SHOULD I USE REBAR OR WIRE IN CONCRETE ??? (MIKE HADUCK)

I give an opinion on using wire or rebar in concrete, All my videos are my ways and ideas, I always suggest anyone doing any type of work to consult professional help.
tee shirts, mugs - teespring.com/stores/mike-had...
Tools - www.amazon.com/shop/mikehaduck

[@qoolqoin7869]

Hey Mike, long time viewer here. Sorry for the long post, but here are a few points of interest everyone might like. Fiberglass rebar has actually been around about a hundred years. I'll get back to that in a sec, but first some quick history (just the high points)... the French "invented" or popularized the use of steel rebar in the mid 1800's. In the days of few building codes, it was slow to be adopted in the US. Then, in the early 1900's, a bell tower near San Francisco was built using steel rebar. Many engineers of the day made fun of it, and said using steel rebar was overkill, and a big waste of money. But when that bell tower was still standing after the great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, a trend set off in America for using rebar in concrete. This trend was "reinforced" a few years later in 1910 when 10 construction workers were killed by a masonry wall collapse. The blame was given to "not enough rebar used" when in fact the failure was caused by the premature removal of some critical shoring. Big stories like these hitting the newspapers (going viral) back in the day - that's how the stupidity of steel rebar really took over in this country. Engineers bought into the hype without really knowing the facts. Any Chemist, Geologist, or Geophysicist could have told them that concrete is a sponge and steel rebar is NOT a good thing to mix with it. Anyway, both fiberglass and basalt rebar have been around longer than most people realize. Up until a few years ago, it was WAY more expensive than steel rebar, but that's not really the case any more. It was traditionally only used in marine environments, so even though it was costly to buy up front, the savings on later fixes made it actually cheaper in the long run. Fun Fact: Walt Disney used a ton of it the construction of his parks. Years later (1998) when they went to demolish the old "Submarine Voyage" ride in the Anaheim park, they had a terrible time tearing out the old concrete because the fiberglass rebar concrete was still extremely strong. The concrete was too thick in places so cutting wasn't an easy option, and the concrete was held together with such monolithic strength that they were all scratching their heads at first. Eventually, they had to hire extra-heavy equipment to remove it and it took a lot longer to do so. And after 40 years of being in place, it was noted that the rebar was "still like brand new." I wish we could say the same for all our bridges in the US. By the way, the Mckinleyville Bridge over Buffalo Creek in WV built in 1996 is the first vehicular bridge in the U.S. to be done with fiberglass rebar. Well, it's a start... one down, and 617,000 or so to go (there are roughly that many bridges in the US). FYI, if anyone is going to get into non-steel rebar, please don't buy the junk that comes from various places overseas. It's no good. There's a place in Texas that makes it called Kodiak, and I think they're one of the few who actually manufacturer it here in the US. They may be the only one. A lot of companies will tell you they make it here, but they actually just sell the imported junk. These companies will "assemble" it here in the US (eg. they'll make the corner bends here) but then they dishonestly say it's 100% "made here." Don't be fooled. Now, I don't know the guys in TX, so I'm not trying to plug them, it's just a fact that they actually make it here in the US. FYI, the psi of fiberglass rebar is 75,000 to 150,000 depending on which size you get. That is CRAZY strong! You would have to pay big bucks for grade 40, 60 or 75 in steel rebar to get those kind of psi strength ratings, and you'd still have the rust problem. So if you need strength - fiberglass or basalt rebar is a lot cheaper than steel compared to the same psi for steel. And you won't EVER have to redo your project due to rusting, cracking, spalling, etc of the concrete... heck, even your great, great grandkids won't have to redo it if you use fiberglass rebar from the get-go. One last thing... the worlds strongest concrete according to rigorous scientific verification is a section of breakwater/seawall in the Bay of Pozzuoli, near Naples, Italy. It's the strongest and it contains no rebar. Mainly because it was built there in 37AD by the Romans. This concrete is actually stronger than the day they installed it nearly 2,000 years ago. It actually gets a little stronger ever year (thanks to a process called Al-tobermorite crystallization). Thanks for all your great vids over the years Mike. Pin this to the top if you want everyone else to see it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Qool, thanks for all the great info, theres a lot of important information that everyone should read, I will try to figure out how to pin it to the top, thanks greatly for you input, I hope everyone gets to read it, mike

