Steel reinforcement is an important component in the construction industry. While concrete is strong in compression, it’s weak in tension. That’s where steel comes in. Whether in the form of bars, mesh, or wires, steel reinforcement is embedded in concrete to provide it with the tensile strength it needs to withstand heavy loads, resist cracking, and endure the test of time. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of steel reinforcement used in construction and how each one helps support the structure.
What is Steel Reinforcement?
As mentioned above, reinforcement steel is a crucial component of reinforced concrete construction. They are used to give tensile strength (strength to resist pulling forces) to concrete, which is naturally strong in compression but weak in tension.
Steel reinforcement typically comes in steel rods or bar, called rebar, meshes or wires, and when incorporated into concrete, they enhance the strength, durability, and load-carrying capacity of the structure. The steel bars often have ribs or ridges on their surface. This helps them bind better with the concrete, preventing movement and increasing stability. Rebars are available in the market in different sizes and grades based on the structural needs of the building. This helps ensure the safety and long life of construction projects.
What are the Different Types of Steel Reinforcement?
There are mainly three types of steel reinforcement:
- Rebar
- Wire Reinforcement
- Prestressing Steel
1) Rebar
A rebar, short for reinforcing bar, is a round steel bar used in construction to strengthen concrete structures. It is a finished product made by rolling steel to precise sizes (tight tolerances), so it can be used effectively in reinforced concrete.
The types of steel bars used in construction are as follows:
1. Hot-Rolled Deformed Bars (HYSD/TMT Bars)
Hot-rolled deformed bars are also called Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) bars. These are the most commonly used steel reinforcements in modern construction. TMT bars are classified by their yield strength:
- Fe 415: High ductility, ideal for small-scale and seismic-prone structures
- Fe 500: Standard for most multi-story buildings and infrastructure
- Fe 550: Used in heavy-duty, industrial, and marine structures
- Fe 600: Maximum strength, suitable for bridges, metros, and high-load applications
They are manufactured by hot rolling, followed by rapid quenching with water, self-tempering, and atmospheric cooling. This sequence creates a tough, martensitic outer layer and a ductile, flexible core, resulting in bars with high strength, ductility, and excellent corrosion resistance. The absence of twisting in the process eliminates residual stresses and surface defects, further enhancing durability and weldability.
Benefits of Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) Bars:
The followings are the benefits of TMT bars.
- As they have high tensile strength and ductility, they can be used in reinforced concrete structures.
- A distinct yield point followed by a plastic stage, allowing for better stress distribution.
- Good bonding with concrete due to surface ribs, preventing slippage.
- Versatile in application, providing reliability in various construction settings.
- High resistance to corrosion and earthquakes.
- Suitable for seismic zones and critical infrastructure.
Applications in Modern Construction
Due to their strength, flexibility, and longevity, TMT bars are used in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, including high-rise buildings, bridges, dams, and flyovers.
2. Cold-Rolled Steel Bars
A cold-worked or cold-rolled reinforcement bar is essentially a hot-rolled steel bar that has been worked on without reheating. Instead, it’s twisted and stretched at room temperature—this is what we call cold-rolling or cold-working.
Now, since these bars don’t go through what’s called “plastic yield,” they can’t bend or stretch much when stressed. So, compared to hot-rolled bars, they’re less flexible and not as ductile.
Advantages of Cold-Rolled Reinforcement Bars:
The followings are the advantages of cold-rolled reinforcement bars.
- High strength, making them suitable for structures requiring robust reinforcement.
- Smooth surface finish and precise dimensions, ideal for applications demanding accuracy.
- Improved bonding with concrete due to cold working.
Applications of Cold-Worked Reinforcement Bars:
Cold-worked steel bars are commonly used in:
- Reinforcing concrete structures where high strength is essential.
- Automotive parts, machinery, and tools can be manufactured.
- Various construction components require precise dimensions and smooth finishes.
- These bars are chosen for their strength and precision, enhancing the quality and durability of construction projects.
3. Mild Steel Plain Bars
Mild steel plain bars have a smooth surface and are round in shape, with diameters ranging from 6 mm to 50 mm. Unlike ribbed bars, mild steel bars do not have any ridges or patterns on their surface. These bars will be chosen for their ease of use and cost efficiency in low-stress construction projects.
Their tensile strength is up to 276 MPa, which is lower than that of other reinforcement bars. They are mainly used in small-scale or low-budget construction projects because they don’t bond well with concrete and are lower in strength. The lack of surface ribs reduces bonding strength with concrete, necessitating hooks at the ends for a better grip. They are not as suitable for high-stress applications compared to deformed bars.
