What Is Rebar?
| by Holly Wood
Rebar, also known as reinforcing steel or steel reinforcement bars, is an integral component in the construction industry. It plays a crucial role in reinforcing concrete structures, enhancing their strength and durability. In this comprehensive blog, we will explore what rebar is, its types, applications, and the key role it plays in the construction process.
What is Rebar?
Rebar, short for “reinforcing bar,” refers to high-tensile steel bars, primarily made from carbon steel.
These steel bars are typically composed of recycled steel and are widely used in construction projects to reinforce concrete structures.
Although concrete boasts high compressive strength, with its brittle makeup, it is as vulnerable to compressive stresses as many other materials.
Above all, the reinforcement of concrete ensures its ability to withstand tensile loads and provides added strength and stability to the overall structure.
Types of Rebar
- Carbon Steel Rebar: The primary reinforcement bar used within the industry is steel bar made from carbon steel and renowned for its excellent tensile strength and cost-effectiveness.
- Stainless Steel Rebar: For projects requiring corrosion resistance, contractors use stainless steel rebar in environments with exposure to moisture and other corrosive elements.
- Epoxy Coated Rebar: Epoxy coated rebar is with an epoxy coat to prevent corrosion and enhance its durability.
- Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) Bars: Heat-treating imparts superior properties to these bars, making them ideal for earthquake-resistant structures.
- Galvanised Rebar: Coating galvanised rebar with zinc provides increased protection against corrosion.
Applications of Rebar
Reinforcing bars find extensive use in various construction projects, such as:
- Reinforced concrete structures
- Reinforced cement concrete
- Reinforced masonry
- Masonry structures
- Structural steel
- Concrete reinforcement
Types of Rebar Shapes and Sizes
Rebar is available in different shapes and sizes, such as deformed steel bars, mild steel bars, plain bars, and cold twisted steel bars.
The bars are categorised based on their nominal diameter and deformation patterns.
To further understand the intricacies of rebar sizing, check out our comprehensive Rebar Sizing blog.
Understanding Yield Strength
Yield strength is a mechanical property that refers to the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before it begins to deform permanently.
The material transitions from elastic deformation (where it can return to its original shape after the load is removed) to plastic deformation (where it undergoes permanent deformation even after the load is removed) at the stress level.
For heavy-duty applications, it is advisable to opt for high-yield steel with grade 500 reinforcement, boasting a tensile strength or yield strength of 500 N/mm2 (or Mpa).
Complying with the British Standard 4449:2005, which permits a maximum yield strength of 650 MPa (or N/mm2), ensures adherence to industry standards.
Advantages of Reinforcement Bar
- Provides tensile strength to the concrete structure
- Enhances the concrete’s compressive strength
- Increases the bending and welding ability
- Helps prevent rebar congestion
- Reduces the risk of concrete cracking and failure
Steel Reinforcement Products Available At Materials Market
At Materials Market, we stock the following reinforcement products:
To gain a deeper understanding of steel reinforcement as a whole, read our blog: Unveiling the Power of Steel Reinforced Concrete. In this blog we not only go into depth about each of the reinforcement products above but we also cover the topic of reinforcement steel in all its vastness.
Conclusion
To conclude, reinforcement bar is the backbone of reinforced concrete, ensuring the stability, strength, and durability of various construction projects.
Its versatile nature and superior properties make it an essential component in modern construction processes.
From skyscrapers to bridges, rebar plays a pivotal role in shaping the world’s infrastructure.
