Rebar - Technical Analysis

Seismic Steel Rebar (B500C/B500B): The Ductility Standard

When a building sways during an earthquake, its "bones" must bend without breaking. This property is called ductility, and it is the single most important factor in the BS 4449 (2005) B500C standard we supply.

Table of Contents

  1. Seismic Grade Importance (B500C vs. B500A)
  2. Technical Specifications (ASTM A615)
  3. Ductility & Performance Metrics
  4. Sizing & Sourcing Hub

1. Why Seismic Grade Matters (B500C vs. B500A)


  • B500A (Cold Worked): Common, cheaper, but brittle. Snaps under heavy seismic loads.

  • B500C (Quenched & Tempered): The "Gold Standard". It has high yield strength (500 MPa) but maintains an elongation at break of >7.5%. This allows the structure to absorb energy rather than catastrophically failing.

2. Technical Specifications (ASTM A615 Grade 60)

We supply deformed bars (ribbed) compliant with both UK/EU and US standards.

Property Specification (B500C) Standard
Yield Strength (Re) ≥ 500 N/mm² BS 4449:2005
Tensile Strength (Rm) ≥ 1.15 x Re Min 575 N/mm²
Elongation (Agt) ≥ 7.5% High Ductility
Carbon Equivalent (Ceq) ≤ 0.50% Weldability
Bar Length 6m, 12m Container or Bulk

3. Sizing & Sourcing Logistics

  • Diameters: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm.
  • Bundling: 2MT Standard Crane Bundles.
  • Origin: Turkey (Iskenderun), China (Hebei), Vietnam.

Construction Knowledge Hub

Request Seismic Grade SCO | Back to Construction Materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rebar and what steel grade is standard for construction export?

Rebar (reinforcing bar) is deformed steel bar used to reinforce concrete structures. The most traded export grade is B500B (500 MPa yield strength) per EN 10080 standard, or Grade 60 (420 MPa) per ASTM A615. B500B is the European and Middle East standard; Grade 60 is used in the Americas.

What is the difference between billets and finished rebar in steel trade?

Steel billets are semi-finished square cross-section bars (100×100mm to 150×150mm) that are rolled into rebar, wire rod, or sections. Finished rebar is the end product. Billets are traded by countries with rolling mill capacity; finished rebar is for direct construction use. Billets are cheaper per MT but require further processing.

How is rebar priced in international markets?

Rebar is priced against the Turkish export FOB (Iskenderun) benchmark, published by Platts and SteelOrbis. It is also influenced by Chinese export prices (CFR Southeast Asia) and scrap input costs. Prices are quoted in USD/MT and fluctuate with global construction demand and raw material costs.

What are standard quality certifications required for rebar export?

Mill Test Certificate (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1 is mandatory, showing chemical composition and mechanical properties. Third-party inspection (SGS/Bureau Veritas) at mill or port is required by most buyers. Some markets (Saudi Arabia, UAE) require additional local standards compliance (SASO, ESMA).