The Number One Alternative to Rebar Concrete Reinforcement

There’s a rebar replacement that is rapidly being embraced by forward-thinking contractors and developers across North America. It’s a breakthrough steel product that saves time, money and your sanity. It’s ready for you. Are you ready for it?

“What can I use instead of rebar?” must be one of the most frequently asked questions before the start of a concrete project. And rightfully so. Sure, rebar has been around for a very long time and is well known among everyone in the construction industry, but rebar is also heavy, difficult to install, rusty and allows cracks to form

Now is the time to fix the problem and embrace the number one rebar alternative: Helix Micro Rebar. This one-inch twisted reinforcement is mixed with concrete before it’s poured to create a far superior concrete solution. Although each concrete application will have a different dose of Helix Micro Rebar, it is able to stop cracks from forming in most areas of the concrete and greatly reduce the chances of failure.

So, Helix Micro Rebar is a fiber? Not even close, except in size. Helix Micro Rebar starts to work even before cracks begin, and since all fibers start to provide their value too late, allowing water to penetrate the concrete, they simply can’t be classified in the same category.

Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons why replacing your rebar with an alternative concrete reinforcement could be the best decision you’ve ever made for your partners, colleagues and crews.

Code Approval

Standard Rebar – Basic steel-rod reinforcement has been used by the construction industry since the 1800s, and although it is “good enough” for most concrete applications, innovation over hundreds of years has led to better options.

Helix Micro Rebar – This concrete reinforcement alternative is fully approved for use under the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). The following evaluation reports demonstrate its compliance with performance requirements for alternative means and methods:

• IAPMO’s UES Evaluation Report 279; and
• ICC Evaluation Service ESR-3949.

Durability of Concrete

Standard Rebar – Rebar has been shown to help give concrete some additional flexural strength and reduce cracks from growing large. Unfortunately, in many cases, rebar can’t start working until after cracks form, which allows water to penetrate the concrete and corrode the steel reinforcement. 

Helix Micro Rebar – Mixed evenly through the concrete before the pour, this rebar replacement will add significant flexural strength and stop cracks from forming. In many cases, the amount of concrete can be reduced since the alternative reinforcement provides so much improved durability.

Engineering Support

Standard Rebar – Project engineers need to determine the rebar required for every concrete application. No further assistance is possible through most rebar suppliers.

Helix Micro Rebar – As the sole manufacturer of Helix Micro Rebar concrete reinforcement replacement, Helix Steel’s team of engineers and design professionals will work alongside your engineering team to not only provide accurate doses, but also work with your concrete contractors and jobsite crew to ensure a smooth experience.

Labor Costs

Standard Rebar – Think of all of the time and energy spent handling rebar. The labor costs alone can be quite significant.

Helix Micro Rebar – Imagine finding an alternative product that practically eliminates the time spent on reinforcement. Helix Micro Rebar can completely remove mesh reinforcement, while greatly reducing rebar to only some edges and window/door frame areas. When completing a large concrete project, like a warehouse floor, or when you’re working on a complex concrete project, like precast vaults, the savings can add up to thousands of dollars at a time.

Installation/Implementation

Standard Rebar – After storing the rusty rebar on your jobsite, you will need to move it piece by piece to be installed. Spending on the size of your project, your crew may be spending weeks cutting, laying and twisting rebar. Pouring concrete is difficult since concrete pumps will likely be needed, and rebar will be a tripping hazard.

Helix Micro Rebar – In most large concrete applications, your concrete contractor will be able to add Helix Micro Rebar to cement mixers prior to even leaving the batch plant. For large warehouse floors, cement mixers can deliver their entire concrete load right at their final destination.

The International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) has published ESR-3949 that allows engineers, architects and builders to easily implement Helix Micro Rebar in residential slabs, foundations, footings, walls and pavements.

Supply Issues

Standard Rebar – In today’s extremely complex and competitive construction environment, the need for steel has never been greater. Buying something as ‘standard’ as rebar is becoming much more difficult.

Helix Micro Rebar – By reducing the amount of steel needed in your reinforcement, you are relying on a product that will be ready even for your last-minute project.

Construction Time

Standard Rebar – It is almost impossible to save time on reinforcement installation unless you hire more help.

Helix Micro Rebar – On average, every 10,000 sq. ft. of rebar replaced with Helix Micro Rebar saves one full day of construction. If you’re considering a new warehouse, fulfillment center or large-scale development, the few hours spent on only essential standard reinforcement will add up to days and even weeks of construction work saved.

Rebar Alternative that Adds Value to You & Your Projects

If you are like most people in the construction industry and are seeking better ways to build (especially products that save you time, money, energy and frustration, while simultaneously resulting in better buildings) start by doing more research into the industry’s favourite rebar alternative: Helix Micro Rebar.

Take a few minutes right now to access our free online Rebar Alternative Specification Tool. It will give you access to calculations and tables to easily specify Helix Micro Rebar in your designs. If you want to learn more about replacing your rebar, reach out to our engineering and project teams.