Concrete roadways are essential components of American infrastructure, but even those which are constructed soundly often have early deterioration in the form of cracking due to environmental stressors and traffic loads. 

Helix Micro Rebar—our patented twisted steel micro reinforcement—offers engineers an approved alternative that enhances concrete’s durability, reduces labor and extends concrete road service life. 

We’ll take a look at three real-world applications where Helix Micro Rebar has significantly improved road performance.

Why Do Engineers Need an Alternative to Rebar?

Traditional concrete reinforcement methods – such as rebar and mesh – are labor-intensive and susceptible to corrosion and cracking under environmental stress. But in the engineering world, you likely dislike 

Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch twisted steel reinforcement mixed directly with concrete prior to placement, creating a three-dimensional composite concrete solution that enhances tensile strength, ductility and fatigue resistance.

Its ability to increase concrete’s strength more than rebar allows for better crack control and load distribution, making it the preferred option for road and infrastructure projects.​

Concrete Road Reinforcement Case Studies

Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) – Mountain View Corridor Bridge Decks

In 2017, UDOT constructed four bridge decks along the Mountain View Corridor in West Valley City, Utah. Two decks utilized Helix Micro Rebar at a dosage of 40 lb/yd³, while the other two employed conventional reinforcement.

Over a two-year period, the Helix Micro Rebar-reinforced decks exhibited a threefold reduction in surface cracks compared to the traditional decks, despite exposure to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing agents.

The study concluded that Helix Micro Rebar provided additional protection against cracking and is recommended for use in concrete bridge decks, especially under extreme loading conditions such as earthquakes. ​

Minnesota Department of Transportation – Highway Patch Repairs

The Minnesota Department of Transportation, through the National Road Research Alliance, conducted a three-year study to evaluate concrete patch materials for highway repairs.

Helix Micro Rebar, combined with CTS Rapid Set DOT Repair Mix, was used in test patches subjected to heavy traffic and harsh environmental conditions.

The patches reinforced with Helix Micro Rebar demonstrated superior durability, withstanding freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing agents, and are projected to last over five years. This performance reduces the need for frequent repairs, leading to cost savings and increased road availability. ​

Lake Havasu City, Arizona – Pavement Rehabilitation

Lake Havasu City faced challenges with asphalt roads deteriorating under extreme desert temperatures. 

To address this, intersections were reconstructed using concrete reinforced with Helix Micro Rebar at a dosage of 22.5 lb/yd³. This choice provided extra durability and crack resistance, ensuring the intersections could withstand high wear and tear – and extra heat – for decades. ​

Read more about the results of this project and learn what concrete contractor Protek Construction has to say about Helix Micro Rebar – dive into the case study here.

Engineering Performance Metrics for Helix Micro Rebar

Helix Micro Rebar can:​

• Increase fatigue resistance by up to 300% ​
• Enhance flexural strength by up to 33% ​
• Reduce construction time, saving one day for every 10,000 sq. ft. of rebar replaced ​
• Lower material costs by reducing the need for traditional rebar and associated labor

Validated Performance and Compliance

Helix Micro Rebar is backed by rigorous testing and compliance with industry standards. It holds certifications from the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) under ESR-3949 and from IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) under ER-279, confirming its ability to be used as an alternative to rebar in applications including slabs, walls, footings and foundations. ​

Real-World Applications of Helix Micro Rebar to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters

The practical benefits of Helix Micro Rebar are evident in real-world projects:​

Pier 57 Ferris Wheel, Seattle

In this infrastructure project, Helix Micro Rebar replaced traditional #6 rebar cages in 53 piles, showcasing its capability to handle significant structural loads. ​The concrete’s shear strength was increased by 111% and durability increased by 45%!

Indigo Green Residential Development, St. Maarten

When Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of St. Maarten with sustained winds of 185 mph (298 kph) on September 6, 2017, the devastation was incredible. Most buildings, including concrete structures, suffered extensive damage. Except one which used Helix Micro Rebar: Indigo Green!

“Using Helix Micro Rebar led to more durable concrete and provided much-needed hurricane resistance,” noted Rene Lepine, Managing Director at Indigo Green. “Helix technology was a key factor in the way our buildings survived Hurricane Irma’s destructive winds so well.  In addition, we were able to save considerable time during construction since much less steel work was required.” 

Learn more about hurricane-strength resistance by reading this article.

