Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world, but it is imperfect, with challenges that only reinforcement can overcome.

Unfortunately, even concrete reinforcement has its challenges! Traditional reinforcement materials, like steel rebar, have been a mainstay for over a century, but they corrode, are difficult to manage and can cost far more than it’s worth.

It’s time for construction professionals (like you!) to embrace an American-made solution that helps improve concrete while simplifying the construction processes.

Let’s explore these challenges and solutions that are embraced by contractors, engineers and developers alike.

Corrosion of Rebar Leads to Concrete Failure

Steel rebar’s main challenge is corrosion, especially when concrete is exposed to moisture and other earthly elements that encourage water penetration, like salt. 

Over time, concrete cracks will form, leading to expensive and inconvenient repairs or even total failure. This is especially certain when contractors use rebar that is already corroding. The bond between concrete and rebar is important, and rust on the surface of the rebar could be damaging. 

Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch twisted steel reinforcement that is dispersed through concrete. Its design and strength reduce cracks and corrosion. This hands-free reinforcement is stored indoors to reduce water saturation prior to concrete placement.

Rebar Delivery and Installation Delays

If you remember the logistical nightmares of the global pandemic, you understand how securing materials for a project is often the leading cause of headaches. 

Still today, the logistical complexity of ordering, transporting and storing bulky steel rebar means that you need to dedicate significant time, personnel and project coordination, leading to increased project costs. 

Depending on your scope of work, Helix Micro Rebar is often ready for delivery within just a few days and conveniently shipped in compact 45-pound boxes, allowing for faster installation and fewer logistical challenges. 

Helix Micro Rebar not only shortens delivery timelines but also diverts your labor, meaning all of those hours can be spent working on other elements of your project. As a result, your construction project can stay on schedule – or even cut your timeline by weeks!

Rebar Design Complexities

Traditional rebar and mesh are rigid shapes that limit designability. Creating intricate configurations of these reinforcements can be labor-intensive and cause placement errors. 

Since Helix Micro Rebar is disbursed in your concrete prior to placement, there’s often no need to spend extra time on reinforcement – it conforms to even the most stubborn geometries. This allows engineers and architects to enjoy the strength and stability of concrete without rebar complexities.

Concrete Crack Complications

Whatever application concrete is needed in, there’s always the concern that concrete will crack. Sure, it’s a science to reduce concrete cracks, but even in the best-case scenarios, they will eventually happen.

For more than 20 years, America’s concrete slabs, homes, bridges, and even tunnels have been reinforced with Helix Micro Rebar to reduce cracks even under extreme conditions.

Helix Steel’s twisted steel reinforcement resists cracking unlike any other by providing multidirectional support throughout the concrete. This reduces weaknesses and helps distribute loads. For higher loads, dosages can be formulated to increase the amount of Helix Micro Rebar.

Concrete Crack Complications

If you work in the construction industry, you know that money is the bottom line. Not only does Helix Micro Rebar reduce the need for steel reinforcement, but it also minimizes the amount of concrete and labor needed to complete the project. 

Helix Micro Rebar has resulted in countless savings for developers and contractors seeking to reduce their costs while using a superior product.

Overcome Rebar’s Challenges – Learn More About Helix Micro Rebar

The incredible challenges of concrete reinforcement – whether it’s corrosion, delivery delays, design issues or cracking – require different thinking that improves performance, saves money and reduces complexities for construction leaders like you.

Helix Micro Rebar is the answer to the rebar blues. Check out our recent project profiles, learn more about benefits for your occupation and reach out to our project team to learn more about how we can help on your next project. We are here to help!

The future of humanity’s information and communication is riding on engineers’ ability to design data centers that are constructed wisely and operate efficiently.

Engineers are now thinking more “outside of the box” and recognize the importance of exploring alternatives to the standard processes and materials that their predecessors used.

One such alternative is a tiny, one-inch solution called Helix Micro Rebar. Combined with thousands of others like it, this concrete reinforcement transforms concrete into a solid mass that reduces cracks and has many other efficiencies.

How Does the Helix Advantage Help to Engineer Better Data Centers?

Footings and Slabs That Can Take the Weight

Helix Micro Rebar improves the structural integrity of concrete used in data center construction. Its twisted steel design, dispersed throughout the concrete slabs and footings, offers far better crack resistance and load-bearing capacity than mesh or standard rebar.

For engineers, this means data centers can be built without sacrificing strength, leading to more efficient designs.

Data Center Construction Completed Sooner

As engineers are well aware, time is always a critical factor in data center construciton. By eliminating the need for traditional rebar placement, Helix Micro Rebar allows for faster construction.

Engineers, developers and contractors can have quicker completion times. This also means fewer delays, reduced labor costs and the almost unheard-of ability to meet tight deadlines.

