The Rebar

One of the quieter aspects of our basement construction is the installation of rebar. Rebar is like the bones of the concrete formation, similar to the armature of a sculpture. The rebar gives structure to the concrete and its placement shows where the concrete will be poured.

Rebar is an interesting and essential material used in construction. It plays a very important role in strengthening. It is also know as reinforcing steel and is used to aid the concrete under tension. While concrete is strong under compression, it has weak tensil strength. Tensil strength is is the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking.

Rebar also has an interesting look. Like pock marked bones in the desert, its surface is often deformed with ribbing and indentations that promote a better bond with the concrete and reduce the risk of slippage. When the next earthquake hits, this massive amount of rebar will add a tremendous amount of support to the house hopefully preventing major damage.