Types of Rebar

Carbon Steel Rebars: This is the most common type of rebar and is sometimes
referred to as a "black bar." It's extremely versatile but it corrodes more easily than other
types, making it inappropriate in areas that are subject to high humidity or in structures
that are frequently exposed to water. Many consider carbon steel rebars to be the best
option in all other types of construction, however.

Welded Wire Fabric: Welded wire fabric (WWF) is made from a series of steel
wires arranged at right angles and electrically welded at all steel wire crossings. It can be
used in slab-on-ground slabs where the ground has been well compacted. A heavier
fabrication of welded wire fabric can be used in walls and structural floor slabs. This is
commonly used in road pavement, box culverts, drainage structures, and in small
concrete canals.

Sheet-Metal Reinforcing Bars: Sheet-metal reinforcement is commonly used in

floor slabs, stairs, and roof construction. Sheet-metal reinforcing is composed of annealed
sheet steel pieces bent into corrugations of about one-sixteenth of an inch deep with holes
punched at regular spacing.

Epoxy-Coated Rebars: Epoxy-coated rebars are expensive and used in areas that
will be in contact with salt water or where a corrosion problem is imminent. The only
problem is that the coating can be very delicate, so bars should be ordered from a
reputable supplier.

European Rebars: These rebars are typically made of manganese so they tend to
bend more easily. They're not suitable for use in areas that are prone to extreme weather
conditions or geological effects, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes. They can
be cost-effective, however.

Stainless Steel Rebars: Stainless steel can be used as an alternative reinforcing

steel bar with carbon steel reinforcement. Using stainless steel reinforcing bars will not
create galvanic corrosion, and it can be a cost-effective solution in areas subject to
corrosion problems or where repair is difficult and expensive. These rebars will cost at
least eight times more than epoxy-coated rebars, however.

Galvanized Rebars: Galvanized rebars are 40 times more resistant to corrosion

than carbon steer rebars, making them ideal for structures that will be heavily exposed to
wet and humid conditions. They're pricey, however.

Expanded Metal or Wire Mesh Rebars: Expanded metal or wire mesh

reinforcement is another good product for concrete. Expanded metal is made by shearing
a sheet of steel into parallel lines that are then expanded to form a diamond shape or a
square shape between each cut. Expanded metal is commonly used as reinforcement in
areas where a considerable thickness of plaster is required, or to reinforce light concrete
construction. Wire mesh reinforcement can be used on sidewalks, small concrete pads, or
walkable surfaces that don't receive high live or load charges.

Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (GFRP) Rebars: Similar to carbon fiber,

GFRP rebars will not corrode — ever, under any conditions. You'll pay dearly for that,
however. These rebars can run 10 times the cost of epoxy-coated rebars.