pile caps 9auger cast piles0

huangyhg

pile caps (auger cast piles)
the typical detail for a pile cap on auger cast piles shows a 3" clear space between the pile cap reinforcement and the top of the auger cast pile.
if the rod buster places a precast concrete brick directly on top of the acp and then places the reinforcement on the brick does this satisfy the requirement for 3" of clear space?
also, the bars have 180 hooks.  some rod busters lean the hooks of parallel bars together and tie the pair off at opposing 45 degree angles while others place tie wire across the top of the hooks to hold them perfectly vertical.  is there any problem with leaning the the hooks of each pair of bars together?

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tying the hooks together is ok as long as the bars are straight.
i don't allow the concrete brick to be used as a bar support for anything with a compressive load, which is the condition here.