How long will rebar last in concrete?

Author: Gerard Leannon DVM  |  Last update: Friday, August 29, 2025

BFRP Rebar does not rust, it has the same thermal expansion coefficient as concrete, it is resistant to water, alkaline, and ultraviolet radiation, therefore it can have a life expectancy of more than 100 years!

How long does it take for rebar to rust in concrete?

Properly placed rebar typically corrodes at a rate of about 1/10 micrometer per year across the thickness of the material. So, under normal conditions, a #5 bar (5/8-inch diameter) loses 2/10 micrometer from its diameter every year.

Does rebar deteriorate in concrete?

In short, rebar installed into concrete bridges means there is the potential for corrosion due to exposure to oxygen and/or water as well as chlorides from de-icing salts or saltwater.

What is the lifespan of rebar in concrete?

Early 20th-century engineers thought reinforced concrete structures would last a very long time – perhaps 1,000 years. In reality, their life span is more like 50-100 years, and sometimes less.

When should rebar be replaced?

The Technical Guidelines Committee of the International Association of Concrete Repair Specialists (IACRS) addresses this issue in the "Surface Preparation Guidelines for the Repair of Deteriorated Concrete Resulting from Reinforcing Steel Oxidation." According to IACRS, if a bar has lost more than 25% of its cross ...

Does Rebar Rust?

Is it okay to put rusty rebar in concrete?

A.: Section 12 of ASTM A 615-96a, "Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Billet Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement," says that rust shall not be cause for rejection provided the weight, dimensions, cross-sectional area, and tensile properties of a hand-wire-brushed test specimen aren't less than the ASTM ...

How much does it cost to replace rebar?

Because it's made of steel, the cost of rebar can vary drastically over the course of a year, depending on external economic conditions. For residential purposes, a maximum price of $2.55 per foot is a good guideline to consider, with an average cost of $0.75 to $1.40 per foot for most projects.

What is the longest lasting rebar?

BFRP Rebar does not rust, it has the same thermal expansion coefficient as concrete, it is resistant to water, alkaline, and ultraviolet radiation, therefore it can have a life expectancy of more than 100 years!

How strong is concrete after 30 years?

Another study by Walz [14] showed that the 30-year strength of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete was 2.3 times the 28-day strength while that of Portland blast furnace slag cement concrete was 3.1 times the 28-day strength.

What is the life expectancy of a concrete slab?

How Long Does Concrete Last on Average? Concrete lasts around 50 to 100 years, according to the Portland Cement Association, which focuses on cement-related policy, education, and research. Of course, this is quite the range, but concrete life span depends on numerous factors.

How do you prevent rebar corrosion in concrete?

Traditional methods to prevent corrosion

Some of the traditional measures used to combat the corrosion of reinforced concrete are: Cathodic protection; Corrosion inhibitor admixtures; and. Anti-corrosion coating.

Can you put too much rebar in concrete?

In terms of fabrication, excessive rebar can cause problems with consolidation and creating voids. Per ACI, the gaps between the rebar shouldn't be tighter than 133% of the largest size of aggregate in your concrete (ex. 3/4" max agg size, 1" openings).

How long will steel last in concrete?

With such protections and skilled workmanship, concrete and properly coated steel structures can last over 100+ years, even as environmental stressors accumulate.

How do you fix rusted rebar in concrete?

Rust in steel reinforcement bars - how to cure it
  1. Grind out the concrete to reveal all the rusty rebar faces.
  2. Wire brush or needle gun the steel until only hard, stable rust remains.
  3. Apply two or three coats of our Ultra Rust Cure Seal - click here to see prices and buy - Owatrol Seal Oil.

At what thickness does concrete need rebar?

Rebar is recommended for concrete that measures 5-6 inches in depth. The type of and intended use of concrete impacts the need for rebar reinforcement. Rebar must be placed at the center of or slightly above the center of the concrete slab—hence why it should be a certain thickness for best results.

Is exposed rebar in concrete bad?

You don't want to expose the rebar because it becomes more susceptible to corrosion. As the material deteriorates, it is more likely to cause concrete to fall apart.

Can concrete last 100 years?

Modern concrete usually lasts around 100 years before it starts to crumble and fall apart.

What grade is 4000 psi concrete?

Cheap, low quality concrete is 3000 psi, medium grade 4000 psi, and the higher grades are even stronger (and more expensive) yet again at values well over 5000 psi.

How long does concrete with rebar last?

Only after about 100 years and the complete corrosion of the zinc does the carbon rebar itself corrode and then lead to concrete failure. Because failure of the rebar leads to compromised or failing structural capacity, protecting against premature rebar failure is key.

Is rusted rebar still good?

The rust that forms on the surface of the rebar can cause the steel to become weaker and more brittle, which can lead to a loss of strength and an increased risk of failure in the structure. However, if the rusting is minimal and the steel is still in good condition, it is possible to use rusted rebars in construction.

What is an alternative to rebar in concrete?

Alternatives to Rebar Concrete Reinforcement
  • Stainless Steel Concrete Reinforcement. Stainless steel rebar is often touted as a replacement for standard steel rebar. ...
  • Engineered Bamboo Reinforcement. ...
  • Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) Rebar. ...
  • Plastic Fiber. ...
  • Helix Micro Rebar Concrete Reinforcement. ...
  • Many Options.

Is Fiberglass rebar as good as steel rebar?

Fiberglass overcomes the main shortcomings of steel rebars and is unquestionably the modern go-to material for structural reinforcements.

Can you put too much rebar in a slab?

There are numerous issues that arise as a result of using excessive reinforcement. The following are some of the most frequently encountered: Tie wire and other detritus on the outskirts. Without steel corrosion, there is cracking that mirrors the main rebars.

What happens to old rebar?

How is rebar recycled? To recycle rebar, it must first be separated from other materials such as wood, concrete, and metal. Once the rebar has been separated, it is then cut into smaller pieces for easier recycling. The pieces are then sorted according to size and shape before being melted down in a furnace.

Why is rebar so expensive?

Rebar Cost Factors. Because rebar is typically made of steel, its cost depends a lot on the price fluctuations of steel. Steel prices can change due to global and domestic factors, such as major political events, trade tariffs, natural disasters, steel demand and the general state of the national or global economy.

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