In terms of shape, reinforcement products are divided into three main categories: straight bars, cut-and-bent bars, and welded wire meshes. Straight bars are standard lengths of rebar (typically 6m, 9m, or 12m) used in all load-bearing elements such as beams, columns, and foundations. Cut-and-bent bars are fabricated according to bending schedules and are used for ties, stirrups, links, and anchoring shapes. Welded wire mesh reinforcement is one of our most demanded products worldwide, available in flat panels or rolls, made from smooth or ribbed wire. These meshes are used in slabs, walls, roads, industrial floors, and prefabricated concrete elements. In many markets, we also supply prefabricated reinforcement cages and 3D spatial reinforcement modules, particularly for high-rise and infrastructure projects.
By type of steel, reinforcement is classified according to yield strength, ductility, and weldability. In Europe, reinforcement is produced under the EN 10080 and DIN 488 standards. The most commonly used grades are B500A, B500B, and B500C — with B500C offering the highest ductility, making it suitable for seismic zones. Ribbed bars are mandatory for most structural applications, and bar markings include the manufacturer’s symbol, nominal diameter, steel grade, and ductility class. In Germany, for instance, bars are often color-coded and stamped according to DIN 488 requirements.
In the United States, reinforcement is standardized under ASTM A615 and A706, with grades defined by their yield strength in ksi — typically Grade 40 (280 MPa), Grade 60 (420 MPa), Grade 75 (520 MPa), and increasingly Grade 100 (690 MPa) for high-strength designs. ASTM A706 specifies weldable, low-alloy steel for seismic applications. Rebar in the US is marked with a combination of symbols indicating the mill, bar size, steel type (S for carbon, W for low-alloy weldable), and grade number. For example, a “#5 W 60” rebar means a No. 5 weldable bar with a 60 ksi yield strength.
In China, steel reinforcement follows the GB/T 1499.2-2018 standard. The common grades are HRB335, HRB400, and HRB500 — where “HRB” stands for Hot-Rolled Ribbed Bars and the number indicates minimum yield strength in MPa. Reinforcement is mostly ribbed, and markings include bar diameter and steel grade. China has also introduced HRBF grades (HRBF400/500) for seismic zones, which include microalloying elements to improve ductility.
In India, the primary standard is IS 1786, with reinforcement grades such as Fe415, Fe500, Fe500D, Fe550, and Fe600. The suffix “D” indicates higher ductility, which is essential for seismic performance. Bars are typically ribbed and marked with the manufacturer’s ID, steel grade, and color codes at the ends to indicate the yield strength (e.g., yellow for Fe500, blue for Fe500D). Welded mesh reinforcement is also gaining popularity in India, especially for precast and infrastructure applications.
In Japan, reinforcement is regulated by JIS G 3112, with grades like SD295A, SD295B, SD345, and SD390, where “SD” denotes “steel for deformed bars.” Japanese standards emphasize quality control, and bars are marked with symbols indicating steel mill, type, and strength. Japan also uses prefabricated reinforcement solutions extensively in seismic-prone regions to improve quality and construction speed.
In terms of use on construction sites, reinforcement is applied based on structural function:
– Main reinforcement for beams, slabs, columns, and footings
– Stirrups and ties for shear and confinement
– Distribution mesh for crack control in slabs and walls
– Pre-tied cages for columns, piers, and piles
– Reinforcement for precast elements, including lattice girders and custom-cut meshes
In construction, reinforcement (commonly known as rebar) is used to strengthen concrete structures and improve their mechanical properties, especially tensile strength. There are many types of reinforcement categorized by:
1. Material
2. Shape
3. Manufacturing process
4. Function within the structure
5. National and international standards
Here’s a detailed classification:
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1. By Material:
A. Steel Reinforcement (most common)
Carbon steel – the most widely used due to high strength and cost-efficiency.
Low-carbon steel
Stainless steel reinforcement – for corrosive environments (marine structures, chemical industry).
Galvanized steel reinforcement – for extra corrosion protection.
Epoxy-coated reinforcement – corrosion-resistant rebar.
High-tensile steel (HTRB) – used in prestressed concrete structures.
B. Non-metallic (Composite) Reinforcement:
GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) – fiberglass reinforcement.
CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) – carbon fiber, high-performance.
BFRP (Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer) – basalt fiber-based rebar.
AFRP (Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymer) – Kevlar-based fibers.
Plastic (polymeric) reinforcement – rare, used in special applications.
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2. By Cross-section Shape and Surface Texture:
Smooth rebar (round; older type, now rarely used)
Deformed rebar (ribbed surface for better bond with concrete)
Square, rectangular, or flat rebar (used in specialized structures)
Spiral-profiled rebar
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3. By Function in the Structure:
Main (tensile) reinforcement – resists tensile forces.
Distribution reinforcement – distributes loads evenly.
Structural reinforcement – maintains shape and integrity.
Anchorage reinforcement – connects different structural elements.
Assembly reinforcement – temporary, used to position other bars.
Thermal-insulation elements with reinforcement – used in prefabricated wall systems.________________________________________
4. By Method of Installation:
Cast-in-place reinforcement – installed directly on-site.
Prefabricated reinforcement – part of factory-made components (e.g., beams, panels).
Prestressed reinforcement (pre-tensioned and post-tensioned) – used in bridges, large slabs, etc.
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5. By Standards and Classification Systems:
A. European Standard (EN 10080 / EN ISO 17660):
B500A, B500B, B500C – classified by ductility and yield strength.
Note: “B” stands for reinforcing steel, “500” indicates 500 MPa yield strength.
B. Serbian Standard (SRPS – older system):
RA (ribbed rebar): RA 400, RA 500
GA (smooth rebar): GA 240, GA 280
Mechanical classes – number indicates yield strength in MPa.
C. American Standard (ASTM):
ASTM A615 Grade 40, 60, 75, 80 – based on strength in psi (e.g., Grade 60 ≈ 420 MPa)
Bar size indicated by #: #3, #4, #5… (1/8 inch ≈ 3.2 mm)
D. Russian (GOST) Standard:
A240, A400, A500C, A600, etc.
E. Other Systems:
Japanese (JIS), Chinese (GB), Indian (IS), and others with local classification codes.
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6. Special Types of Reinforcement:
Tensioned strands (steel strands) – used in post-tensioned structures.
Welded wire mesh (WWM) – pre-made mesh for slabs and walls.
Fiber reinforcement – micro or macro fibers added directly into concrete (steel, glass, or synthetic).
Stirrups, links, chairs, spacers – additional elements for 3D reinforcement configurations.