Comprehensive Guide to Construction Steel: Rebar, Round Bar, Wire Rod & Coiled Rebar

Steel is a fundamental material in construction, but terms like Rebar, round bar, Wire Rod, and coiled rebar can be confusing. This article breaks down the classifications, characteristics, and applications of construction steel in simple terms.

1. Four Major Types of Construction Steel

(1) Rebar (Reinforcing Bar)

• Features: Ribbed surface (spiral, herringbone, or crescent patterns), typically 9m or 12m in length. Strength grades: HRB335, HRB400, HRB500.

• Applications: Bridges, roads, and building structures for reinforced concrete.

• Did You Know? Smooth round bars (Grade I, ≤10mm) are categorized as wire rod, while ribbed bars are Grade II and above.

(2) Round Bar (Round Steel)

• Features: Solid circular cross-section, materials include 20#, 45#, 40Cr, etc. Available as hot-rolled, forged, or cold-drawn.

• Applications:

  • Small diameters (5.5-25mm): Used for bolts, mechanical parts.

  • Large diameters (>25mm): Machinery components or raw material for seamless pipes.

(3) Wire Rod

• Features: Coiled round steel, diameter 5.5-30mm (commonly 6.5mm, 8mm, 10mm). Materials: Q195, Q215, Q235.

• Applications:

  • Reinforcement in concrete.

  • Drawing into wire for cables, mesh, and fencing.

(4) Coiled Rebar

• Features: Ribbed rebar supplied in coils (like wire rod), allowing flexible cutting.

• Advantages: Reduces waste compared to fixed-length (9-12m) straight rebar.

2. Why So Many Classifications?

Steel products are named based on:

• Cross-section shape (round, ribbed, hexagonal).

• Processing method (hot-rolled, cold-drawn).

• Supply form (straight bars, coils).

Example:

• A Q235 steel bar is called round bar if straight, but wire rod if coiled.

3. Industry Trends: Strength & Sustainability

• High-Strength Steel: HRB500 rebar reduces material use while improving safety.

• Customization: Coiled rebar gains popularity in modular construction.

• Eco-Friendly Processes: Electrolytic pickling replaces acid washing in wire rod production.

4. Purchasing Tips

• Match Usage: Rebar for concrete, round bar for machining, wire rod for drawing.

• Check Standards: GB/T 1499.2 (rebar), GB/T 701 (wire rod).

• Size Matters:

  • Bridges: Thick bars (>22mm).

  • Residential: 6-14mm.
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