Why We Don't Recommend Casting Starter Bars for Interbloc Walls

The method used for securing vertical reinforcing bars is crucial to achieving optimal performance. We strongly advise against casting starter bars directly into the underlying foundation.

Envirocon recommends drilling and epoxy-anchoring starter bars into the foundation while laying the first course of blocks, rather than casting them in place. This provides crucial accuracy and flexibility during construction.

Here's why:

Precision is Essential:
- Interbloc construction requires precise vertical reinforcing bar placement.
- Casting bars into the foundation offers no room for adjustment if errors occur.
Account for Concrete Creep:
- Interbloc blocks will experience creep over the length of the wall as placed.
- Drilling and epoxying allows for on-site adjustments to compensate for this movement.
- Installing bars in batches of 15-20 allows for calibration as the wall progresses.
Managing Larger Diameter Bars:
- Larger reinforcing bars are even more sensitive to misalignment.
- Drilling provides the necessary control for accurate placement, especially with larger diameters, where the margin for error is significantly reduced.
Flexibility for Correction:
- Drilling and epoxying allows for the correction of errors during installation.
- Cast in place bars do not allow for correction.