What Is a Concrete Spacer? Purpose and Selection

A concrete spacer helps maintain a controlled distance between reinforcement and the formwork, ground or surrounding surface so that the intended concrete cover can be maintained.

What Does a Concrete Spacer Do?

Its main role is to support reinforcement position before and during concrete placement. Different applications can require different spacer shapes and materials.

Where Are Concrete Spacers Used?

• Slabs and raft foundations
• Walls and columns
• Heavy reinforcement zones
• Bored-pile reinforcement cages
• Precast and special reinforced-concrete work

What Affects Spacer Selection?

Required concrete cover, reinforcement direction, load, contact surface and whether the application is horizontal or vertical all affect the suitable spacer type.

See Concrete Spacer Types and Which Concrete Spacer for Columns, Walls, Slabs and Foundations?.