In many cases, it is necessary to use rebar to reinforce the foundation that will be used to support a metal building. While rebar isn’t always required, it’s a great upgrade to a concrete slab that will help you get many years of reliable performance.  

We’ll take a closer look at the value of rebar in a building foundation on this page. As you work through the foundation process, you’ll also need to find a trustworthy partner to handle the actual construction of your new metal building. For that, American Steel Carports, Inc. is an easy choice. You are welcome to try out our Build & Price tool now, or you can simply contact us to get more information.   

What is Rebar? 

The word “rebar” is short for reinforcing bar. These are simply steel rods that can be added to concrete as a way to add tensile strength. This is done because while concrete is very strong when compressed, it is not very strong under tension. The use of rebar gives it extra tensile strength that will resist bending and cracking over time.  

Rebar is also used to tie together different sections of concrete effectively. For example, a slab can be connected to a footing using rebar. This approach will give the entire foundation more structural integrity and longevity.  

What Does Rebar Do in a Concrete Foundation? 

A foundation that features rebar within the concrete will be less likely to shrink. It will also resist damage due to temperature changes, ground movement, or uneven load distribution. Simply put, adding rebar to a concrete foundation makes that foundation stronger and more capable of meeting the demands it faces day after day.  

What Factors Determine if Rebar is Needed? 

Not all concrete foundations require the use of rebar. So, how do you decide whether or not this is a worthwhile step to include in your project? The following points will guide you to the right decision.  

• Structure Weight. A large building containing heavy machinery, for example, is going to exert a significant load, and a strong foundation will be needed.  
• Building Size. A large building that requires a big slab could lead to the use of rebar to resist twisting and cracking over time.  
• Soil Type. If you have poor soil under the foundation, using rebar can help to mitigate any movement that might be likely down the line.  
• Climate. Cold climates with dramatic freeze/thaw cycles exert significant pressure on foundations, so using rebar is often mandated to achieve better results.   

What Kinds of Rebar Can Be Used in Building Foundations? 

• General slab reinforcement can be accomplished with wire mesh or a grid of #3 or #4 rebar at specific intervals 
• The edge of the slab can be reinforced with doubled rebar, as these areas are likely to support most of the building’s weight 
• Concrete footings are generally reinforced with rebar to carry column loads effectively  

Design a Custom Metal Building

It’s a great idea to pay close attention to the process of creating a foundation for your new metal building. Of course, all that effort will be mostly wasted if your building isn’t manufactured to a high standard, so be sure to work with American Steel Carports, Inc. on this project to get optimal results. We are right here to serve you, so contact our team now and let’s get started.  

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions  

Is wire mesh enough instead of rebar? 

In some cases, specifically in lighter slabs, wire mesh will be sufficient to reinforce the concrete. That’s not always the case, however. For a slab that is going to be supporting a heavier structure, or one that will be supporting heavy items stored within the building, using rebar is more effective.  

Can my existing slab be reinforced with rebar later? 

There are ways to retrofit a slab to add reinforcement, but doing so is expensive and time-consuming. It’s far better to get ahead of the game and create a sufficient reinforcement plan for your slab right from the start of the project.  

What local code requirements might affect your choice to use rebar? 

There are usually code requirements in place for building projects that dictate things like footing depth, rebar size, spacing, anchor bolt placement, and more. It’s important to check on these requirements early on in the design process so you don’t run into frustrating problems and setbacks later on.