KennyG
Elite Member
For this application, it probably doesn't matter much whether the re-bar is in the ground or not. However, it is bad practice to have steel not covered by concrete. If the concrete is in contact with the steel, it "passivates" the steel and completely stops corrosion. I've seen a thick steel plate rust through completely from the back side because a piece of wood got into the pour and prevented concrete contact. It looked perfect from the outside until it fell apart. I try to make sure reinforcement is completely within the concrete.