Rebar or reinforcing steel bar is used in construction to localize resistance and distribute the load so that it is distributed to wider areas. It provides concrete with a support to resist tensile loads when the structure expands and contracts due to temperature variation in different climatic conditions. This concept is used efficiently to hold the construction together even if a crack appears.

These steel bars have a ribbed surface that allows the concrete to better adhere to the metal. Before use, the material is immersed in high-pressure water. This is done to stiffen the outer shell while keeping the inner core soft so it becomes flexible to easily absorb and distribute stress when needed.

The strong union that is established between the reinforcing bars and the concrete provides a better resistance to compression of the structure. This offers a better resistance to the construction compared to the construction made with normal smooth steel bars. It is also used to control and reduce concrete shrinkage that occurs over a period of time.

Rebar is available in more than one type. These are used in different structures as follows:

· carbon steel rebar – It is the most used in almost all types of constructions. This is also known as a ‘black bar’.

· welded wire cloth – This type includes dense fabric of steel wires, mostly used in walls and structural floor slabs such as road paving, drainage, culverts, small concrete channels, etc.

· epoxy coated – This reinforcing bar is resistant to corrosion, so it is used in structures that are built in areas that will be in contact with water.

· European – These reinforcing bars are made from manganese and are the most flexible of the lot. They are best suited for use on masonry structures in areas prone to natural calamities such as earthquakes, storms, etc.

· stainless steel – It is the most premium reinforcement bar available. It provides the best solution for areas that are prone to corrosion and costly to repair the damage.

· Galvanized – This reinforcing bar is corrosion resistant. Therefore, they are ideally used in regions of high humidity such as coastal lands.

· fiberglass reinforced polymer – It is a composite product like carbon fiber, which does not corrode, making it an unbeatable choice for any construction.

Each masonry structure has different rebar requirements. It is used in these depending on the area of ​​tension. For example, in simple beams it is placed at the bottom of the column, whereas if the same beam spans and crosses a column, the stress is at the top of the column and therefore the reinforcing bar is place there to support.