When ABT channel drain manufacturer installation instructions clearly violate the building codes and accepted trade practices, then common sense should prevail... that is if the contractor has any.
ABT Channel Drains
The installation instructions and components for the ABT Channel Drain system, instructs the installer to drive rebar directly into the soil. Alternatively, the instructions state that a galvanized U bracket can be used directly against the earth as a brace.
These instructions violate every tenant of concrete construction, building codes and accepted trade practices. Just because a company came up with a "brilliant marketing idea" does not make it acceptable or correct.
What is a Contractor to do?
First and foremost, the building codes ALWAYS prevail. The International Building Code (IBC) has adopted and incorporated the American Concrete Institute Standard ACI 318, directly into the building code.
ACI 318 states that reinforcing steel in concrete shall maintain minimum clearances to earth. Driving reinforcing bars directly into the earth, clearly violates both the IBC and ACI 318.
Secondly, common sense should prevail. Though it may be fast and easy, a manufacturer's instructions should not be followed when they clearly violate the law.
A Solution?
Had the manufacturer supplied or specified a non-corrosive plastic stake, then all would have been good.
Alternatively, smooth bar dowels could have been used as stakes and removed once the channels were secured with concrete.
The contractors reasoning, "That's what they sell. Besides, it will be 20 years before the rebar rusts and the concrete cracks," is lame.
Especially when he knows that he is violating the building code.
Paolo Benedetti, SWD
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness, International Construction Management
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa©
Contact the author at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220
©www.aquatictechnology.com All rights reserved.
ABT Channel Drains
The installation instructions and components for the ABT Channel Drain system, instructs the installer to drive rebar directly into the soil. Alternatively, the instructions state that a galvanized U bracket can be used directly against the earth as a brace.
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| Click on image to view a larger version |
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| Click on the image to see a larger image of the rebar in direct contact with the earth. |
What is a Contractor to do?
First and foremost, the building codes ALWAYS prevail. The International Building Code (IBC) has adopted and incorporated the American Concrete Institute Standard ACI 318, directly into the building code.
ACI 318 states that reinforcing steel in concrete shall maintain minimum clearances to earth. Driving reinforcing bars directly into the earth, clearly violates both the IBC and ACI 318.
Secondly, common sense should prevail. Though it may be fast and easy, a manufacturer's instructions should not be followed when they clearly violate the law.
A Solution?
Had the manufacturer supplied or specified a non-corrosive plastic stake, then all would have been good.
Alternatively, smooth bar dowels could have been used as stakes and removed once the channels were secured with concrete.
The contractors reasoning, "That's what they sell. Besides, it will be 20 years before the rebar rusts and the concrete cracks," is lame.
Especially when he knows that he is violating the building code.
Paolo Benedetti, SWD
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness, International Construction Management
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa©
Contact the author at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220
©www.aquatictechnology.com All rights reserved.
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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com