Civil Engineering – Meaning, Types, Sizes And Uses  Of Structural Reinforcement 

If you’re planning to undertake a concrete construction project, you might have discovered that you will require rebars when purchasing materials. Reinforced bars are necessary for concrete construction to create reinforced concrete.

This is essential whether you’re constructing posts, walls, or floor slabs because it helps to prevent the formation of cracks that could cause the project to fail. Although all concrete will eventually crack, using reinforced bars allows for better management of the degree and location of any cracking, providing greater structural strength for the project.

Rebar, which stands for reinforcing bar, refers to a steel bar or mesh used to add tension to reinforced concrete and masonry structures, enhancing the concrete’s ability to withstand compression.

Rebar is commonly employed in reinforced concrete structures like buildings, bridges, and roads and in other construction projects such as retaining walls and foundations. It is typically made of carbon steel and comes in different sizes and shapes, including round, square, and rectangular.

Its primary purpose is to enhance the strength and stability of the concrete structure, enabling it to withstand the tension, compression, and bending forces it may experience over time.

Types Of Reinforcement Steel Bars

Hot Rolled Deformed Bars

Thermo mechanically treated or TMT bars are another name for hot rolled deformed bars. These bars are widely used in reinforced concrete structures for their exceptional tensile strength.

The ribs on TMT bars also enhance their bonding with cement concrete. The highest quality TMT bars have a tensile strength of 64000 pounds per square inch (PSI), which is the unit used to measure the strength of concrete.

Cold Rolled Steel Bars

Although Cold Rolled Steel bars are made at room temperature, they appear similar to Hot rolled bars. However, they are weaker and more prone to bending. Cold Rolled bars are becoming less popular in the market but are still used in some construction projects that do not require high tolerance. They have a tensile strength of up to 60000 psi.

Mild Steel Bars

The bar is round and has a plain surface without any ribs. It is commonly used for beams, slabs, and other elements in reinforced concrete construction. Its tensile strength is limited to 40000 psi. Mild Steel Bars have poor bonding characteristics with concrete and are of lower quality, making them suitable for smaller projects with limited budgets.

Twisted Steel Bars

Prestressing tendons, also called Twisted Steel Bars, are composed of several wires twisted together to form a strand. They have a high tensile strength of up to 270000 psi and are commonly used to reinforce reinforced cement concrete in scaffold braces. Their strength allows for effective prestressing, making them valuable in construction projects.

Welded Steel Wire

Welded steel wires are made of welded mesh and have moderate tensile strength. They are commonly used for partitions, fencing, and other such applications. These wires are available in different diameters and have a higher strength than mild steel bars, making them widely accepted in specific construction segments for better efficiency.

It is worth noting that Thermo Mechanically Treated (TMT) bars are highly regarded worldwide for their high tensile strength. These bars provide strength and are flexible, making them ideal for maximum protection during natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

TMT bars contain less carbon, making them less prone to fatigue and highly corrosion-resistant.

According to IS Standards, the Fe 500d grade of the TMT bar has the perfect combination of strength and flexibility, making it the most recommended option for construction purposes.

Rebar Sizes 

Below is a comprehensive manual that showcases the assortment of reinforcement steel bar dimensions and masses in Nigeria:

Uses Of Various Reinforcement Steel Bar Sizes:

10mm: Mild steel rebar is a thin and affordable material that enhances the strength of concrete surfaces such as roads, driveways, and patios. It is frequently used in poured concrete swimming pools to give shape and reinforce the walls, ensuring their durability.

12mm: With a slightly greater thickness, 12mm rebar is an ideal choice for reinforcing highways, providing them with increased strength. Additionally, it can effectively enhance the strength of columns and slabs.

16mm: Bridges and highways frequently utilize this specific type of rebar.

20mm: Structures such as bridges and multi-story parking garages can be supported using this particular rebar size.

25mm: Rebar is well-suited for commercial applications that require medium to heavy reinforcement. It is versatile enough to be utilized in various structures such as slabs, sea walls, columns, and beams.

32mm: Rebar is ideal for commercial projects requiring moderate to high reinforcement. It can support structures such as beams, columns, and similar applications.

36mm: The thick and robust heavy-duty rebar is commonly utilized in load-bearing structures due to its strength and durability.

43mm: The 43mm size of rebar, which is readily available in standard sizes, is a thick and weighty option that is ideal for constructing structures that require significant load-bearing capacity, such as bridges, parking garages, high-rise buildings, and docks.

57mm: The 57mm rebar, which is robust and substantial, is frequently utilized in the building of massive structures such as industrial facilities, large constructions, and other significant buildings.