[@chuckefunn8624]

Living in the Bay Area not a lot is made out of brick and when I saw rebar assumed it was always for structural engineering for earthquakes as you noted

[@tomdenton26]

way too long, make it concise

[@qoolqoin7869]

@@tomdenton26 -Thanks for the input Tom. As a former military journalist, I've always tried to stick to the ABC's of reporting... Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity... but I've never been very good at the brevity part. lol

[@tomdenton26]

I read the whole thing and as an engineer i have hard on. Appreciate the long story now that i had time to read it. In short, there is a viable alternative to steel reinforcing bar.

[@robbbarnett4978]

Extremely comprehensive, logical and intuitive.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks rob,, Mike

[@KingSobieski]

Thanks to this guy, I started picking up stone on the side of the road on the way home for over 2 years and built a stone patio in my backyard. Thanks I guess Mike, my wife hated me so much! She loves it now though.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jonathan, lol yep that's the way wimmin is, and it probably ended up it was her idea, thanks Mike

[@buteos8632]

@@MikeHaduck :D

[@pebs65]

Mike, my Grandfather was a bricklayer in Cleveland, Ohio. He had such pride in his work and as a kid he would show me different styles of bricklaying. He also built a lot of stone fireplaces and floors. He and my grandmother were my favorite people ever!!! Your accent and teaching style remind me so much of him. He would have loved your KZbin channel, I am sure.

[@pebs65]

(By accent, I mean to say that I was raised in the South my entire life.)

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Pepper, I appreciate that, that was the type of guys I learned from, Mike

[@mikewicker1944]

@@pebs65 Grandparents were the KZbin of the 70s , I think people are missing a lot not knowing their grandparents

[@xxghostxx170]

I do mansonry in nyc and its a niche part of construction not too many young people coming in im 25

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@luisescobar5012]

Are you with the Local 1 ??

[@nickforster7279]

Thanks Mike, for passing down more of your knowledge..

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks nick, Mike

[@T.E.P.]

you do a great service educating everyone on rebar in concrete. it's wonderful you make these vids, thanks mike. AND I ordered more tshirts!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Thor, I am honored and humbled, mike

[@TP-xi7ri]

Mike, thanks for another informative video. It's a no brainer that every time you release a video it's getting a thumbs up from me. You are absolutely correct about how other countries get projects done more efficiently than we do here. When I spent time working in Zurich Switzerland, I would see several men laying cobblestone by hand in intricate decorative patterns in the morning as I passed by and later in the day as I came back by the entire street would be done and no evidence that earlier in the day the entire street had been redone. Thanks again. TP

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks TP, I agree, but nobody wants to hear it in the usa, maybe someday, lol, Mike

[@lefty5595]

Back in the late 70s I had a contract on military bases building walls for substations. The plans called for rebar every 12” in the walls which were underground. We rodbusted, built forms and did concrete to save money. If we spaced one 13” the inspectors would act like they caught John Dillinger. Pretty sure tax payers have have paid to replace those......with the same specs. Nice video, very helpful....use common sense.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Lester, Mike

[@garywilser7802]

I always learn something from you mike. You have a vast amount of experience but even greater than that you have wisdom and common sense to go with it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gary, I appreciate hearing that, Mike

[@gibsonbuilds4841]

Another great video! The sill seal is a must and really works good. Like you have said and people are realizing... concrete needs to "float" or be independent of everything. As soon as you lock things in to tight....BOOM there's your first crack. Thanks Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gibson, I agree, Mike

[@MegaDakota91]

I'm a contractor and this is excellent information. Thank You for the video.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Michael, Mike

[@TheAggressers]

Just wanted to say ... learning concrete (and the science behind). I started learning from all your experience. Thank You for sharing!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@AS-zw4lk]

another satisfying video Mike. I feel like I learn a lot from you. Thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks A S, Mike

[@guillermojacques6671]

