What is the most common type of reinforcement used in concrete structures?

The most common type of reinforcement used in concrete structures is deformed bar. Deformed bars, commonly known as rebar, have a surface pattern that enhances the bond between the concrete and the steel, providing increased overall strength and stability to a concrete structure.

Rebar is specifically designed to work in tension, which concrete on its own cannot withstand effectively. The deformations on the bar create mechanical interlocking with the concrete, allowing it to handle tensile stresses better than other types of reinforcement. This makes rebar particularly effective in applications where the structure will be subjected to tensile forces, such as in beams, slabs, columns, and foundations.

While welded wire reinforcement and plain bars are also used in construction, they are not as prevalent as deformed bars due to their limitations in providing the same level of tensile strength and bonding capabilities. Plain bars lack the necessary surface enhancements to effectively bond with concrete, and while welded wire reinforcement can be advantageous for certain applications, it does not provide the same versatility and strength as deformed bars in most structural scenarios.