The main reinforcement of an RC slab consists of 10 mm bars at 10 cm spacing. If it is desired to replace 10 mm bars by 12 mm bars, then the spacing of 12 mm bars should be

Concept:

Spacing between the bars for 1 m(1000 mm) width:

\({s} = \frac{a}{{{A_{st}}}} \times 1000\)

Where, a = Area of one bar = \(\frac{\pi \ \times \ ϕ^2}{4}\)

ϕ = Diameter of bar

s = spacing of bars

A_st = Area of total main reinforcement

Calculations:

Given, 

Case 1: when ϕ = 10 mm then spacing(s₁) = 10 cm = 100 mm

Case 2: when ϕ = 12 mm then spacing(s₂) = ?

Case 1:

When the main reinforcement of an RC slab consists of 10 mm bars at 10 cm spacing, A_st will be

\({s_1} = \frac{a}{{{A_{st}}}} \times 1000\)

\(\Rightarrow {A_{st}} = \frac{{\frac{{\pi \times 10^2 }}{4}}}{{100}} \times 1000 = 785.4\;m{m^2}\)

Case 2:

⇒ If 10 mm bars is to be replaced by 12 mm bars, then the spacing of 12 mm bars

As the Area of the main reinforcement will be the same so A_st = 785.4 mm²

\({s_2} = \frac{a}{{{A_{st}}}} \times 1000\)

\(\Rightarrow \;{s_2} = \frac{{\frac{{\pi \times 12^2}}{4}}}{{785.4}} \times 1000 = 14.40\;cm\)

Shortcut Trick

\(S_2 \ ={\left( {\frac{{{d_2}}}{{{d_1}}}} \right)^2} \times {S_1} = {\left( {\frac{{12}}{{10}}} \right)^2} \times 10 = 14.4\;cm\)