Understanding rebar: The different types of steel used

14 Jul.,2025

 

Understanding rebar: The different types of steel used

Rebar, short for reinforcing bar, is typically made from carbon steel. Carbon steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, with small amounts of other elements added for specific properties. The specific grade and composition of the carbon steel used for rebar can vary, but it is generally chosen for its strength, durability, and ability to bond well with concrete. However, there are many types of steel used for rebar, let’s take a look at some of them.

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Common uses of rebar

Rebar, or reinforcing bar, is a critical component in reinforced concrete structures. Its primary purpose is to enhance the strength and durability of concrete by providing additional tensile strength. Here are some of the main uses of rebar in construction:

  1. Reinforced Concrete: The most common use of rebar is in reinforced concrete structures. Concrete has excellent compressive strength but relatively low tensile strength. By incorporating rebar into concrete, the composite material can better withstand tensile forces, improving the overall strength and durability of structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, and foundations.
  1. Foundations: Rebar is often used in the construction of foundations to provide additional support and resist the tensile stresses that may be experienced by the structure. It helps prevent cracking and enhances the structural integrity of the foundation.
  1. Bridges and Overpasses: Rebar is extensively used in the construction of bridges and overpasses, where the structures need to bear heavy loads and withstand various environmental conditions. The combination of concrete and rebar provides the necessary strength to support the weight of vehicles and ensure the longevity of the structure.
  1. Retaining Walls: Retaining walls, used to hold back soil or other materials, often incorporate rebar to reinforce the concrete and prevent failure due to lateral forces. This is especially important in structures that need to withstand the pressure exerted by soil and water.
  1. High-Rise Buildings: In tall buildings, rebar is crucial for providing the necessary strength to support the structure’s weight and resist forces such as wind and seismic loads. The use of reinforced concrete, including rebar, is common in the construction of skyscrapers and other high-rise structures.

Types of steel for rebar

Rebar, or reinforcing bar, is typically made from various types of steel, each with its own properties and characteristics. The most common types of steel used for rebar include:

1. Carbon steel (ASTM A615/A615M): This is the most common type of steel used for rebar. It is an alloy of iron and carbon, with small amounts of other elements. It provides strength and durability and is suitable for most construction applications.

2. Low-alloy steel (ASTM A706/A706M): This type of steel contains additional alloying elements like vanadium or nickel in small amounts. It is designed to improve the weldability and ductility of the rebar, making it suitable for applications where welding is required.

3. Stainless steel: In some cases, stainless steel rebar may be used, especially in environments where corrosion resistance is crucial. Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, preventing corrosion.

Common coatings for rebar

1. Epoxy-coated rebar: This protective epoxy coating helps prevent corrosion by creating a barrier between the steel and the surrounding environment. Epoxy-coated rebar is often used in corrosive environments or where long-term durability is a concern.

2. Polymer Coating: Polymer coatings, which may include materials like polyethylene or polypropylene, are sometimes used to protect rebar. These coatings provide a barrier against moisture and corrosive agents.

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Fabricated for commercial building and manufacturing, our recycled steel rebar is available in different presentations:

Straight

  • Sizes: From #3 up to #11
  • Lengths: From 20 ft up to 60 ft (Shorter Cut Lengths also available)
  • Steel Grades: ASTM A615 G40 -G80, A706/G60 & A706/G80

Coils

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  • Sizes: From #3 up to #11
  • Coil Size: 1.4 mt
  • Steel Grades: ASTM A615 G40 -G80, A706/G60 & A706/G80

Spooled

  • Sizes: From #3 up to #11
  • Spooled Size: 3 mt
  • Steel Grades: ASTM A615 G40 -G80, A706/G60 & A706/G80

US Common Bar Grades - iRebar

Common Bar Grades

ASTM A615

ASTM A706

ASTM A

Reinforcing Bar Grade Designations

In the United States, the size and grade designations of these carbon (or "mild") steel bars used to reinforce concrete are set by ASTM International. Besides mild steel, rebar is also produced in stainless steel and other specialty alloys. Included in ASTM bar specifications are carbon steel bars with epoxy and/or zinc coatings used to resist corrosion.

Rebar is available in Grades and specifications that vary in yield strength, tensile strength, chemical composition, and percentage of elongation.

The Grade designation is equal to the minimum yield strength of the bar in ksi ( psi) for example Grade 60 rebar has a minimum yield strength of 60 ksi. Rebar is typically manufactured in Grades 40, 60, 75, 80, and 100.

Current ASTM Bar Specifications include:

ASTM A615/A615M: Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

ASTM A706/A706M: Deformed and Plain Low-Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

ASTM A767/A767M: Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

ASTM A775/A775M: for Epoxy-Coated Reinforcing Steel Bars

ASTM A934/A934M: Epoxy-Coated Prefabricated Steel Reinforcing Bars

ASTM A955/A995M: Deformed and Plain Stainless-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

ASTM A996/A996M: Rail-Steel and Axle-Steel Deformed Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

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