R404.1.3.3.7.4

Section R404.1.3.3.7.4 is titled 'Support and cover' and covers the requirements for the installation of reinforcing bars inside of foundation walls. The requirement for reinforcement bars to withstand the load of wet concrete being dumped onto them and remain secured in place, the amount of concrete that must cover the bars after the concrete has hardened, dependent on form type and concrete exposure to earth and weather, and an allowed tolerance for the concrete cover dimensions is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent structural failure and premature degradation of the reinforcing bars.

The model shows a short section of reinforcement bar being tied to a foundation form crosstie with metal wire, and 4 circles which represent the 4 different measurements of concrete cover dependent on the type of forms used and the concrete's exposure to earth and weather. The holes inside of each circle are the allowed tolerance, meaning the reinforcing bar can be located anywhere inside the hole.