Solution Summary: Rebar Positioning Device 2009
Rebar positioning devices allow rebar to be inserted into a brick or block wall after it has been built.
Description:
When building walls, masons frequently lift concrete masonry units (CMUs) overhead. Traditional wall construction involves setting the rebar and lifting the CMUs up and over the rebar. This action must be repeated multiple times to finish wall construction. The repetitive overhead and heavy lifting motion puts masons at an increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders. The BARTARGET™ reduces these risks by allowing the rebar to be inserted after the wall has been built.
The BARTARGET™ consists of three main components: centering tabs, separator strap, and target cones. The centering tabs help center the rebar when it is inserted into the wall. The separator strap maintains splice overlap. The BARTARGETTM is designed to maintain rebar splice overlap to code. The target cones help guide the rebar into place and eliminate the need to tie the rebar.
The BARTARGET™ is designed to work with #5, #4, and #3 rebar and 8”, 10”, and 12” concrete blocks. The BARTARGET™ unit is first placed over the already existing rebar. Then, the wall is built up high enough to enable another piece of rebar to be inserted into the wall. The rebar is guided down into the BARTARGET™ cone until it hits the rebar stop. Assembly follows this pattern until the desired wall height is obtained.
Risks Addressed:
Musculoskeletal disorders associated with overhead work, manual materials handling, stressful hand and wrist activity, and stooped postures.
How Risks are Reduced:
The BARTARGET™ minimizes the amount of overhead work since masons do not have to lift CMU over rebar. Instead, rebar is inserted into the wall after it is built. Also, the BARTARGET™ eliminates the need to tie rebar, which reduces stressful hand and wrist activity. Finally, it eliminates protruding rebar from walls, which reduces the potential for other injuries.
Research has shown that workers who perform repeated activities above shoulder level are at greater risk of sustaining shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. Studies have also shown that workers who spend more time in stooped posture or other awkward back postures are at a higher risk for developing low back problems. Studies have reported a decrease in low back pain and stress among those working with materials kept at or near waist height.
Manufacturers report a decrease in the stress placed on the back, shoulders, wrist, and hands when using the BARTARGET™. Lifting CMUs up and over rebar causes stress on these injury-prone areas. Protruding rebar from unfinished walls also creates a risk on construction sites, which is eliminated by the BARTARGET™.
Effects on Productivity:
The BARTARGETTM increases productivity on the worksite.
Additional Considerations:
When walls are built to tall heights, it may be difficult to see the BARTARGET™ through the CMU hole. A flashlight easily fixes this problem and allows BARTARGET™ to be visible for rebar guiding.
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC – Eastern Washington University
Availability
Stonesmith Patented Systems, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA www.stonesmithsystems.com
Return on Investment
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