 150 mm.
412.6.2 For deformed bars, 𝑙𝑑ℎ shall be (𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝝍𝒆 𝒇𝒚 ⁄𝝀√𝒇′𝒄 )𝒅𝒃 with 𝜓𝑒 taken as 1.2 for epoxy coated reinforcement, and
𝜆 taken as 0.75 for lightweight concrete. For other cases, 𝜓𝑒 and 𝜆 shall be taken as 1.0.
412.6.3 Length 𝑙𝑑ℎ in Section 412.6.2 shall be permitted to be multiplied by the following applicable factors:
1. For 36 mm bar diameter and smaller hooks with side cover normal to plane of hook not less than 65 mm, and for 90-
degree hook with cover on bar extension beyond hook not less than 50 mm ………………………………………... 0.70
2. For 90-degree hooks of 36 mm bars and smaller that are either enclosed within ties or stirrups perpendicular to the
bar being developed, spaced not greater than 3𝑑𝑏 along 𝑙𝑑ℎ ; or enclosed within ties or stirrups parallel to the bar
being developed, spaced not greater than 3𝑑𝑏 along the length of the tail extension of the hook plus bend …… 0.80
3. For 180-degree hooks of 36 mm bars and smaller that are enclosed within ties or stirrups perpendicular to the bar
being developed, spaced not greater than 3𝑑𝑏 along 𝑙𝑑ℎ ……………………………………………………………… 0.80
4. Where anchorage or development of 𝑓𝑦 is not specifically required, reinforcement in excess of that required by
analysis ……………………………………………………………………………......…………… (𝐴𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 )⁄(𝐴𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑑 )
In Sections 412.6.3 (2) and 412.6.3 (3), 𝑑𝑏 is the diameter of the hooked bar, and the first tie or stirrup shall enclose the
bent portion of the hook, within 2𝑑𝑏 of the outside of the bend.
407.2 Standard Hooks
407.2.1 180-degree bend plus 4𝑑𝑏 extension, but not less than 60 mm at free end of bar.
407.2.2 90-degree bend plus 12𝑑𝑏 extension, at free end of bar.
407.3 Minimum Bend Diameters
407.3.1 Diameter of bend measured on the inside of the bar, other than for stirrups and ties in sizes 10 mm ϕ through
16 mm ϕ, shall not be less than the values in Table 407-1.
Table 407-1 Minimum Diameters of Bend
Bar Size Minimum Diameter
10 mm ϕ through 25 mm ϕ 6𝑑𝑏
28 mm ϕ through 36 mm ϕ 8𝑑𝑏
42 mm ϕ and 58 mm ϕ 10𝑑𝑏
Example 3: Determine the development length or embedment required for the epoxy coated bars of the beam shown in
figure. (a) If the bars are straight, assuming 𝐾𝑡𝑟 = 0. (b) If a 180-degree hook is used. (c) If a 90-degree hook is used.
The six 28 mm ϕ bars shown are considered to be top bars. Use 𝑓𝑦 = 415 MPa and 𝑓′𝑐 = 28 MPa.