What Is The Difference Between Clear Cover, Nominal Cover And Effective Cover In RCC?

Effective cover

The effective cover is the distance measured from the face of the member to the centre of the area ( centroid ) of reinforcement, i.e., tension or compression reinforcement.

Effective cover = overall depth – effective depth

Or

Effective cover = clear cover + (diameter of bar/2)

Clear cover

The clear cover is the distance measured from the exposed concrete surface(Without plaster and other finishes) to the nearest surface of the reinforcing bar.

Nominal cover

According to IS 456 (Clause 26.4.1), Nominal cover (concrete cover or clear cover) can be defined as “is the design depth of concrete cover to all-steel reinforcements, including links”.