The concrete cover provided for prestressed and nonprestressed reinforcement in foundations shall be no less than the largest applicable value specified in Table 1808.8.2. Longitudinal bars spaced less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) clear distance apart shall be considered bundled bars for which the concrete cover provided shall also be no less than that required by Section 7.7.4 of ACI 318. Concrete cover shall be measured from the concrete surface to the outermost surface of the steel to which the cover requirement applies. Where concrete is placed in a temporary or permanent casing or a mandrel, the inside face of the casing or mandrel shall be considered the concrete surface.
TABLE 1808.8.2
MINIMUM CONCRETE COVER
| FOUNDATION ELEMENT OR CONDITION | MINIMUM COVER |
| 1. Shallow foundations | In accordance with Section 7.7 of ACI 318 |
| 2. Precast nonprestressed deep foundation elements | |
| Exposed to seawater | 3 inches |
| Not manufactured under plant conditions | 2 inches |
| Manufactured under plant control conditions | In accordance with Section 7.7.3 of ACI 318 |
| 3. Precast prestressed deep foundation elements | |
| Exposed to seawater | 2.5 inches |
| Other | In accordance with Section 7.7.3 of ACI 318 |
| 4. Cast-in-place deep foundation elements not enclosed by a steel pipe, tube or permanent casing | 2.5 inches |
| 5. Cast-in-place deep foundation elements enclosed by a steel pipe, tube or permanent casing | 1 inch |
| 6. Structural steel core within a steel pipe, tube or permanent casing | 2 inches |
| 7. Cast-in-place drilled shafts enclosed by a stable rock socket | 1.5 inches |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.