Rebar Sizes Demystified!

#rebar #concrete #rebarproject

Rebar stands for "reinforcing bar" - used in concrete construction in a wide range of applications. Whether columns, slabs, foundations, sidewalks, decks, or driveways, rebar is the "go-to" method of reinforcing concrete.

Concrete possesses high compression strength. When forces are weighing down on it or pushing in on it, it is quite robust. But when the concrete is placed in tension (forces pulling it apart), its tensile strength is not very high all on its own. Cracks will tend to appear.

That's where rebar comes in. The ridges on the rebar give something for the dried concrete to grip and stay in place. Rebar can strengthen columns too. Sufficient rebar carries weight on its own so the concrete in the column doesn't have to carry as much weight.

But what is up with rebar sizes? #3? #8? #4 and so on? Why not just call out the rebar diameter in 1/8" increments, such as 3/8", 1/2", or 5/8"?

The answer is simple. Rebar is sized in the number of 1/8" increments. So, #3 is 3/8", #4 is 4/8th's (1/2") and #8 is 8/8th's (1"). Cool, huh?

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