Why do you put rebar in concrete

Rebar is laid in a grid pattern, and the parameters of the job will determine how close the rebar is laid — how small the grids are. Spacing is critical, because grids that are off by just one inch can reduce the overall strength of the concrete by 20 percent. Here at Custom Concrete, we use rebar in a number of different applications throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties. Concrete curbs, roads, driveways, slabs, foundations and retaining walls all typically need rebar of one size or another.

Some concrete driveways might see rebar spaced at rather wide intervals. When we laid the foundation for the acid ball artwork at Waypoint Park in Bellingham, we used much thicker rebar in a tighter grid to help the concrete retain its integrity while supporting the enormous weight of the ball.

For that job, we poured a thick concrete foundation featuring 9 rebar. Rebar waiting for concrete at Waypoint Park in Bellingham. Stainless Steel Rebar: Stainless steel is uniquely resistant to corrosion.

This is a great option for any concrete projects in areas that are more prone to corrosion. This type of rebar does tend to be more expensive than other alternatives. Sheet Metal: This option is most commonly used for concrete floors, roofs and stairs. Epoxy Coated Rebar: Epoxy is even more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel.

This is one of the most durable types of rebar but it is also the most expensive. In short, no you do not always need to use rebar in concrete projects.

However, rebar is an incredibly useful tool. Do your research before starting in on any project. If you feel as though you might be out of your depth, consult with a professional!

If you put weight on a concrete beam from above, its top will hold up heroically against the compression. Its underside, however, will experience severe tensile stress as the beam deforms. This creates a situation that engineers often refer to by the technical term "bad.

Rebar helps to alleviate this issue because, unlike concrete, rebar is pretty great taking tensile stress. As a result, rebar inside of concrete both strengthens the resulting mixture by making its strength more all-around, and also decreases the speed at which failure occurs, giving engineers crucial time to spot a disaster before it happens. Watch Practical Engineering explain with some handy visual examples, take a moment to appreciate what's underneath you the next time you stand on a bridge:.

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