Why Use Concrete Steel Reinforcements and Mesh Products?

Looking to increase the strength and support of your structural property? ICR Concrete Supplies offers a full range of high-quality concrete supplies, services and products to guarantee the integrity of your property.

Without reinforcement, concrete’s tension is weak. In fact, the tensile strength of concrete is only about 10% of its compressive strength. This means that if tensile stresses are expected to exceed concrete’s tensile strength, then reinforcement is necessary for additional strength. As a result, reinforcement is used to increase the tensile capacity of concrete and ensure that structures remain safe and stable even when they are under all types of stress.

What is Reinforced Concrete?

Reinforced concrete is a composite material that includes both concrete and steel reinforcement, commonly referred to as rebar. The reinforcing steel is embedded within the concrete to provide additional strength and durability. In fact, modern construction projects utilising concrete would not be feasible without the use of reinforcement, as it significantly enhances the structural performance of the material.

What is Rebar?

Rebar is short for reinforcing bar, also known as steel reinforcement or reo. It has two main types, steel bar (reinforcing bar) or mesh of steel wires (steel mesh). Both types of rebar have a surface with raised lines and are patterned to improve their bond with concrete, ensuring a stronger and more durable end product. The term "rebar" is simply a shortened version of "reinforcing bar."

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

Tie bars are deformed rebars or connectors used to interconnect the faces of rigid slabs. Unlike dowels, tie bars are not used in load transferring.

Rebar

A rebar provides more reinforcement, especially for concrete that might support a great deal of weight. Rebar is usually used in large-scale construction projects, such as bridges and high-rises.

Rebar cutter and bender

A rebar cutter/bender is a powerful tool used in construction and renovation projects to cut and bend reinforcing steel bars, also known as rebar. The purpose of a rebar cutter/bender is to make the job of cutting and bending rebar more efficient, accurate, and safe.

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

A reinforcing mesh is 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 are used to position the reinforcing bar and mesh correctly within the area that the concrete is covering.

Bar Ties

Bar ties are basically used to tie bars and mesh.

Tie Wire Coil

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

Tie Wire Twister/Puller

Tie wire twister / puller is used as a convenient twisting tool or nips for steel fixing.

What Are The Benefits of Concrete Reinforcement

Strength

Concrete reinforced with steel or mesh has excellent strength in both tension and compression, making it a highly desirable material in construction.

Versatility

In construction, concrete can be poured into different forms of formwork to create desired shapes, forms, surfaces, textures, and sizes.

Durability

With proper design and construction, reinforced concrete structures are highly durable and can last for years.

Cost-effective

Reinforced concrete structures are cost-effective over the long term, as they require less maintenance and can last for many years.

Sustainable

Concrete is a sustainable building material that can be energy-efficient, have a long life cycle, and low life-cycle costs.

Strengthen Your Property with Quality Concrete Supplies

Concrete steels and mesh products are commonly used in the construction industry for reinforcement and support of concrete structures. Due to their strength, durability and cost effectiveness, concrete steels are used for many types of construction projects. They are also easy to install and require little or no maintenance over their lifespan.

At ICR Concrete Supplies, our aim is to supply high-quality reinforcing steel and mesh for all your concreting projects. Our experienced team can also provide technical advice and support regarding our steel and mesh products. If there is something you are looking for, please browse our products and do not hesitate to contact us at (02) 4257 1196.

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