Size and Quantity of Reinforcement for

Building Works
Different size and quantity of reinforcement is required for different concrete
members in buildings. Quantity of reinforcement per cubic meter and its suitable
sizes for different reinforced concrete construction is discussed.

Reinforcement is required for reinforced concrete members such as footings,

beams, columns, slabs, lintels etc. Estimation of reinforcement quantity is
required prior to tendering stage to calculate approximate cost of project or
construction work.

Size and Quantity of Reinforcement for

Building Works
Following table gives the estimated quantities of reinforcement and its size
generally used for various building works:
Sl. Quantity in
RCC Member Size of reinforcement required
No kg/m3

1 Column footings 75 10mm or 12mm

12mm, 16mm – 85%

2 Grade beams 100
Stirrups – 6mm or 8mm– 15%

8mm diameter – 85%,

3 Plinth beams 125
Stirrups 6mm – 15%

16mm, 20mm and 25mm – 90%

4 Columns 225
Ties – 6mm or 8mm – 10%

12mm, 16mm dia – 85%

5 Lintel beam 125
Stirrups – 6 mm or 8mm – 15%

8mm dia – 75%

6 Sunshades 60
Distributer – 6mm – 25%

Canopy slab upto 2.0 m 10mm dia – 80%

7 125
span Distributor bars – 6mm or 8mm – 20%

12 or 16mm dia – 80%

8 Staircase waist slab 150
Distributor 8mm dia – 15%

9 Roof slab

8mm dia – 70%

(a) One way slab 80
Distributor – 6mm – 30%

(b) Two way slab 100 8mm dia – 100%

(c) Square slab – 4m to 6m

150 10 – 12mm dia – 100%
size

20mm, 16mm, 12mm – 80 – 85%

10 Main beams above 6m 250
Stirrups – 8mm – 15 – 20%