What is reinforced concrete?

Reinforced concrete has steel reinforcement as well as concrete.  Steel reinforcement, known as rebar is concealed within the concrete to strengthen the concrete.  Without reinforcement, construction of modern structures with concrete would not be possible.

What is Rebar?

Rebar is short for reinforcing bar, also known as steel reinforcement or reo.  There are two mains types, steel bar (reinforcing bar) or mesh of steel wires (steel mesh), both have a surface of raised lines and is patterned to allow it to stick tightly and form a better bond with the concrete.

Common terms and products used when reinforcing concrete:

 Dowel bars

Dowel bars are smooth round bars, used to join concrete and provide a reinforced connection between slabs that are next to each other. A dowel combines them but allows the slabs to move independently.  

Tie bars

Are deformed rebars or connectors used to interconnect the faces of rigid slabs. Tie bars are not used as load transferring like dowels.

Rebar

Rebar provides more reinforcement, especially for concrete that might support a great deal of weight.

Rebar cutter and bender

Mesh

Steel mesh is commonly used in reinforced concrete slabs such as pavements, precast panels, warehouses and industrial shed slabs, tilt-up slabs, driveways and patio slabs.  Mesh provides better protection against cracks.

Trench Mesh

Reinforcing mesh typically used in residential and industrial buildings to reinforce concrete footings and beams.

Ligatures/ Stirrup Fitments 

Made of Rebar these are commonly used to separate top and bottom layers of Trench Mesh.  Stirrups and ties are also referred to as ‘fitments‘ and ‘closed fitments‘

Ute Mesh

Ute Mesh is great for small concreting projects such as driveways and paths.  It is safe and legal to transport on utes.

Bar Chairs

Bar Chairs come are used to set the reinforcing bar and mesh to the correct position within the area that the concrete is covering.

Bar Ties

This is used to tie bars and mesh.

Tie Wire Coil

Coils of black annealed wire used in steel fixing.  Convenient accessories such as Ideal Reel (Link to product) are used to manage this product.

Tie Wire Twister/Puller

Convenient twisting tool or nips for steel fixing.

At ICR Concrete Supplies our aim is to supply reinforcing steel and mesh for all concreting projects. If there is something you are looking for please browse our products and do not hesitate to contact us for the best advice.

Make sure after every concreting product you apply a good concrete sealer.