Engineering the Concrete Roads of Tomorrow, Today

Whether you’re an engineer, general contractor, transportation authority or labourer, the choice is clear: Helix Micro Rebar offers a superior alternative to traditional concrete reinforcement methods, providing enhanced durability, reduced labor costs and extended service life for concrete roads.

Our case studies demonstrate Helix Micro Rebar’s effectiveness, from bridge decks to highway repairs and urban intersections. As America’s infrastructure demands grow, adopting innovations like Helix Micro Rebar will be essential for making better use of our resources and ensuring they last as long as possible.

Reach out to the Helix Steel team to learn more about how your next project could become another resounding case study soon. Start by submitting your project specs right now!

With the increasing frequency and scale of natural disasters in America, they certainly are not making life easier for the construction industry or those who rely on well-built infrastructure. This is exactly why we need to rely on quality materials – and innovative solutions – more than ever before. 

One small piece taking the industry by storm is the one-inch concrete reinforcement called Helix Micro Rebar. It’s easier to use and faster to deliver to your job site, and for those in disaster-prone regions, it’s far more durable, helping to withstand the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters in America

Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch-long twisted steel piece of 100% steel that’s mixed directly into your concrete. This multidirectional reinforcement creates a composite solution that evenly distributes stress throughout the concrete, reducing the likelihood of failure during a wide range of intense events.

Like a screw in wood, Helix Micro Rebar’s twisted design requires a unique untwisting mechanism to pull out, providing superior anchorage compared to rebar and mesh reinforcement. ​

Five Disaster Emergencies in America and Helix Micro Rebar’s Role

Hurricanes

Hurricanes bring strong, unrelenting winds and heavy rainfall, posing threats to building envelopes and foundations. Helix Micro Rebar strengthens concrete elements – from concrete footings to concrete walls – improving their ability to withstand wind loads. ​

Fires

High temperatures during fires can weaken concrete and cause spalling. Helix Micro Rebar’s uniform distribution in concrete minimizes internal stresses while acting as a highly resistant wall to stop fire in its path.

Floods

Significant water pressure against a foundation wall can cause cracks or result in a devastating collapse, especially if drainage is poor. Helix Micro Rebar reinforces concrete structures, enhancing their resistance to water-induced erosion and maintaining stability during and after flooding events. ​

Earthquakes

Helix Micro Rebar enhances concrete’s ductility and energy absorption, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. This multidirectional reinforcement can distribute seismic forces more evenly, improving overall structural resilience. ​​

Tornadoes

Tornadoes exert extreme wind pressure on structures, whether they are built of wood, steel or concrete. Helix Micro Rebar enhances the tensile strength of concrete, allowing buildings to resist the incredible forces of tornadoes.

But How Can You Be Sure Helix Micro Rebar Works?

There are two distinct ways you can trust our micro reinforcement: validation and real-world success over 20+ years.

Validated Performance and Compliance

Helix Micro Rebar is backed by rigorous testing and compliance with industry standards. It holds certifications from the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) under ESR-3949 and from IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) under ER-279, confirming its ability to be used as an alternative to rebar in applications including slabs, walls, footings and foundations. ​

Real-World Applications of Helix Micro Rebar to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters

The practical benefits of Helix Micro Rebar are evident in real-world projects:​

Pier 57 Ferris Wheel, Seattle

In this infrastructure project, Helix Micro Rebar replaced traditional #6 rebar cages in 53 piles, showcasing its capability to handle significant structural loads. ​The concrete’s shear strength was increased by 111% and durability increased by 45%!

Indigo Green Residential Development, St. Maarten

When Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of St. Maarten with sustained winds of 185 mph (298 kph) on September 6, 2017, the devastation was incredible. Most buildings, including concrete structures, suffered extensive damage. Except one which used Helix Micro Rebar: Indigo Green!

“Using Helix Micro Rebar led to more durable concrete and provided much-needed hurricane resistance,” noted Rene Lepine, Managing Director at Indigo Green. “Helix technology was a key factor in the way our buildings survived Hurricane Irma’s destructive winds so well.  In addition, we were able to save considerable time during construction since much less steel work was required.” 

Learn more about hurricane-strength resistance by reading this article.

Don’t Wait Until After Disaster Strikes

Trust Helix Steel today to keep your investments safe with our superior alternative to traditional reinforcement methods.
Helix Micro Rebar’s proven performance in seismic, wind and fire conditions, coupled with code compliance and successful real-world applications, makes it the absolute best choice for developers, engineers and contractors.