Advantages of Mild Steel Bars:
The followings are the advantages of mild steel bars.
- Easy to cut and bend without damage, making them ideal for small projects.
- Cost-effective option for steel structures where high bond strength with concrete is not required.
- Suitable for tensile stress applications in reinforced concrete structures like slabs and beams.
Applications of Mild Steel Bars:
Mild steel plain bars are used in:
- Mild steel plain bars are used in RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) works, like slabs, beams, and other structures to handle moderate tensile (pulling) stress.
- Small-scale RCC projects focusing on the economy.
- Expansion and contraction joints in columns, dowels, roads, and runways.
- Reinforced cement concrete structures require low bond strength.
4. Epoxy-Coated Rebars
Epoxy-coated steel rebars are specially designed to achieve corrosion protection in marine & humid environments.
These bars are produced in two methods:
Method 1: Using an electrostatic spray method, a protective epoxy layer is sprayed onto standard steel bars. This process follows the standard ASTM A775/A775M-07a. The bars are coated first and then bent or shaped as needed.
Method 2: In this method, the steel bars are bent or fabricated first and then coated with a fusion-bonded epoxy layer. This coating is applied either by electrostatic spray or another suitable method, according to ASTM A934/A934M-07.
Advantages of Epoxy–Coated Bars:
The followings are the advantages of epoxy coated bars.
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Longer service life of structures
- Strong bond with concrete
- Cost-effective in aggressive environments
- Resistant to salts, chemicals, and pollutants
- Easy to identify (green-colored coating)
- Compatible with standard cutting, bending, and tying practices
Applications of Epoxy-Coated Bars:
These bars are often used in carports, parking garages, marine structures, water and wastewater treatment plants, and other marine structures.
5. Stainless Steel Rebars
Stainless steel rebars are known for their long lifespan and excellent resistance to corrosion. Although they are the most expensive type of rebar, their durability and low maintenance needs make them cost-effective over time.
These rebars are mainly made from recycled steel scrap (60–90%) combined with virgin alloys. The manufacturing process involves melting scrap in an electric arc furnace, refining it in an argon oxygen decarburization vessel to remove impurities and reduce carbon, casting it into ingots, and hot-rolling it into bars. The bars are then finished by removing the mill scale and pickling—a chemical process using nitric and hydrofluoric acids to create a clean, corrosion-resistant surface. This final step, required by ASTM A955, ensures the bars are fully passivated and corrosion-resistant.
Advantages of Stainless Steel Bars:
The followings are the advantages of stainless steel bars.
- High corrosion resistance in marine, industrial, and salt-exposed environments.
- Excellent strength and ductility.
- Long service life with reduced maintenance.
- Non-magnetic properties (in certain grades).
Applications of Stainless Steel Bars:
The stainless steel bars are commonly used in-
- Bridges and coastal structures, piers, seawalls, and decks.
- Chemical plants and tunnels.
- Critical infrastructure, like retaining walls, tunnels,and high-value buildings.
2) Wire Reinforcement
Wire reinforcement includes different types of deformed steel wires that are used to strengthen concrete. Common types include hard-drawn steel wire fabrics, welded deformed wire meshes, epoxy-coated wires, and stainless steel wires.
- Hard–Drawn Steel Wire Fabrics
Hard-drawn steel Wire Fabrics are made by arranging steel wires at right angles to each other, forming a mesh. As per IS 1566, there are two main types:
- Rectangular (Oblong) Mesh: has unequal width and height, resulting in elongated rectangular openings.
- Square Mesh: has identical width and height apertures, creating uniform square openings.
The wire is cold-drawn from mild steel, which is produced using methods like open hearth, electric duplex, acid Bessemer, basic oxygen, or combinations of these.
According to IS 432 (Part II): 1982, standard wire diameters are 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm. Mesh sizes, weights, and wire dimensions (for square and oblong meshes) are decided by mutual agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser. Epoxy-coated and stainless steel wires offer better corrosion resistance, especially in humid or coastal conditions. Specifications for steel wire reinforcement are also provided in ASTM A496/A496M-07. Wire reinforcements are widely used in floor slabs, pavements, and precast elements due to their strength and ease of installation.
- Welded Deformed Wire Fabrics or Welded Wire Mesh
Welded deformed wire fabric is also known as welded wire mesh. It is made by placing steel wires at right angles to each other and welding them at every intersection. This creates a strong mesh that is more durable than mild steel wire. These wire meshes are preferred because they offer quick installation, consistent quality, and better load distribution. Their welded joints provide stability, making them reliable for structural and pavement work. These fabrics are available in various roll widths and follow the standards of ASTM A497/A497M-07. They are commonly used when higher strength and crack resistance are needed. In addition to deformed wire, plain welded wire fabrics are also available. These conform to ASTM A496/A496M-07 and are suitable for general reinforcement needs where high strength is not critical.
