An investigation into the specification and achievement of cover to reinforcement on 25 construction sites is reported. It was that the specified cover was not achieved at a significant number of locations on each site. The reasons for this were found to include a complex of factors such as poor workmanship, unbuildable designs and detailing, poor communication, and of coordination. In turn, such factors were traced to contractual terms and conditions and a harsh economic climate which do foster collaboration. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Professor L.A. Clark, M.G.K. Shammas-Toma, D.E. Seymour, P.F. Pallett and B.K. Marsh