Elevating concrete’s structural integrity with a steel micro-reinforcement is revolutionizing the construction industry.

For much of humanity’s recent history, we’ve relied on long, round pieces of rusty steel to keep our concrete together – one way to increase concrete’s flexural strength. 

Rebar has always been a headache, and more recently, there have been patented improvements that have taken its place as the preferred way to design and place concrete that’s stronger than ever thought possible. 

Helix Micro Rebar is one of those key products. This one-inch, twisted steel reinforcement is mixed directly into concrete, making everything about concrete reinforcement better – especially its shear strength, durability and ductility.

Let’s take a closer look at the research and testing behind Helix Micro Rebar, its implementation process, compatibility with various concrete types and its myriad applications.

Finding a Stronger Alternative to Rebar: the Research and Testing

Extensive research and testing have validated the effectiveness of Helix Micro Rebar in enhancing concrete’s structural properties, from its birth in a Michigan university to labs across America.

Since its humble American beginnings, Helix Micro Rebar has been reviewed by third-party organizations and has been issued evaluation reports that have proven that it provides significant improvements in both tensile and flexural strengths. Notably, Helix Micro Rebar has been shown to increase fatigue resistance by up to 300% and flexural strength by up to 33% when compared to traditional rebar.

The unique twisted design of Helix Micro Rebar allows it to bond more effectively with concrete, providing enhanced crack resistance to prevent cracks from starting. This proactive approach to crack prevention helps to increase the longevity of concrete.

Making It Easier to Design & Place Stronger Concrete

Integrating Helix Micro Rebar into concrete construction is a straightforward process that simplifies everything. Our product is added directly to the concrete mix, in many cases eliminating the need for labor-intensive placement of traditional rebar or mesh.

This method not only reduces labor costs but also accelerates project timelines. For example, replacing 10,000 square feet of traditional rebar with Helix Micro Rebar can save approximately one full day of construction, purely from the time spent installing rebar.

To assist engineers and contractors, Helix Steel provides online specification tools and dosage calculation tables and a team of in-house engineers and project managers that understand your need to create stronger, smarter and simpler. These free resources create accurate and efficient designs, ensuring that the right amount of Helix Micro Rebar is used for each specific application

Using Concrete Strength to Increase Concrete Compatibility

Helix Micro Rebar is versatile and compatible with a wide range of concrete applications. For more than 20 years, it has been used to increase flexural and shear strength in slabs, walls, footings, foundations and infrastructure projects of every shape and size.

Plus, its small size and low dosage requirements make Helix Micro Rebar easier to finish compared to traditional reinforcement methods. 

Key applications that benefit from Helix Micro Rebar include:

Residential Construction

Used in slabs, walls, ICF and foundations, Helix Micro Rebar enhances durability and reduces maintenance costs for homeowners.

Commercial and Industrial Projects

In warehouse slabs on grade and structural foundations, Helix Micro Rebar is a stronger reinforcement, leading to longer-lasting structures while saving time on reinforcement installation.

Infrastructure

Applied in tunnel linings and bridge decks, it improves strength and extends the service life of these critical structures while reducing maintenance costs.

Precast Concrete

Manufacturers choose Helix Micro Rebar to simplify production processes and enhance product quality, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency.

Read more about applications that benefit from the strength of Helix Micro Rebar here.

If you’ve been living under a rock your entire life, you may be unaware that concrete is the #1 construction material in the world. It’s the backbone of our built world, from the buildings we call home to the stores we shop at to the roads we drive on. 

While traditional concrete reinforced with rebar and mesh has served the industry well for decades, there is a growing demand for high-performance concrete (HPC) that can help to make the buildings and infrastructure of the future more durable and stronger than ever.

There’s a not-so-secret additive that is changing everything…

What Makes Concrete “High-Performance”?

High-performance concrete is designed with specific materials and sometimes even additives that improve its properties, making it suitable for more demanding applications. 

Key aspects of high-performance concrete are:

• Enhanced Durability – High-performance concrete is engineered to withstand harsh environments, including freeze-thaw cycles, high moisture, intense load conditions and even chemical exposure.
  
• Increased Strength – Using higher-strength materials, HPC provides even better compressive and flexural strength, making it ideal for heavy loads.
  
• Better Workability – Removing some elements and adding others results in easier placement and finishability for your crew without compromising strength.