Applications of Welded Wire Fabrics:
- Floor slabs laid on compacted ground
- Road and airport runway pavements
- Lining of small canals and culverts
3) Pre-Stressed Steel
Pre-stressed steel is specially used in concrete structures to improve their strength and durability. It is applied in tension so that the concrete can better handle heavy loads and resist cracking. The steel may be in the form of wires, strands, or bars, and it is stretched either before the concrete is poured (pre-tensioning) or after the concrete has hardened (post-tensioning).
Types of Prestressing Steel:
1. Medium Tensile Steel Bars
These bars have an ultimate tensile strength above 540 N/mm². They are stronger than mild steel bars and are used when the structure needs higher strength and durability.
2. High Tensile Steel Bars
These bars have a much higher tensile strength, ranging from 1000 to 2200 N/mm². They are used in heavy-duty concrete structures where very high strength is required, such as bridges, high-rise buildings, and precast elements.
How to Choose the Right Steel Reinforcement?
Evaluate your project’s requirements: Structures in seismic zones or those bearing heavy loads demand higher-grade, thicker steel bars to meet safety standards and structural demands.
Environmental conditions: In areas with high humidity or salinity, such as coastal regions, opt for stainless steel and consider protective coatings to protect against corrosion and rust.
Balance cost and durability: High-strength or corrosion-resistant steel may have higher upfront costs, but it often reduces overall material usage and maintenance, leading to long-term savings and improved performance.
Steel Reinforcement Standards & Codes
Steel reinforcement standards and codes ensure the quality, safety, and performance of construction materials.
- In India, IS 1786 is the key standard for TMT bars, specifying requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and testing procedures to guarantee strength, ductility, and durability in reinforced concrete structures.
- Internationally, ASTM A615 is widely recognised, covering deformed and plain carbon-steel bars for concrete reinforcement in various grades, with strict criteria for yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation.
- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification is essential in India, as it verifies compliance with IS 1786, ensuring that steel products meet stringent safety and quality benchmarks, which is crucial for structural reliability and consumer trust.
Cost of Different Types of Steel
The following are the current market rates of key steel types in India (2025):
| Steel Type / Brand | Typical Specification | Price per kg (₹) | Price per ton (₹) |
| TMT Bars (TATA Tiscon) | Fe500D, 12 mm | 72 | 72,000 |
| TMT Bars (SAIL) | Fe500, 12 mm | 68–72 | 68,000–72,000 |
| TMT Bars (JSW) | Fe550D, 12 mm | 70 | 70,000 |
| TMT Bars (Kamdhenu) | Fe500, 12 mm | 64 | 64,000 |
| Mild Steel Section | IS 2062 grade | 60–65 | 60,000–65,000 |
| Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) | IS 1079/HR | 65–68 | 65,000–68,000 |
| Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) | IS 513/CR | 69–70 | 69,000–70,000 |
| Stainless Steel 304 CR | 304/2B finish | 196–200 | 196,000–200,000 |
| Stainless Steel 316L HR | 316L/HR | 350 | 350,000 |
| Stainless Steel 201 Domestic | 201 | 142-146 | 142,000–146,000 |
On a final note, steel reinforcement plays a major role in construction by improving the strength and durability of concrete. Despite challenges like corrosion and cost, its advantages, such as high tensile strength and excellent bonding with concrete, make it a preferred choice in modern construction. Understanding the different types and specifications of rebar in construction ensures proper usage and helps increase the lifespan of a structure. To choose the right type of steel bar and build a strong, long-lasting structure, it’s best to consult a professional construction company like Brick & Bolt. They offer high-quality Thermo-Mechanically Treated (TMT) steel bars that meet Indian standards. These TMT bars are designed to provide earthquake resistance, fire resistance, and flexibility for all kinds of construction projects. They are available in various grades, including Fe-415, Fe-500, Fe-550, and Fe-600.
As the construction industry continues to grow, steel reinforcement remains a critical component in building sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
FAQs
Hot rolled deformed bars are steel bars with ribbed surfaces that enhance bonding with concrete.
Cold-worked steel bars are treated to increase strength and improve surface finish.
Mild steel plain bars are used in smaller-scale projects where high bond strength is not required.
It ensures strong bonding with concrete and prevents slippage.
Standards ensure quality and consistency in the use of steel in concrete structures.
Apoorva H P Achar