Also expediting the timeline is that Helix Micro Rebar is often added at the ready-mix plant, reducing costs, limiting storage needs and saving valuable time. Clients of Helix Steel say they save one day of construction for every 10,000 square feet of rebar they replace with Helix Micro Rebar reinforcement. In the case of a large data center, those valuable days could expedite the entire project!

Reduced Steel Reinforcement and a Smaller Carbon Footprint

Not only can engineers enjoy a higher-quality concrete solution, but depending on the dosage of Helix Micro Rebar, the shear amount of steel reinforcement will also be reduced.

Traditional rebar contributes to significant carbon emissions during production and transportation. American-made Helix Micro Rebar, with its lower steel requirements, helps engineers to design ‘greener’ data centers that align with sustainability goals.

Engineers designing with sustainability top of mind can use Helix Micro Rebar to help achieve eco-certifications such as LEED and the WELL building standard.

Less Maintenance on Concrete Cracks

Engineers need to have a two-pronged approach to design: consider the needs of today while being proactive in addressing the concerns of tomorrow.

This is especially true for data centers, which must be reliable and cost-effective to maintain. Helix Micro Rebar increases the durability of the concrete, reducing cracking and corrosion. For engineers, this translates into longer-lasting facilities with lower maintenance needs.

Fewer repairs = fewer disruptions = long-term savings!

Data Center Engineers Wanted

Using Helix Micro Rebar in your data center design is an easy approach that supports concrete durability, project efficiency and environmental sustainability. 

If you want to lead the way in building better, stronger and greener data centers, let us know. Even better, register for a lunch and learn – we’ll connect you with a personal presentation best suited for your needs

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 Item	Traditional Rebar	Helix 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.
Size	Diameter 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.
Installment	Requires manual placement on chairs and tying.	Mixed directly into the concrete batch prior to concrete placement.
Team Support	Few rebar manufacturers have placement support.	Support before, during and after concrete placement.
Labor	Labor 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 Performance	Provides strength in specific directions.	Offers strength through every area of the concrete.
Crack Control	Controls cracks along rebar lines.	Distributes crack control throughout the concrete.
Material Cost	Cost is lower but labor costs are high.	Cost may be slightly higher, but labor costs are lower.
Construction Time	Longer due to placement and tying.	Faster as Helix Micro Rebar is mixed into concrete at a batch plant.
Environmental Impact	More 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 Shapes	Difficult to reinforce complex geometries.	Easily used for any shape due to pre-mixing with concrete.
Transportation & Storage	Requires 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.
Availability	Depends on the needs of the market, with delays of up to weeks.	Ready for delivery in as little as a few days.
Standards and Codes	Well-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!

Let’s say you will be constructing another great building to support the American economy. Whether the structure is a warehouse, manufacturing facility, retail store or restaurant, you want to be certain that the project will be completed on time so that you can start achieving a return on your investment as soon as possible.

Many project elements are out of your control, but with a little digging, you keen developers learn that rethinking the products your contractor uses will deliver time and monetary savings like never before.

A key product that developers across America are using to achieve this is Helix Micro Rebar. It’s a one-inch twisted piece of metal that is mixed with concrete to provide your project with more benefits than you ever thought possible.

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.

Eliminate up to 100% of Your Rebar Placement Costs

How long does it take to place rebar on a large concrete slab? Far too long! Factor in the enormous amount of time required for laborers to lug, cut, bend and place rebar. You also need to worry about the rebar chairs (plastic or metal rebar supports) and the back-breaking work needed to tie the rebar in place.

Now, think about removing up to 100% of this time, labor and material cost with Helix Micro Rebar. It’s significant and can mean the difference between handing off a building on time or not. 

A Concrete Reinforcement That’s Faster to Install

Since Helix Micro Rebar is mixed directly with concrete prior to placement, concrete pours can be accelerated by 20%. With the faster installation time and reduction in placement costs, it’s estimated that for every 10,000 sq. ft. of concrete slab, one full day of construction is saved by replacing rebar with Helix Micro Rebar.

One day may not seem like a lot, but it can quickly add up when you’re building a large fulfillment center, manufacturing facility or warehouse. Even one week can be a game-changer when your timeline is already tight and external factors have a tendency to get in the way of a well-executed plan.

Streamlined Concrete Reinforcement Inspections

Through a simplified design process and installation, inspections are easier and quicker to complete than if you were to use rebar or wire mesh. Traditional inspections require in-depth inspection of horizontal placements, chair height and rebar spacing.

Helix Micro Rebar is mixed directly with your concrete so it is evenly distributed to reduce the need for complex pre-placement inspections. This results in a more straightforward inspection with a reduced risk of human error in installing concrete reinforcements.