Helix Micro Rebar is the Crucial Component for High-Performance Concrete

That’s right, Helix Steel’s own American-made micro reinforcement is the answer to your concrete performance woes. Made of steel and twisted to ensure a lifetime of crack reduction, Helix Micro Rebar is designed to greatly improve the structural integrity of concrete without the need for rebar.

Combine this with superplasticizers, which increase the fluidity of concrete without adding extra water, and you will have a very workable and dense concrete without the water.

In essence, our one-inch product changes the equation for UHPC. It makes concrete easier to use and more cost-effective while our in-house team of engineers supports every stage.

Where to Use High-Performance Concrete

High-performance concrete is now essential in so many applications here in America and around the world, especially in projects that require an extra kick of strength, durability and resistance to external factors. Even something like reducing joints in slabs can be achieved this way!

Here are some of the common concrete applications that Helix Micro Rebar helps to make into high-performance:

• Infrastructure –  Bridges, highways and even tunnels require high-performance concrete using Helix Micro Rebar to withstand traffic loads, freeze-thaw exposure and the usual wear and tear of daily use.

• Industrial Facilities – Manufacturing plants, warehouses and refineries often rely on high-performance concrete for slabs, foundations and walls. The improved compressive strength and low permeability make HPC ideal for environments that have heavy loads.
  
• Commercial and Residential Buildings – High-performance concrete is increasingly used in the construction of both commercial and residential buildings, even in times when it’s not essential. It makes sense in ‘any’ application.
  
• Precast Concrete – Precast components such as septic tanks, manholes, grease traps, culverts, flared ends, cladding and highway barriers also benefit from HPC. Precasting high-performance concrete with Helix Micro Rebar allows manufacturers to produce higher-quality elements and saves days of time on every piece.

Recent Success With Helix Micro Rebar in High-Performance Concrete

Seretta HQ

Austin, Texas

This project resulted in a 6″ thick warehouse slab and 5″ thick office slab using 9 lbs. per cubic yard of Helix Micro Rebar along with 100 lbs. of Komponent shrinkage-compensating cement additive. The result: a completely joint-free slab solution!.

Consider the High Performance of Helix Micro Rebar

High-performance concrete absolutely is the next frontier in modern construction, creating concrete that is stronger, more durable and more cost-effective than anything else. 
When Helix Micro Rebar is chosen, HPC becomes even more effective at providing the structural integrity needed for the most demanding applications. Reach out to our sales engineers to learn more about how high-performance concrete can benefit your next project.

Embracing innovation in construction isn’t just about checking out cutting-edge ideas and putting energy into seeing if they will work for you. It’s 100% about implementing proven and practical solutions that improve you, your building and your team to be more efficient, sustainable, faster and better than last year. 

In the spirit of that thought, here are some of the innovative, real-world strategies that Helix Steel is seeing in the industry that you can embrace this year and beyond. (In no particular order!)

Reinforce Concrete with Helix Micro Rebar

Okay, so this is a no-brainer since it’s really all our team lives and does. Our micro concrete reinforcement Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch and twisted all-steel solution that replaces rebar and mesh like nothing else can do. It is an absolute game-changer for people who work on concrete slabs, walls, footings, foundations, precast components and even tunnels.

It’s idea for a wide range of applications and has been proven for over 20 years to improve the built world we all enjoy.

Use Prefabricated Components, Such as Precast Concrete

Concrete prefabrication saves time, reduces waste and ensures consistent quality. Whether it’s wall panels, infrastructure pipes or entire sections of a building, building your concrete offsite in controlled settings will continue to reap huge rewards.

Upgrade Your Insulation for Energy Efficiency

Modern insulation materials, like spray foam, significantly improve energy efficiency. These materials help reduce heating and cooling costs while ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent building codes.

Concrete tilt-up panels have insulation built into them, which takes efficiency to new heights. Thermal mass and fewer thermal bridges help to keep the outside out and the inside in.

Use High-Strength, Lightweight and Mobile Materials

Lightweight concrete solutions reduce the weight of structures without compromising on strength. This can help to reduce your structure’s load, cut installation time and simplify your crews’ work, especially for expansive projects.

Look for construction products and processes that deliver better end results and reduce the amount of products you need to use. For example, you can use a concrete reinforcement that reduces the amount of steel in your concrete or use HDPE pipes instead of PVC pipes.

