Reinforcing steel, also known as “re-bar,” is used to strengthen concrete by being woven into a mat or placed in molds. Ironworkers shape the steel into horseshoe configurations and tie them together with wire. Treated rebar lasts longer and is cut with acetylene torches when removing reinforced concrete.
Reinforcing steel is a material used to reinforce concrete. Woven into a labyrinth and placed within molds or suspended to allow the reinforcing steel to lie in the center of a cast slab, the iron rod lends additional strength to the already strong concrete. Commonly referred to by the slang name “re-bar,” the steel has a surface of raised lines and patterns to enable it to grip firmly within the poured concrete. Many times, reinforcing steel is woven into a multi-layered matting to impart internal strength otherwise unattainable for concrete or cement work.
Made of low quality iron, this steel is not very difficult to bend. This allows ironworkers to shape the long shafts into horseshoe configurations to reinforce the concrete pillars. The long sections of rebar are typically tied together with small diameter wire and set at critical depths within the concrete forms to allow the concrete to flow both above and below the steel rebar. By placing the folds in the bar, it is stuck in the hardened concrete and cannot change its position. This method of reinforcing concrete will actually allow the concrete to bend slightly under pressure without cracking before it returns to its original shape.
Ironworkers commonly create complex skeletal structures from reinforcing steel when it is to be used within concrete piers or bridge piers. Once the iron structure is completed, a wooden or steel formwork is placed around it before the concrete is pumped. Large vibrating rods are plunged deep within the steel-lined reinforced concrete to vibrate any air bubbles and fill any voids. This creates a very solid piece of concrete that will not have any potentially weak areas inside. Flat metal straps are often used to center the skeleton within the forms so that it can be easily cut and removed when the form needs to be removed from the concrete.
Often, rebar is treated with a chemical or paint to aid in the prevention of rust and corrosion. Treated iron will survive much longer within the concrete and will eventually not rust, leaving voids and holes within the concrete that could weaken it. When removing reinforced concrete, the reinforcing steel is commonly cut with acetylene torches after the concrete has been broken up by a jackhammer. This allows workers to cut the material into easily manageable sizes for disposal.
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