In a concrete overhanging slab, where should steel reinforcing rods be embedded?

Question

Suppose you’re construction a balcony that extends beyond the main frame of your house. In a concrete overhanging slab, should steel reinforcing rods be embedding in the top, middle, or bottom of the slab?

Answer 1

maybe 1 inch from the bottom. maybe you could consider composite decking or wood

and check for building codes. do you need a permit? and maybe if you have to ask that question you should ask a builder.

Answer 2

In the top, where the slab is in tension; the bottom is in compression.

Answer 3

For aesthetic reasons they have the steel reinforcement in the middle. Rebarb does not look good and is covered up with cement. They also make sure there is something on the top that is good to make sure humans don't go slipping when its wet. They also try to make sure the people can put things like chairs and stuff up there w/o chipping,etc.

     As you can see with the illustration the beam that is attached is in the center. It goes to the I beam skeleton of the building. The ribbing is for nothing more than to catch the cement and hold it until it hardens. The beam at the bottom uses gravity to hold the block in place.

     Think of it this way; Have a solid platform attached to an anchor and attach that to the main part of the building. Have it solid so it wont go anywhere. Then put all the rest that is needed around the platform to be a functional balcony for your place.