Adopt Sustainable Construction and Procurement Practices

Incorporate systems like HDPE pipes for plumbing. These pipes are lightweight, durable and better for the environment than PVC pipes. You can also choose a concrete reinforcement that reduces your steel reinforcement content. Or you can use lean construction practices to optimize your project workflow and reduce overuse. Keep an eye on industry trends, do your research and optimize as needed.

Optimize Project Workflow with BIM

As you know, Building Information Modeling (BIM) improves collaboration and planning. It’s time you fully embraced it! By creating a digital model of your project, every team member can identify potential issues early, reduce waste and optimize material usage.

Invest in Your Structure from the Top to the Bottom

Advanced flooring and roofing systems, such as slabs-on-metal decks, green roofs, solar roofs and floating roofs, provide long-term energy savings and protect structures from extreme weather. These options also contribute to LEED certification goals, WELL Building Standards and BREEAM.  for sustainable buildings.

At the bottom, build with more strength and increase concrete crack resistance with a different concrete reinforcement. You can compound this innovation with advanced waterproofing membranes, smarter drainage systems and concrete platforms for critical infrastructure.

Choose Smart Construction Tools

From ‘smarter’ laser levels to more efficient power tools, construction equipment with integrated technology boosts accuracy and efficiency. These tools reduce your crew’s downtime by alerting users to maintenance needs before they result in unplanned downtime.

Innovate With Practicality

Whether you want to save time with Helix Micro Rebar, improve energy efficiency with spray foam insulation, or upgrade your equipment, these innovative methods give construction professionals far better results every time.

Ready to hear more? Reach out, and let’s build the future of America’s innovative construction industry together, one structure at a time.

Project goals are often the same for engineers, contractors, construction crews and developers is often the same: create structures that suit the needs of their occupants.

As the construction industry evolves, many more goals have entered the picture: be safer, be efficient, ensure the structure lasts hundreds of years and do so cost-effectively. 

Design software is continually improving. Facilities are improving their processes. Onsite machinery is more accurate and helpful than ever before. And the products used in a structure are growing in leaps and bounds.

Helix Steel’s innovative Helix Micro Rebar is one of these products. It transforms every step of the construction process to deliver unmatched benefits for everyone involved, especially with projects that require concrete slabs on metal decks. 

With Helix Steel, you really do build smarter, faster and stronger.

What’s the Big Deal With Slabs on Metal Decks?

Slabs on metal decks are flooring systems in multi-story construction that involve corrugated metal decks topped with concrete. The combination of concrete and metal decking creates a strong, durable, and lightweight floor or roof system.

How Do Slabs on Metal Decks Work in Multi-Level Buildings?

Whether it’s an office building, retirement home, hotel or retail store, slabs on metal decks work a lot alike. The first step is to install a layer of corrugated metal deck on your structural elements. This layer acts as formwork to hold the concrete during placement and is a permanent fixture to support the concrete slab. 

The concrete is then poured directly on the metal deck and used with reinforcement for additional strength and crack resistance. Since crews do not need to wait for the concrete to cure, follow-on trades, like carpenters, plumbers and electricians, can begin work much sooner.

How Are Slabs on Metal Decks Better With a Simple Reinforcement Upgrade?

Benefits for Engineers and Designers

For those who work in the first stage of project development, like engineers and other designers, slabs on metal decks are essential. To ensure that the floors have more strength with the benefits of easy installation and faster concrete placement, Helix Micro Rebar is often seen as essential.

Engineers specify Helix Micro Rebar because of its simplified design, which is amplified by the help that the engineers at Helix Steel give to every project. It has also been proven in thousands of projects across America and beyond through code compliance. Lastly, since Helix Micro Rebar’s twisted design improves crack resistance, it can help distribute loads better and improve multi-residential structural performance.
Learn more about engineering with Helix Micro Rebar.

Benefits for Contractors

Managing a construction project that’s both tall and complex usually involves balancing quality with your budget challenges. Helix Micro Rebar transforms this!

Build faster – no more lugging, cutting and tying rebar for weeks on end. Helix Micro Rebar is mixed directly into concrete, cutting labor and install time.

Cost reductions – no more time spent on rebar. Your crew can work on other project elements instead. 

Simpler job sites – say ‘no’ to storing and moving awkward and heavy rebar around your job site. Helix Micro Rebar is often integrated into your concrete completely at your batch plant.

