Reo bars—also known as reobars or rebar—are essential components in concrete construction. These steel rods strengthen and stabilise concrete, making them critical in almost every structural build. Whether it’s a slab, column, driveway, or foundation, reo bar reinforcement keeps it all together.
What Is a Reo Bar and What Is It Used For in Construction?
A reo bar (short for reinforcing bar) is a steel rod embedded in concrete to improve its tensile strength. While concrete is excellent at handling compression, it’s weak under tension. That’s where reo bars come in.
In construction, reo bars are used to:
- Strengthen concrete structures
- Prevent cracking and shifting over time
- Distribute loads more evenly
From house slabs to bridges, you’ll find reobars at the heart of any reinforced concrete work.
How Are Reobars Used to Reinforce Concrete Structures?
Reobars are laid out in a grid or mesh pattern before the concrete is poured. Once the concrete sets around them, the two materials work together—steel handles tension, concrete handles compression.
Common methods include:
- Tying reobars into position using wire or clips
- Spacing them to engineer specifications
- Adding safety strip caps to exposed ends for protection during site work
The result is a reinforced structure that resists bending, cracking, and movement.
Where Are Reo Bars Commonly Used in Australian Building Projects?
In Australia, reobars are used in almost every stage of construction—from residential slabs to large-scale commercial builds. You’ll commonly see them in:
- House and shed slabs
- Footings and foundations
- Retaining walls
- Columns and beams
- Driveways and pavements
- Bridges and tunnels
Even small backyard projects like patios or concrete stairs often require reo bar to meet structural standards.
What’s the Difference Between a Reo Bar and a Reobar?
There’s no difference—reo bar and reobar are two ways of saying the same thing. Both refer to reinforcing steel bars used in concrete construction. You might also hear terms like “rebar” (more common in the US), “reinforcing bar,” or simply “reinforcement.”
In Australia, “reo” is the more familiar term on construction sites and supplier lists.
Why Reobars Are Essential for Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete alone can crack under tension, especially with temperature changes, ground movement, or heavy loads. Reobars prevent this by absorbing the stress and helping the concrete hold its shape.
Without reo bars:
- Slabs could shift or settle unevenly
- Walls could develop cracks over time
- Structural integrity would be compromised
They also allow engineers to design thinner concrete sections without losing strength, saving on materials while keeping projects compliant and safe.
What Makes Reo Bars Critical in Foundations and Slabs?
Foundations and slabs bear the entire weight of a building, so they need to be solid. Reobars provide:
- Structural strength for load-bearing areas
- Long-term stability against soil movement
- Resistance to cracking from shrinkage or expansion
Proper placement of reo bar ensures that slabs stay strong under pressure and don’t break apart as ground conditions shift or settle.
Builders often cap exposed reo ends with safety strip protectors to prevent on-site injuries and comply with workplace safety guidelines.
Where to Get Reo Bars for Your Next Construction
If you’re starting a concrete job, you can find reobars at:
- Building supply stores and steel yards
- Major hardware chains
- Online construction material suppliers
- Concrete formwork and reinforcing specialists
When buying, consider:
- The bar diameter (commonly N12, N16, N20, etc.)
- The length and spacing required for your project
- Safety gear like safety strip end caps
Always follow engineering drawings or Australian Standards to ensure correct sizing and placement. Contact Covert Procurement today to get reobars for your next construction.