I'm just an electrical inspector.
From what I understand of the wording in the Buyilding Code is that all rebar has to be covered by concrete.
I guess the general rule was written to prevent rebar from being placed too close to the surface where it would not provide structural support.
The other thing I heard is that exposed rebar acts like a wick allowing the bars to rust out inside the concrete, again affecting the strength.
Rust = Oxidation; from Oxygen not water as I always thought.
Before I make people do it I want to know how to do it correctly without causing problems for the other trades.
Alan--
