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Rebar: the skeleton of reinforced concrete
Construction

Rebar: the skeleton of reinforced concrete

ISAR GROUP6 November 20264 min read

Concrete resists compression well but is weak in tension. Reinforcing steel makes up for that weakness and makes the structure strong and reliable.

Why reinforcement is needed

When a beam, slab or column bends under load, one side is compressed and the other is stretched. Steel rebar is placed in the stretched zone and takes that tension. The concrete in turn protects the steel from corrosion and fire.

Types and diameters

Construction mostly uses ribbed (deformed) bars: the ribs strengthen the bond between steel and concrete. The rebar grade, diameter and spacing are set in the design based on calculations.

Concrete cover

There must be a layer of concrete of a set thickness between the rebar and the surface. This cover protects the steel from moisture, corrosion and fire. Spacers are placed under and beside the bars to keep it.

Checks before the pour

The rebar cage is tied with binding wire or, where the design allows, welded. Before concrete is poured, bar diameter, spacing, lap lengths, cover and cleanliness are checked: there must be no oil, mud or loose rust on the bars.

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