Replies

1. 
   dovetail97128 | May 13, 2008 06:48pm | #1

   a lot of pics I saw did show rebar in the concrete.

   If I understand correctly the recent years increase in bar use here came out of studies done after the last big Ca. quake. Bar (or mesh) is being used to "cage" the concrete in columns etc. so as to confine the rubble which then gives some support to the structure.

   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
2. 
   Oak River Mike | May 13, 2008 07:01pm | #2

   I think NEW construction would have made a difference but it would have had to be stuff within the past 5 years to have any of the latest measures used against seismic activity.

   Still 6 and above is pretty strong.

3. 
   frenchy | May 13, 2008 07:25pm | #3

   janet

     I've seen some rebar but nowhere near the standards we have.. Considering less than a decade ago nothing had much rebar in it  they are learning quickly..

4. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | May 13, 2008 07:34pm | #4

   The simple answer is yes, rebar is very significant in holding concrete structures together under great stress. 

1. 
   atrident | May 13, 2008 11:49pm | #5

    Iwas surprised to see floor sections with hollow tube flooring slabs. they are using good technology. It doesnt seem to matter where a collapse happens...somebody left out something that cost $$$.

1. 
   Hudson Valley Carpenter | May 14, 2008 01:36am | #7

   The mainland Chinese have been studying American industrial methods with enthusiasm for about thirty years.  During the generation after Mao their leaders decided that it would be better for them to beat us at our own game than to continue using older methods which were inefficient and reqiuired a strictly subservient citizenry. 

   Back in the early eighties, a friend of mine acquired the rights to a particular airplane design made from composite materials.  It had been through the FAA certification process, a very significant step, and was ready to go into production but he lacked the major funds needed to get under way.  

   Being a creative financier, he went to sources outside the U.S. and soon found himself being heavily smoozed by the Chinese.  They coerced and flattered him in an attempt to learn as much about his business methods and about the technical aspects of the airplane as possible, while promising him complete support for manufacturing his airplane.

   Every time I saw him, he'd just returned from China with glowing stories about how well he'd been treated and what they were planning to do for him, as soon as it was all approved by the highest government officials. 

   In fact, all that was actually happening was that they were picking his brain about how he did business in the U.S. while also learning everything there was to know about his airplane and composite construction.

    

1. 
   Ted W. | May 14, 2008 02:39am | #8

   I'm guessing the use of rebar might have saved the couple hundred kids that were in the middle-school that completely collapsed. :(--------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at AWorkOfWood.com

5. 
   Piffin | May 14, 2008 01:21am | #6

   They were calling it a 7.8 this morning.

   That is quite a difference, considiring each digit higher means the force was doubled

    

    

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