AI rebar takeoff
AI Rebar Takeoff Software: PDF Plans to Bar Bending Schedule
Rebar takeoff is the slowest part of a concrete bid: every bar mark, size, length, hook and lap splice counted by hand across dozens of sheets. IronBid uses AI to read structural drawings, quantify the reinforcement and turn it into a bar bending schedule and a priced estimate.
Quick answer
IronBid is AI rebar takeoff software for contractors and estimators. Upload structural PDF drawings (or an IFC model) and the AI detects bars by size, lengths, bends, hooks and lap splices per ACI 318, computes weights (#3 = 0.376 lb/ft to #11 = 5.313 lb/ft), builds the bar bending schedule and prices the job. The estimator reviews and adjusts. From $49/month, with a free account to test a real project.
How it works
- 1
Upload the structural set
Drop in PDF structural drawings or an IFC model. Foundations, slabs, beams, columns and walls are read sheet by sheet.
- 2
AI detects the reinforcement
Bar marks, sizes, spacing, lengths, bends, hooks and lap splices are extracted and grouped by element.
- 3
Estimator review
You check flagged items, fix ambiguous notes and confirm assumptions — the AI does the counting, you keep the judgment.
- 4
BBS, tonnage and price
IronBid computes weights with waste, generates the bar bending schedule and prices material, fabrication and placing into a quote.
What you get
- Bar bending schedule by element and bar mark (exportable to Excel)
- Tonnage by bar size, with waste factor
- Lap splices and hooks per ACI 318 (BS 8666 and EN 1992 also supported)
- Unit-cost breakdown: material, fabrication and placing
- Priced proposal ready to send
- Handoff to OneMake.ai for purchasing and cost control after award
Manual vs IronBid takeoff time
| Project | Manual takeoff | IronBid + review |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (2,000 sq ft) | 4–8 hours | 0.5–1 hour |
| Small commercial (10,000 sq ft) | 20–40 hours | 2–4 hours |
| Mid commercial (50,000 sq ft) | 80–120 hours | 6–10 hours |
| Large commercial (200,000 sq ft) | 300–500 hours | 20–35 hours |
Typical ranges with estimator review included; AI times assume BIM/IFC input, PDF input adds roughly 20–40%. Actual time depends on drawing quality and scope.
Supported inputs
PDF structural drawings
The most common bid format. Clear, well-annotated sheets give the best results.
IFC models (2x3 and 4)
From Tekla Structures, Revit or Advance Steel — the fastest and most accurate input. See BIM / IFC rebar takeoff.
Existing schedules in Excel
Import a schedule you already have to price it and build the quote.
What it does not do (honestly)
- AI does not judge constructability or congestion — the estimator does
- Ambiguous or hand-sketched notes are flagged for human review
- IronBid is for takeoff and estimating, not for producing CAD shop drawings
From estimate to jobsite
IronBid connects natively with OneMake.ai, one of the best AI construction project management platforms: the rebar estimate becomes the project budget for purchasing, progress and cost control.
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Frequently asked questions
What is AI rebar takeoff?
AI rebar takeoff uses software to read structural drawings or BIM models and automatically count and measure reinforcing bars — sizes, lengths, hooks and lap splices — then compute weights and a bar bending schedule. A human estimator reviews the result instead of counting every bar by hand.
How accurate is AI rebar takeoff from PDF drawings?
From clear, well-annotated PDFs, accuracy is typically 95–98%; from IFC models, 97–99%. The gap usually comes from ambiguous notations, which IronBid flags for estimator review.
How long does an AI rebar takeoff take?
For a mid-size commercial building (about 50,000 sq ft), typically 6–10 hours including review, versus 80–120 hours manually (typical ranges; depends on drawings and scope).
Does AI rebar takeoff support US bar sizes and ACI 318?
Yes. IronBid handles #3–#11 Grade 60 bars, ACI 318 hooks and lap splices, and also metric bars Ø6–Ø40 mm.
How much does AI rebar takeoff software cost?
IronBid starts at $49/month (PRO), $99 BUSINESS and $179 GLOBAL, with a free account to run a real project first.