I am a recovering detail junkie. Some have said it’s my star sign that causes it, others claim detail junkies are just control freaks. In recent years I’ve had to face up to the fact that while the devil is in the details life should not revolve around them. Still, of all things that will keep me up at night, it’s the overlooked details that do it every time. 

On a construction site overlooked details will sneak up on you in a New York minute. Not making sure the caulk is paintable, or grabbing the deck screws that disintegrate in pressure treated wood are the kinds of overlooked details that turn simple, enjoyable tasks into redo nightmares. 

So, for those who are also detail junkies it may come as no surprise that when it comes to rebar, it’s not all created the same.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued some warnings to those who are once again building nuclear reactors. It seems that faulty reinforcing steel is causing foundation problems at the Savannah River plant. The facility creates weapons grade plutonium. Other problems found at a plant near Aiken, SC and at two other plants in Europe are being called reminiscent of problems discovered decades ago during the hey day of building things that house nuclear reactions.  According to the report:

Although the technical issues vary, inspections repeatedly identify a lack of contractor oversight and poor quality control in concrete placement.

Imagine waking up at 3 a.m. and remembering that load of rebar that was delivered last week wasn’t sourced from an approved supplier. Now, that’s a detail nobody wants to have overlooked.

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