CSLB General Building (B)Site Work, Foundations and ConcreteMedium

A structural plan calls for #6 rebar (3/4-inch diameter) to be spliced with a lap length of 40 bar diameters in a footing. What is the required minimum lap splice length?

  1. A30 inches
  2. B36 inches
  3. C40 inches
  4. D24 inches
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. 30 inches

A #6 bar has a nominal diameter of 0.75 inch. Multiplying 40 x 0.75 inch = 30 inches, which is the required minimum lap splice length.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. 36 inches overstates the calculation for a #6 bar at 40 bar diameters.
  • C. 40 inches would apply only if the bar diameter were 1 inch.
  • D. 24 inches would only be correct for a smaller diameter bar such as #4.

Rebar Lap Splice Length

The overlap distance required between two rebar sections to transfer load, typically expressed as a multiple of bar diameter.

  • Common lap splice requirement is 40 x bar diameter (varies by design/code)
  • Bar diameter for #6 rebar = 0.75 inch
  • Lap length = bar diameter x multiplier factor

Memory trick: 40 times the bar size gives the overlap prize.

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