Benefits for Construction Crews

Crews that are building your structure taller need smarter solutions that don’t break their backs while reducing the complexity of their tasks. Fortunately, Helix Micro Rebar is simply added to the concrete mix at your batch plant, making most of the concrete reinforcement work take place offsite. This also means that crews can work more efficiently while knowing that they’re in a safer work environment. There is not even precarious formwork to set up and remove! Lastly, crews can be confident that the concrete they place will have maximized crack control, making them more proud of a job well done.

Benefits for Real Estate Developers

Whether you are a developer or you work with one, you want them to maximize their ROI while meeting all of their goals and then some! 
Helix Micro Rebar makes the dreams of developers come true! A big benefit is faster completion with significantly less time working on concrete reinforcement installation and more time expediting construction. In many cases, a single project can use tons less reinforcement, which is a massive net benefit for our natural world. And you also need to consider that with better crack resistance your buildings reinforced with Helix Micro Rebar are more resilient to problems, reducing long-term maintenance costs and increasing your property value.

Rusty Rebar and Mesh Have Met Their Match

Helix Steel is a partnership with products that change everything. Our team of experts is ready to support you through engineering, design and installation to revolutionize how you build. 

Contact Helix Steel and learn more to benefit your next slab-on-metal-deck project.

There’s a crisis in the home construction industry, and it’s a combination of many different factors, from affordability to sustainability to a growing labor shortage. These urgencies have been compounded to make driving efficiency and innovation more critical than ever.

Fortunately, there’s a solution that’s proven, respected and the ‘not-so-secret’ solution to contractors across North America. It’s Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction, and it has become a sustainable, durable and affordable cornerstone of modern home construction.

But like all other concrete applications, the success of ICF depends significantly on the reinforcement material used within the concrete. Unfortunately, concrete reinforcement installation has been the bain of every laborer’s existence, that is until Helix Micro Rebar emerged. 

It’s a groundbreaking one-inch, twisted, all-steel reinforcement mixed with concrete prior to placement to create a singular durable material. Here’s why Helix Micro Rebar is such a game-changer for ICF while resulting in more sustainable homes.

Reduce Your New Home Construction Time

Rebar installation is an incredibly labor-intensive process involving tying and placing the bars before pouring the concrete. This can be particularly cumbersome in the confined spaces of ICF construction. 

Helix Micro Rebar reduces this issue by being mixed directly into the concrete, significantly reducing labor time and costs. And let’s be honest – rebar installation is the least fun aspect of ICF construction.

Contractors can now complete projects faster while also improving concrete’s durability and allowing installation crews to move on to the next phase of the project sooner. 
Helix Micro Rebar helped popular YouTube Handeeman replace all the horizontal and corner rebar for an ICF home. And the results were shocking!

Helix Micro Rebar Makes ICF Blocks Even Easier to Install

Traditional rebar installation requires lugging long lengths of rusty metal, careful placement and many hours of work. 

Helix Micro Rebar simplifies this process by mixing directly into the concrete mix, eliminating the need for manual tying and positioning. This not only reduces the workload for crews but also decreases errors. For contractors, this means a smoother workflow and simpler job site logistics.

Listen to what other ICF professionals are saying about Helix Micro Rebar with a listen to the recent “Build With ICF” podcast, joined by Helix Steel’s very own Erica Marr.

Improve Job Site Safety

Storing, handling, cutting and installing traditional rebar is ripe for safety risks, including cuts, strains and other injuries from working with heavy and long steel materials in awkward positions. 

Helix Micro Rebar is mixed directly into the concrete at your batch plant, allowing your crews to work more efficiently and safely, keeping your job site safer while removing a major safety issue.

The Concrete Reinforcement That Adapts to ICF Complexities

ICF construction can involve unique layouts, which can make traditional rebar placement challenging.

Since Helix Micro Rebar is uniformly integrated into the concrete mix, it can adapt to any angle/design/size, no matter the complexity. This means that you will receive the same amount of strength, safety, sustainability and support without requiring custom configurations.

Increase Crew Satisfaction and Resource Allocation

Crews love building with large Lego blocks but not so much installing rebar. By eliminating the bending, cutting and tying of rebar, Helix Micro Rebar reduces the physical strain on installation crews. 

Contractors can then also use their resources more effectively, focusing their construction crew on other aspects of the build instead of labor-intensive rebar tasks. Additionally, the reduced workload on physically demanding tasks can contribute to higher job satisfaction and retention.

Learn more about the ‘how-to’ of Helix Micro Rebar for ICF here.

