Lecture: Types of Reinforcement in Concrete Structures

Introduction

Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. To overcome this limitation,

reinforcement is used to enhance its tensile strength. Reinforcing materials, primarily steel,
are embedded in the concrete to resist forces that the concrete alone cannot withstand,
making the structure stronger and more durable.

In this lecture, we will explore the different types of reinforcement used in concrete
structures, their applications, properties, and roles in ensuring structural integrity.

1. Steel Reinforcement Bars (Rebar)

Steel reinforcement bars, commonly known as rebar, are the most widely used type of
reinforcement in concrete structures. Rebars provide the necessary tensile strength to
concrete, which lacks the ability to resist tensile forces on its own.

1.1 Types of Rebars

• Plain Rebars: These are smooth-surfaced steel bars. They are less commonly used
because they do not bond as well with concrete compared to deformed bars. They are
sometimes used for temporary structures or in structures where minimal bonding is
needed, like dowels at expansion joints.
• Deformed Rebars: These have surface ribs or deformations that improve their bond
with the concrete. They are more commonly used because of their better bonding
characteristics. Deformed rebars are available in various sizes and grades.

1.2 Rebar Sizes

• Rebars are produced in different diameters, typically ranging from 6 mm to 40 mm or

more, depending on the structural requirements.
• Rebars are classified by their grade, which represents their yield strength (e.g., Grade
60 refers to a steel rebar with a yield strength of 60,000 psi).

1.3 Properties of Rebar

• Tensile Strength: Rebar significantly increases the tensile strength of concrete.

• Ductility: Rebar allows concrete structures to undergo deformation before failure,
providing warning signs before collapse.
• Corrosion Resistance: Rebar is susceptible to corrosion, which can reduce its
effectiveness over time. Proper cover and the use of anti-corrosion treatments can
mitigate this issue.

1.4 Applications

• Beams and Columns: Primary tensile reinforcement in beams and columns.

 • Slabs: Distributed in slabs to resist bending and cracking.
• Foundations and Footings: Reinforces footings to resist settlement and ground
movement.

2. Welded Wire Mesh (WWM) / Welded Wire Fabric (WWF)

Welded wire mesh is a grid of steel wires that are welded together at intersections to form a
mesh. It is used to control cracking and increase the tensile strength of slabs and other large
concrete areas.

2.1 Types of Wire Mesh

• Plain Welded Mesh: Used where minimal stresses are expected.

• Deformed Welded Mesh: Used in areas that experience higher stresses, as the
deformed wires provide better bonding with concrete.

2.2 Properties

• Pre-fabricated: Comes in sheets or rolls, which makes it easy to install and speeds up
construction.
• Uniform Distribution: The mesh ensures that the tensile forces are distributed
uniformly across large areas like slabs.
• Reduced Labor: The prefabrication of wire mesh saves time compared to laying
individual rebars.

2.3 Applications

• Slabs: Used in floor and roof slabs to control cracking.

• Pavements and Driveways: Provides additional strength and reduces cracking in
large surfaces.
• Retaining Walls: Helps resist lateral pressure.

3. Steel Fibers

Steel fibers are small, discontinuous pieces of steel that are uniformly distributed throughout
the concrete mix. They provide additional tensile strength and improve crack resistance by
bridging the cracks that form in the concrete.

3.1 Properties

• Crack Control: Steel fibers help control the formation and growth of cracks.
• Improved Toughness: The fibers increase the toughness and durability of concrete,
making it more resistant to impact and wear.
• No Need for Rebar Placement: Unlike traditional reinforcement, steel fibers are
mixed into the concrete, eliminating the need for rebar placement.
3.2 Applications

• Industrial Floors: Fiber-reinforced concrete is used for factory floors due to its
resistance to cracking and high load capacity.
• Shotcrete: Used in tunneling and retaining walls, where steel fibers provide extra
tensile strength and improve durability.
• Pavements: Fiber-reinforced concrete pavements are more resistant to cracking and
wear.

4. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer is a composite material made of glass fibers and a polymer
matrix. GFRP rebars are non-corrosive and lightweight compared to steel, making them
suitable for certain specialized applications.

4.1 Properties

• Corrosion Resistance: GFRP is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for

marine and chemical exposure environments.
• Lightweight: It is significantly lighter than steel, which reduces transportation and
handling costs.
• High Tensile Strength: Although GFRP has a lower modulus of elasticity than steel,
it has high tensile strength, which allows it to resist cracking.

4.2 Applications

• Marine Structures: Used in jetties, bridges, and seawalls where corrosion is a

significant issue.
• Chemical Plants: Suitable for structures exposed to harsh chemicals.
• Road and Bridge Decks: Helps prevent corrosion from road salts and de-icing
chemicals.

5. Prestressing and Post-tensioning Tendons

Prestressing is a technique where high-strength steel tendons (cables or rods) are stretched
and anchored to compress the concrete, improving its strength and load-carrying capacity.
This can be done through pre-tensioning or post-tensioning.

5.1 Pre-tensioning

In pre-tensioning, tendons are tensioned before the concrete is cast. Once the concrete has
cured, the tendons are released, transferring the tension to the concrete.

5.2 Post-tensioning
In post-tensioning, the concrete is cast with ducts or sleeves where the tendons are placed.
After the concrete cures, the tendons are tensioned and anchored, compressing the concrete.

5.3 Applications

• Bridges: Prestressed concrete bridges can span long distances without requiring large
columns.
• Large Spans in Buildings: Used in long-span beams and slabs to reduce deflection
and cracking.
• High-rise Buildings: Post-tensioning is used in slabs and beams to reduce the amount
of rebar and concrete required.

6. Synthetic Fibers (Polypropylene and Nylon Fibers)

Synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene and nylon, are mixed into the concrete to improve its
crack resistance, particularly during the early stages of curing when shrinkage occurs.

6.1 Properties

• Crack Resistance: Synthetic fibers control micro-cracks caused by plastic shrinkage

during the early stages of curing.
• Lightweight: These fibers do not add significant weight to the concrete.
• Non-corrosive: Since they are made from synthetic materials, they do not corrode,
making them suitable for specific applications where corrosion is a concern.

6.2 Applications

• Residential and Commercial Slabs: Often used to prevent plastic shrinkage cracking
in slabs.
• Plaster and Mortar: Improves crack resistance and durability in finishing
applications.

7. Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP)

Basalt fibers are derived from volcanic rock and used as reinforcement in polymer
composites. Like GFRP, BFRP bars are non-corrosive and lightweight but have superior fire
resistance compared to other fiber reinforcements.

7.1 Properties

• High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: BFRP is strong but lightweight, reducing the

overall dead load of structures.
• Corrosion and Fire Resistance: Ideal for environments with harsh chemical
exposure or elevated temperatures.

7.2 Applications
 • Marine Structures: Corrosion resistance makes it suitable for underwater and coastal
structures.
• Tunnel Linings: Fire resistance and tensile strength make BFRP bars effective in
tunnel construction.

Conclusion

Concrete reinforcement plays a crucial role in the structural integrity and longevity of
buildings and infrastructure. Different types of reinforcement are selected based on the
specific requirements of the project, environmental conditions, and load demands.
Understanding these reinforcement types enables engineers to design structures that are not
only strong and durable but also safe and economical.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using steel fibers over traditional rebar?
2. Why is corrosion resistance an important factor in choosing reinforcement materials
for marine structures?
3. How does prestressing improve the performance of long-span bridges?

Thank you!