Reinforcing Precast Concrete with Rebar

Materials Used in Precast Concrete Mixtures

Precast concrete units are made with multiple ingredients that tailor the mixture to the needs of the building project. Common materials used to make precast concrete form include:

• Cement. The National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) sets quality standards and certifies the materials and the plants that make precast concrete. Many builders use Ordinary Portland Cement Grade 43 or 53, Portland Pozzolana Cement, or Portland Slag Cement.
• Water. Water that is free from impurities helps maintain the properties of the particular cement formula.
• Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs). These can be natural materials or industrial by-products, and help improve the hydration properties of Ordinary Portland Cement mixtures.
• Aggregate. Materials like sand, gravel, or crushed stone can be added to the mixture to increase strength or durability or to achieve a specific appearance.
• Lightweight Aggregate. In some applications that support lighter loads, light aggregate materials and air bubbles can be used to reduce the density and weight of castings.
• Non-Shrink Grouts and Epoxy Grouts. These can be added to manage the weight and forces across different components within a structure.

The Benefits of Rebar for Precast Concrete Applications

Like cement mixtures that are poured and cured in-place, precast concrete benefits from reinforcement with rebar. These include:

• Improved Performance. Rebar adds tensile strength and increases load-bearing capacity.
• Less Cracking. Steel and concrete have similar coefficients of expansion, so they expand and contract in proportion with each other. This limits cracking and makes it less likely that any cracks that do develop will spread.
• Excellent Bond with Cement Mixture. The ribbed or textured surface of pieces of rebar ensures solid contact with the cement and that it remains in place after curing.
• Corrosion Resistance. Plain steel rebar is prone to rusting and expansion, which can cause internal damage; however, coated, fiberglass, and Galvabar rebar products resist corrosion. Strategic placement within the casting can also shield rebar from contact with moisture.
• Variety. Rebar can be made from different materials including steel, fiberglass, high-strength ChromX (MMFX), and galvanized steel. Rebar is also available in coils or spools, coated with epoxy, and can be cut to length or bent into specific shapes.

Applications for Rebar-Reinforced Precast Concrete

Construction projects benefit from using precast concrete with steel rebar reinforcements because the structures are stronger and take on less damage over time. Some of the most common precast concrete applications include:

• Beams
• Columns
• Slabs
• Stairs
• Walls

Contact Adelphia Metals for Precast Concrete Reinforcement Solutions

Reinforce precast concrete with high-quality rebar options from Adelphia Metals. We provide a comprehensive selection of rebar products, as well as fabrication services for custom cut and bent rebar. Our distribution network includes over 50 sites across the country for fast access from nearly any jobsite.

Contact us today to discuss your next precast concrete project, or request a quote for pricing details.