Types of steel bar and thickness
There exists a variety of construction steel bars accessible in the market. Construction steel bars, also known as rebar or reinforcement steel bar. The steel rods used for construction strengthen the foundation and increase the overall life of the structure based on the quality of steel bar used. In the beginning, it is important to understand the wide range of steel bars that are easily available on the market, as well as each one’s unique uses, advantages, and disadvantages. steel bar is available in various grade and size to use in different purpose. Steel bars come in various grades based on the quality of raw materials, grade of steel used and the composition of elements such as Carbon, Sulphur, Phosphorous & Slag.
Types of Steel Bars:
Steel bars are commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and other applications due to their high strength, durability, and versatility. There are several different types of steel bars available, each with specific characteristics and uses. i.e. Hot rolled deformed bar, mild steel bar stainless steel bar etc.
Hot rolled deformed bars:
Construction steel bars that have been subjected to high temperatures during the manufacturing process, known as hot rolled deformed bars, these type of steel bar are known for having greater ductility and flexibility. In order to improve stickiness to the concrete and develop a stronger bond between the steel and the surrounding material, these bars are usually ribbed or twisted. Additionally, the deformations aid in better distribution of stress and stop the structure from slipping. Hot-rolled, deformed bars’ uses Applications for hot-rolled deformed bars are many. The following are some typical applications for hot-rolled deformed bars:
constructing foundations
Beams Industrial establishments
building of roads, etc.
It is easy to find hot-rolled deformed bars in a range of sizes,
including 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 32 mm, 40 mm, and so on.
Mild steel bar:
Mild steel Simple bars are unfinished bars composed of mild steel, a low-carbon steel that is simple to deal with and weld. Usually, these bars are employed in manufacturing, construction, and other industrial setting. The bars’ simple surface makes it simple to manipulate and customize them, which makes them adaptable to a range of tasks. Mild steel bars are utilized in projects where great strength is not important because of their lower tensile strength. Here are a few example of mild steel bar applications:
Small building
low-rise buildings, etc.
Mild steel bar bars are commonly available in the 8mm,10mm,12mm,16mm,20mm,25mm,32mm,40mm etc. sizes
TMT bars :
TMT bar stands for Thermo-Mechanically Treated bar, which is a type of steel reinforcement bar used in construction. TMT bars are known for their high strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use in building structures like bridges, dams, and high-rise buildings. TMT bars are widely used in the construction industry due to their superior strength and durability compared to traditional steel bars.
The characteristics of TMT bars, such as their resistance to corrosion and fire, make them the perfect material for use in marine structures. TMT bars are additionally earthquake-resistant. They are also perfect for usage in areas where seismic activity is common. The building industry makes a great deal of TMT bars. But the kind of TMT bars changes according on the need. These are a few typical applications for TMT bars.
High rise building
Industrial buildings
Bridges and other infrastructural projects that bear heavy load
Metro and railways
Marine structures, etc.
Mild steel bar bars are commonly available in the 8mm,10mm,12mm,16mm,20mm,25mm,32mm,40mm etc. sizes.

Cold-rolled steel bar:
While their production at room temperature, cold-rolled steel bars have a similar look to hot-rolled steel bars. These bars are readily bent and have low strength. Even though they continue to be used in some building applications where little tolerance is required, cold-rolled bars are hardly present on the market. Tensile strength is up to 60,000 psi. Cold-rolled steel bars find common usage in construction projects that prioritize specific attributes such as hardness, surface condition, concentricity, and more. Below are a few instances that exemplify their applications. Automotive components such as axles, drive shafts, suspension components, and steering components, Construction industry, Furniture windows manufacturing, refrigerators, washing machines , Aerospace industry etc.
Prestressing steel bar:
Some of the common uses of prestressing steel bars include infrastructure projects such as parking, bridges, water tanks, industrial buildings, high-rise buildings.
Uses of prestressing steel bars:
Prestressing steel bars are commonly utilized in various infrastructure projects like parking structures, bridges, water tanks, industrial buildings, and high-rise buildings.
Thicknesses of Steel Bars:

Steel bars are available in different thicknesses, ranging from 6mm to 50mm or more, depending on the specific construction requirements. The thickness of a steel bar is crucial as it determines its load-carrying capacity and resistance to bending, shear, and other forces. The appropriate thickness of a steel bar should be selected based on the structural design, material requirements, and construction standards.
The most commonly used thicknesses of steel bars in construction include:
6mm to 10mm:
These thickness steel bars are suitable for light construction work, such as small residential buildings, walls, and slabs. They are often used for providing additional reinforcement in concrete structures or as ties in masonry walls. Thin steel bars are easy to work with and can be bent or shaped to fit specific design requirements.
12mm to 20mm:
These thickness medium-sized steel bars are commonly used for general construction purposes, such as beams, columns, and footings. They offer a good balance of strength and flexibility, making them ideal for supporting moderate loads and providing structural stability. Medium-sized steel bars are versatile and can be used in a wide range of construction applications.
25mm to 50mm or more:
These thickness steel bars are reserved for heavy-duty construction projects that require high load-carrying capacity and structural integrity. They are typically used in large commercial buildings, bridges, dams, and other structures where strength and durability are critical. Thick steel bars provide excellent resistance to bending, shear, and other forces, making them essential for supporting heavy loads and ensuring the safety of the structure.
Frequently Asked Question
- Mild steel bars.
- Hot-rolled deformed steel bar.
- Cold-worked steel bar.
- TMT steel bar.
- Prestressing steel bar
6mm to 10mm steel bar use:
These thin steel bars are suitable for light construction work, such as small residential buildings, walls, and slabs. They are often used for providing additional reinforcement in concrete structures or as ties in masonry walls. Thin steel bars are easy to work with and can be bent or shaped to fit specific design requirements.
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