BASE PLATES

Metal Base Plates (sometimes known as dinner plates) are typically used in conjunction with plastic or metal bar chairs. If the ground where the concrete is being poured is especially soft or sandy then the legs of the bar chairs can dig into the ground under the weight of the reinforcing steel.

Base Plates give the bar chairs a more stable surface to rest on enabling the reinforcing bar to be placed without any movement caused by soft ground.

Steel reinforced concrete can only be poured if the reinforcing structure is stable first. This can become more difficult if the ground is soft because the bar chairs will be pushed into the ground under the weight of the reinforcing steel. Base Plates have a larger surface area enabling the bar chair to rest on top without being pushed down once the reinforcing steel is in position.