Strengthening Concrete Structures: 7 Types of Rebar Used in Every Building Project

Improving the strength and lifetime of buildings depends on proper reinforcement steel rebar installation. Nevertheless, there are various kinds of rebars utilized in construction, each designed for specific structural needs and environmental surroundings.

(Photo : Pexels/ Zahid Iqbal )

1. Carbon Steel Rebar

With few exceptions, the black bar, the most prevalent variety of rebar, is utilized on large and small-scale projects. As mentioned, one of the most significant drawbacks of black rebar is that it gets rusted. The concrete surrounding the rebar will crack and break due to its expansion caused by corrosion. Moreover, it is possible to find alternatives to black rebar that are more suitable for use in circumstances where the rebar may be subjected to high humidity or water saturation levels. On the other hand, black rebar surpasses all types of rebar in terms of its value-to-tensile strength ratio.

2. Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (GFRP)

GFRP, a composite material like carbon fiber, forbids field bends and will not corrode under any conditions due to its structural qualities. Accordingly, GFRP is unrivalled in this domain compared to other concrete reinforcing bars. Although it is ten times more expensive per pound than epoxy-coated rebar, it is incredibly lightweight, which means that the cost is only roughly twice as much when using linear feet as the unit of measurement.

3. Epoxy Coated Rebar

Epoxy-coated rebar works brilliantly in building projects with high humidity and wetness. According to reports, epoxy covers the rebar in thick layers to prevent corrosion. However, the rebar's corrosion resistance is significantly diminished by the scratching and damage of the delicate epoxy coating during transportation.

4. Stainless Steel Rebar

Steel reinforcing bars are utilized for a variety of weight-supporting structures, including bridges, roadways, piers, and others. In contrast to carbon steel rebars, these rebars can help prevent corrosion and provide additional protection.

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5. Galvanized Rebar

Galvanized rebar is one of the more expensive alternatives available. It is made by dipping alloy steel rebar in a zinc solution, which results in the addition of a unique water coating that can prevent corrosion. When compared to epoxy-coated rebar, this material is a superior choice. The corrosion resistance of galvanized rebar is forty times higher than that of aluminum rebar, and it also holds up better during transportation and installation.

6. Twisted Steel Bars

Twisted steel bars comprise various wires, with nearly seven strands twisted together to form a common strand. Their high tensile strength can reach up to 270000 pounds per square inch. These are typically utilized for prestressing reinforced cement concrete on the bracing of scaffolding projects. Because of their tremendous tensile strength, it is not impossible to imagine.

7. Welded Steel Wire

Welded steel wires generate an average tensile strength. They are utilized for various purposes, including fences, dividers, and so on. Since they are available in multiple diameters and have greater strength than mild steel bars, they have gained widespread acceptance for specific construction applications to attain higher levels of efficiency.  

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