Have you ever wondered how concrete buildings stay intact and stable for years on end? Especially in areas where the climate can reach extreme temperatures (both hot and cold); it would seem that these structures would not be able to handle the constant ebb and flow of the weather. This is precisely why contractors use rebar (reinforced steel) when constructing concrete buildings. The material acts as a supportive device that keeps the stone (and buildings) from shifting with temperature fluctuations, namely its natural tendency to contract and expand.
Without the use of rebar, many bridges would be deemed hazardous and unsafe to drive on, and most large commercial structures would be at risk of potentially collapsing. To lend some appreciation to the invention of reinforced metal and to offer some insight into exactly how it is used on the job, we have found some interesting videos on the net. These clips demonstrate the use of rebar in full effect and are helpful for understanding the way it keeps concrete permanently in place.
How rebar is used
Although considered a small-scale job in the grand scheme of things, this video is a great example of how rebar is installed and subsequently used by contractors. The company in this clip is building a koi pond; they first performed the necessary excavation work and then proceeded to lay, bend and twist the rebar sticks to size. If this crucial step was skipped, the concrete would inevitably crack under the pressure of the water. The rebar frame is the foundational base. One must give credit to the workers; only an expert can put a structure like this together so quickly (and without fail).
In this video, contractor Carl Hackney discusses what methods of rebar construction are best. He talks about the pros of using what he refers to as the “standard methods of construction.” As simple as it may sound, there is much to be learned in this clip. Hackney goes into detail as to why this is the better option, particularly due to the fact that the pieces of rebar will always be spaced 8 inches from one another within the slab, which is the sweet spot from a durability standpoint. He notes that to increase the strength of the structure, they focus these efforts on the foundation corners and near door openings (key areas). Hackney notes that his competitors do exactly the opposite, by drilling and inserting rebar into the form after it has been set.
This clip shows the correct way to place and layout rebar. The contractor in the video discusses the importance of first setting and marking where the walls of the building will be, as rebar needs to be kept distanced from pipes and other points of penetration (i.e. electrical) in the structure. He proceeds to use a can of spray paint to make the appropriate measurements, as this will prevent future errors.
To learn more about the uses of rebar and rebar construction tools, such as rebar cutters and rebar benders, to use during your projects, read our blog and visit www.bnproducts.com for more information.
