Types of Rebars Commonly Used in Construction

Applications, Uses, and Specs

Reinforcing steel bars are used to help concrete withstand tension forces. Concrete is
sufficiently strong to compression forces by nature, but tension forces can crack it.

Deformed rebars on reinforcing steel have been a standard requirement since 1968, but
plain rebars are also used in situations where the reinforcing steel is expected to slide.
This is typically the case when they're installed in highway pavement and segmental
bridges.

The deformed pattern on a rebar helps the concrete adhere to the reinforcing steel surface.
The pattern on a deformed bar isn't specified, but the spacing and the height of the
"bumps" are regulated.