Increased Productivity in Other Areas of Your Development

Finding great people to work on your project has never been as difficult as it is today. Instead of the best members of your crew working on installing rebar, they can instead be used in other areas of your project, helping to expedite work and helping to finish your development on time and on budget.

Your contractor’s crew can pivot to masonry work, framing, steel wall installation, insulation material application, landscaping and much more.

Safer Construction Sites

With less rebar, a smaller labor force and reduced tripped hazards, your contractor and his crew will have a safer work environment that may even reduce time off due to accidents.

As you can imagine, handling rusty rebar requires many safety precautions. Apart from standard construction site techniques and PPE, heavy rebar can be difficult to move safely across sites and may even require team lifting. Cutting and bending rebar can also result in injury when used improperly.

Choosing Helix Mciro Rebar means that your concrete reinforcement comes in easier-to-carry cardboard boxes, which can be poured directly into concrete. Read more about this safe process here.

Helix Micro Rebar Helps Develops Save Time and Money – Find Out How

It’s not every day that you stumble upon an innovative project that has been used for decades and is proven to save you time and money on every development.

Helix Micro Rebar has more than 20 years of experience in not only keeping concrete together but also in expediting construction schedules and saving money for developers. If you’re interested, don’t stop now. Reach out.

As contractors seek new ways to do more with less while providing superior results, there is one strong reinforcement product that is leading the charge: Helix Micro Rebar.

It’s a small one-inch twisted piece of metal that packs a mighty punch. When mixed with concrete prior to placement, it can create a composite material that is stronger than what any other concrete reinforcement can deliver. 

Here are eight ways that Helix Micro Rebar is leading the way in making concrete stronger, more durable for contractors, developers and engineers throughout North America.

Increases Tensile Strength

As you know, concrete has high compressive strength, but lacks tensile strength. To help out Earth’s mighty construction material, reinforcement is needed. 

Helix Micro Rebar is evenly distributed throughout your concrete to greatly spread out the stress of the concrete and increase tensile strength. It’s an essential part of applications that require higher structural strength and long-term durability.

Improves Crack Resistance

No one likes seeing concrete cracks. When Helix Micro Rebar is mixed with concrete, a network of crack prevention is created to stop cracks at the smallest level.

How does it work? Just like a screw does a better job at keeping wood together than a nail, Helix Micro Rebar’s screw-shaped profile keeps cracks from even starting. 

Creates Multidirectional Reinforcement

Standard concrete reinforcement like rebar and mesh are rigid in the direction that they work, often running either horizontally or vertically. Helix Micro Rebar’s distribution throughout concrete in every direction imaginable helps to ensure that there is uniform strength throughout, withstanding forces at whichever angle they originate.

Reduces Shrinkage Cracking

As concrete cures, reducing shrinkage cracking is a major challenge. Helix Micro Rebar’s unique design helps to mitigate concrete stresses in this crucial stage while also establishing long-term concrete strength.

Helix Steel’s team of engineers is here to help you determine the exact dosage of Helix Micro Rebar for your specific application. This fully engineered approach will reduce shrinkage cracks at no additional cost.

Improves Load-bearing Capacity

Whether you’re constructing a warehouse with Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems or a slab-on-grade concrete parking lot for heavy transport trucks, Helix Micro Rebar’s dose can be customized to deliver reinforcement results that are superior to anything else. 

By creating concrete with more load-bearing capacity, you’re helping to make structures that are safer and require less maintenance.

Enhances Impact Resistance

For concrete applications that may result in significant impacts, like roads, parking structures and industrial facilities, Helix Micro Rebar has been shown to hold concrete together better.

In third-party explosion tests, we have seen Helix Micro Rebar perform far better than rebar. For concrete projects that make an impact, trust us to support you best!

Increases Flexural Strength

Helix Micro Rebar greatly improves concrete’s ability to resist bending forces. This is incredibly useful for applications like slabs on grade, slabs on metal decks, and other concrete elements that have bending stresses. 

For slabs on grade, this means better resistance to heavy loads from heavy equipment and vehicles, reducing the risk of cracks and extending the lifespan of the pavement.

Reduces Concrete Pours

In many applications, Helix Micro Rebar’s benefits in strength and durability allow for a reduction in the amount of concrete required for your project. That means fewer concrete pours, which can significantly cut down on your concrete costs, labor costs and placement timeline. 

Helix Micro Rebar Makes Concrete Stronger – and Much More!

Added strength is just one of the many benefits of Helix Micro Rebar. You also get concrete design services from Helix Steel’s in-house engineering team, delivery to your local batch plant, significant time savings and project cost reductions.

Ready to learn more? Reach out to our American engineering team to talk about your upcoming project and how Helix Micro Rebar helps.