The concrete stem walls must have #4 rebar how far from the top of the footing and how far from the bottom?

• A. 2 inches from the top and 2 inches from the bottom
• B. 4 inches from the top and 4 inches from the bottom
• C. 3 inches from the top and 3 inches from the bottom
• D. 1 inch from the top and 1 inch from the bottom

Answer: (C)

Rebar in a stem wall needs adequate concrete cover to protect the steel and to ensure proper bonding and strength. For a #4 bar in this location, the minimum is three inches of concrete from the top of the footing and three inches from the bottom of the wall. This puts the bar well inside the concrete, protecting it from moisture and freeze–thaw cycles while ensuring good embedment and shear transfer with the surrounding concrete. Distances smaller than three inches would reduce protection and durability, while three inches from both faces is the standard, reliable spacing used in practice.