Sustainability Benefits

All of these benefits are great on their own, but there’s yet another powerful reason to choose Helix Micro Rebar. It reduces your overall steel use, minimizes waste, and, thus reduces the carbon footprint of the entire home.

And as you may know, if you’re already an ICF convert, ICF is a far more efficient way to build, lowering household heating and cooling costs by a large margin for the entire lifespan of the building. Let’s make a difference for our environment together!

Contractors Who Know Trust ICF With Helix Micro Rebar

For contractors and installation crews, Helix Micro Rebar offers a totally new and jobsite-alterign way to complete ICF construction. By saving time, simplifying installation, increasing sustainability and improving safety, it allows projects to be completed better in every way.

For your next ICF project, trust the ICF experts and use Helix Micro Rebar makes the job easier, safer, and more cost-effective—helping you deliver high-quality results every time.

American engineers have ever-demanding tasks involving concrete while making the structures they design stronger, more durable, and overall ‘better’ than ever before. To accomplish this, engineers need to embrace innovation and rethink processes. They need to consider a better way to build with concrete.

Helix Steel is leading the way in showcasing to engineers that Helix Micro Rebar, a revolutionary concrete reinforcement, is ‘paving’ the way to success for engineers and the remarkable projects they design.

Why Upgrade Concrete Reinforcement?

Concrete is literally the foundation of modern infrastructure, from roads and bridges to buildings and tunnels. However, traditional concrete reinforcement, such as rebar, has significant issues.

Rebar is heavy, corrodes and is challenging to install. Although it is used throughout the construction industry as a standard way to keep concrete together, it is impossible to reinforce every square inch of concrete, which can result in premature cracking. 

Engineers love concrete and already embrace remarkable admixtures to form the perfect mix, and more recently, they are flocking to Helix Micro Rebar, the advanced reinforcement alternative that is transforming the industry.

Why is Helix Micro Rebar the Answer to Engineers’ Dilemmas?

Helix Micro Rebar is a high-strength, twisted steel micro-reinforcement mixed into concrete to create concrete that can increase concrete’s fatigue resistance by up to 300% and flexural strength by up to 33%.

Helix Micro Rebar gives greater flexibility in design and construction. Engineers’ designs can be greatly optimized, whether it’s to create stronger concrete or even reduce the amount of concrete needed, such as in slabs-on-grade applications.

“Our experience with Helix Micro Rebar reinforcement sets us apart from our competition. It has helped to grow my business more than I could have possibly imagined.”

— Omar Abu-Yasein, PhD, PE, CEO

A&A Engineering

Engineering a Stronger, More Resilient Future

Helix Micro Rebar’s unique twisted design makes the difference. The helical form and large quantity create a uniform network of reinforcement throughout the concrete, improving the resistance to cracking and deformation. 

Helix Micro Rebar applications are better equipped to withstand the tests of time. This not only improves the performance of buildings and infrastructure but also reduces the frequency and cost of repairs and maintenance, leading to long-term savings for builders and owners.

Code to the Core

The first to market with approval for structural applications, Helix Micro Rebar meets ACI, the IBC and IRC through its two evaluation service reports from ICC-ES and IAPMO-ES.

Evaluation Report (ER-279)

Helix Steel 5-25 Evaluation Report (ER-279) specifically addresses both above and below-grade walls built in accordance with the IBC, IRC, ACI 318 and ACI 332. 

The ISO/IEC 17065:2012-compliant ER-279 provides engineers, contractors, code officials and owners assurance of Helix Steel code compliance and design, installation and field quality assurance instruction.

Simplified Design with ICC-ES

Helix Steel and ICC-ES have developed a design that uses linear elastic design along with simple flexural testing (ASTM C78). ICC-ES ESR-3949 provides an alternative approach for structural concrete and should be used for Helix Micro Rebar reinforcement design when it is specifically required by building jurisdictions. This approach is applied to structures that meet the limitations of ACI 318-14, Chapter 14.

Concrete Reinforcement Built for Engineers

Helix Steel doesn’t just deliver a better product for engineers, but we’re here to back it up with everything we have.

A Team of Concrete Experts to Back You Up

We have in-house engineers who provide technical support for designers and engineers who want to use Helix Micro Rebar. We will convert drawings and provide suggestions, and (depending on your location and project scope) we can be on site for pour days. We also have a team of industry and application experts.

Dosage Calculator

We have a web application that helps engineers identify dosage rates for Helix Micro Rebar reinforcement. Remember that our team is always here to help with design.

