What action should be taken if field measurements show an incorrect bar size?

• A. Continue work and document the discrepancy.
• B. Replace with any available bar size.
• C. Document the discrepancy.
• D. Stop work, report to supervisor, replace with correct size, and document the discrepancy.

Answer: (D)

When field measurements don’t match the specified bar size, the immediate priority is to prevent improper reinforcement from being installed. Stop work, report the discrepancy to your supervisor, replace the bar with the correct size, and document what happened. This sequence protects safety and the structure’s performance, and it preserves accountability and traceability.

Why this approach fits best: using the wrong bar size can alter the structural capacity, spacing, cover, and connection details, potentially compromising safety and code compliance. Stopping the work stops further risk, while notifying supervision ensures the issue is addressed by someone with the authority to approve changes. Replacing with the correct size restores the design intent, and documenting the discrepancy creates a record for quality control, inspections, and future reference.

Briefly, continuing with incorrect material or simply documenting without stopping can lead to improper reinforcement, misfits, and noncompliance. Verifying the correct size from drawings or the bending schedule and ensuring the replacement bar matches all specifications (size, grade, coating, length) is part of the proper corrective action. Also isolate or tag the incorrect bars so they aren’t used by mistake.