Protecting and storing rebar
Stainless rebars, carbon steel rebars, galvanised steel bars and epoxy-coated steel bars of various classes and grades are all types of steel reinforcement used in construction. To avoid distortion and deterioration due to corrosion, each type must be handled and stored separately.
Here are some tips for protecting and storing rebar.
- Position rebar on a raised platform which can be made of any non-metallic material. Because the ground and concrete absorb moisture, which can cause rusting, wooden pallets can be used as platforms.
- Rebar can be protected with a thick tarp and secured with cinder blocks at the corners and edges. The protective covering keeps the rebar from being exposed to the elements.
- When using galvanized rebar, avoid contact with uncoated rebar and prolonged contact with wooden materials which can stain its surface. In these instances, it is recommended to use a different type of non-metallic platform.
- Carbon steel rebar and other ferrous materials must be kept separate from stainless steel rebar. If space is an issue, place the stainless steel rebar above all other rebar.
- Corrosion in rebar can be avoided by storing them in sheds or an enclosed space. It is important that the area is not prone to humidity, moisture, snow or rain.
- The ends of the various classes of rebar should be painted differently to facilitate identification and organisation. To prevent scaling and rusting, the steel reinforcement should be painted with cement wash if possible.
- Rebar can be stored for an extended period by stacking them at least 150 mm above ground level. This must be done with enough support so that it does not buckle, sag or bend. To store rebar, special steel racks are now manufactured.
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