Rebar vs. Helix Micro Rebar: The Ultimate Concrete Reinforcement Comparison

If you’re in the construction industry, you know about rebar – its good, its bad and its ugly. What you may not know is that there is an all-steel concrete reinforcement that takes much of the “bad” and “ugly” out of the mix.

It’s called Helix Micro Rebar, and as construction projects increase in complexity, cost and time, more industry professionals are relying on this tiny one-inch twisted reinforcement more than ever before.

In the spirit of transparency and friendly competition, here is a comparison outlining the facts and figures on traditional rebar and Helix Micro Rebar. Have a look and see the difference for yourself.

Helix Micro Rebar is an engineered solution that has been trusted for decades to reduce your timeline and costs. Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in.

Comparison ItemTraditional RebarHelix Micro Rebar
What is it?A steel bar that is used to improve concrete strength and structural integrity.A twisted steel micro reinforcement that is mixed with concrete to create a composite concrete solution with strength.
SizeDiameter from ⅜ inch to 2.257 inches, with lengths up to 60 feet.

#8 rebar can be almost three pounds per foot.		Twisted pieces of metal one inch in length and 0.02 inches in diameter.

Arrives in 40-pound cardboard boxes.
InstallmentRequires manual placement on chairs and tying.Mixed directly into the concrete batch prior to concrete placement.
Team SupportFew rebar manufacturers have placement support.Support before, during and after concrete placement.
LaborLabor is required to store and move rebar, align chairs, place rebar and tie rebar.Labor is required for minimal rebar placement in specific applications, but otherwise can be used elsewhere onsite.
Strength PerformanceProvides strength in specific directions.Offers strength through every area of the concrete.
Crack ControlControls cracks along rebar lines.Distributes crack control throughout the concrete.
Material CostCost is lower but labor costs are high.Cost may be slightly higher, but labor costs are lower.
Construction TimeLonger due to placement and tying.Faster as Helix Micro Rebar is mixed into concrete at a batch plant.
Environmental ImpactMore waste from cut-offs and overlaps.Less waste due to uniform mixing. Helix Micro Rebar also reduces the amount of steel required in concrete.
Compatibility with Complex ShapesDifficult to reinforce complex geometries.Easily used for any shape due to pre-mixing with concrete.
Transportation & StorageRequires significant space for transportation and storage.Easier to transport due to compact packaging and lighter weights. Also, Helix Micro Rebar is only made in America.
AvailabilityDepends on the needs of the market, with delays of up to weeks.Ready for delivery in as little as a few days.
Standards and CodesWell-established in building codes.Assurance in various applications through the following: 

Uniform Evaluation Services

ICC-ES

Rethink Reinforcement. Consider Helix Micro Rebar.

Our team is here to show you how we can make concrete better while saving time and money. Trust the product with decades of experience and a team of engineers and product managers backing it up every day across North America.

Move your projects forward with Helix Micro Rebar – contact us today!

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