Online Training

Our courses can give you RCEP-accredited Continuing Education credits and cover Helix Micro Rebar best practices across all aspects of completing a project. We also host engineer-focused Lunch & Learn sessions to give deep into customized presentations on your unique business and needs. (Plus, we cover the food cost!) 

Publications for Engineers

We’ve assembled papers and articles detailing how Helix Micro Rebar has been proven in testing labs and in the field. Read more.

Making Construction Practices Easier

You’ve heard it all before – construction projects need to be more efficient. A major product leading the charge in this efficiency is Helix Micro Rebar, which can be incorporated directly into the concrete mix, simplifying the job site by having the mixing take place at your batch plant. This not only speeds up project timelines but also reduces labor costs and logistical challenges.

It’s also easier to use in a wide range of concrete applications, from ICF homes and foundations to warehouse slabs and multi-storey slabs, enabling architects and engineers to create designs without being constrained by traditional reinforcement methods.

A Highlight of Superior American Engineering Applications

Helix Micro Rebar has already been successfully implemented in a variety of projects across the globe. From roads and airports to industrial plants and commercial buildings, Helix Micro Rebar is proving its worth as a sustainable, cost-effective, and durable alternative to traditional reinforcement.

The Future is Here! Trust the #1 Alternative to Rebar

The future of construction here in America lies in more efficient, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and Helix Micro Rebar is at the heart of this transformation. 

We’re eager to continue working with engineers to create a future when concrete lasts longer, is easier to design and is easier to place.

Our patented Helix Micro Rebar concrete reinforcement is a bold step forward for engineers today for the applications of tomorrow. Are you joining the movement? There’s really nothing to lose. Send your project specs to our own in-house engineers to learn more about how there has never been a better time to think differently.

You can also easily specify Helix Micro Rebar. Learn more about this here, and access our CSI-formatted specification template.

In times of great economic uncertainty, there is no better way to keep your business humming than by trusting America to deliver.

Helix Steel produces the world’s most innovative concrete reinforcement: Helix Micro Rebar. This one-inch, twisted steel product can benefit every aspect of your next project – reducing costs, cutting timelines, improving durability, etc. – and just happens to be produced right here in America. 

If you’ve ever wanted to source products locally and reap the rewards our reinforcement will bring to your next concrete project, keep reading. Here are some key reasons why you should bring your business back to America.

Six Benefits of Reshoring Your Concrete Reinforcement With Helix Micro Rebar

Increased Slab Durability

Easier isn’t always better, especially when supply chains have so many unknowns. This is why minimizing your future risk by trusting American manufacturers just makes sense. In doing so, you will reduce your risk of supply delays, stabilize price fluctuations and make your project’s timeline more predictable.

Support American Job Creation

Every time you order from Helix Steel, you are supporting local jobs that believe in domestically produced products. Whether you’re speaking with our account executive, plant manager, engineer or delivery driver, you are directly changing lives here in America.

Increase Your Business’s Economic Resilience

Geopolitical turmoil can bring vulnerability to your business and the projects that are relying on you. By bringing manufacturing and production home to America, you’re less susceptible to global issues that can halt the best laid plans.

Reduce Steel Consumption

Dosing Helix Micro Rebar in your concrete instead of 100% relying on rebar will reduce the quantity of steel you need. Not only does this reduction in steel help the environment, it’s simply a better use of our natural resources. There’s only a limited amount of resources for our projects and it’s our responsibility to make the best of what we’ve been given.

Reduce Your Costs and Keep Your Money in America

Where do you want your money to end up? If you like it in your own pocket right here in America, then it’s time to make the switch to Helix Micro Rebar. By shrinking your timeline and reducing your labor requirements, you’re keeping your money while reducing repair and replacement costs.

Ongoing Customer Support Before, During and After Each Project

Do you have a question? Need a test trial? Want to learn more? Helix Steel’s American staff is here to walk you through the benefits of our product when you need it. This local support, combined with a superior product, ensures a truly American experience every time.

Bring Your Operations and Supply Networks Back to America

Helix Steel is here to help bring your business’ supply chains back to America, making it easier than ever before. It’s never too early to consider the logistics of this major decision – reach out to our team to discuss the benefits outlined in this article and many other insights specific to your industry. 

In the meantime, you’re welcome to enjoy a Lunch & Learn supported by our sales engineer. Simply click the link and fill out the form, and you will experience the all-American Helix Steel difference in no time.