Learn something every time you put out a new video. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Guill, Mike

[@mainelywoodstone7968]

Great video. I'm constantly looking for information like this. Mostly to share with home owners and GCs. Common Sense ain't so common

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mainely, mike

[@BillLowenburg]

Mike, you sure proved your point with those shots of the bridges and loading dock and angle iron. OMG that must have been an avalanche when that whole brick wall came down. So much for wall ties. The idea of slapping a brick facing onto a block wall always struck me as kinda dumb and that disaster confirms it. Thanks as always, for your continuing education classes.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bill, I appreciate it, Mike

[@kennethtalbott2233]

some great information here. just about ready to do my garage base now i have some new ideas to make it last. thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@JoniAntonio]

thank you for this video, a wealth of information!!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joni, Mike

[@luisavillalta9783]

Besides “fall of cabal “ all 10 episodes this is the only video that I ve watched to the end you are very interesting thank you so much for all the information and I will check your videos out you’re awesome

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Luisa, mike

[@sweat319]

Thanks Mike for your information and videos 📹,, I learn a lots from you, I appreciate you 🙏

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@jamesleroy7752]

Great job Mike. Thanks for the insight.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks James, mike

[@tweetybird7668]

Mike, I’m a structural engineer for 43 years, rebar is used for tensile forces, concrete is strong for compression but when there is bending you need rebar in the tension zone. That’s why the rebar is 3” up from the bottom of the footing, not on top of the footing.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi tweety, I understand that, thanks Mike

[@wendylow5748]

I just found your channel! I love it. I am about to do a little patio and steps. I like the fact you slip a little verse in this one too! Shalom.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Wendy, Shalom, Mike

[@processserver8470]

Mike ❗️ Always great to watch you epitomizing common sense 👍 I salute you wise man❗️ ✋😎👍 Greetings from Greenwich London ⚓️⛵️🏰

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, nice to hear from Greenwich London, mike

[@Brian-Burke]

What happened to the original title of "Rebar Can Equal Fubar?" Rolls right off the tongue, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Brian, Mike

[@Plinktitioner]

Excellent video. I watched several more after seeing this. Thanks for the information.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Michael, Mike

[@johnenright4969]

Great video as usual Mike waiting on more truck repair videos!👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, they are comming, lol, Mike

[@fester2251]

Thank you. You've just made my new garage much better.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi fester, talk to the locals if your not sure, thanks Mike

[@smelchionda]

I love your videos! Your experience is invaluable and I love how you travel the world and look at stone and masonry work through out history to gain perspective and learn from the past! Regarding the use of rebar in concrete. One thing that I think could have been better communicated is that rebar inside of concrete isn't just to hold it together when it cracks, it is also there to give concrete structural rigidity. Concrete without rebar wouldn't be able to span the same distances or carry the same loads. The two work together; rebar provides the rigidity and concrete provides the compressional strength. You could build with out rebar but you would have to use much more material and every span would have to be an arch.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Sean, mike

[@Blue1Sapphire]

On longer spans, tensioned rebar is better as untensioned rebar flexes before concrete does, causing concrete to crack.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Outstanding video. We shared this information with a friend who lives in Mendocino County, CA. They have a lot of rain and moisture. He's going to purchase non metallic rebar for his pato and walkway. He's also introduced in the fiber mesh for concrete strength...... We are very grateful too you for sharing your knowledge. God bless 🙏

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks lizza, God bless. MIKE

[@stormriderkaos]

Very informative. In my neck of the woods, there's the compounding damage from water getting into a crack or alongside the rebar-concrete interface and freezing. The expansion power of freezing water breaks mountains apart so preventing or minimizing water entry in the first place is essential maintenance.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@kamaljaji9216]

Thank You so much for this video Mike ! you are very educated man God Bless You !

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks karmal, mike

[@wesleybrabant3595]

Great video. Makes me second guess using rebar for my sidewalk. Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Wesley, mike

[@bobbennett7195]

Hi Mike just got done repairing my porch. I watched your videos on this. It was all broken up so dug it all out cleaned the area applied material spread it out and then sponged it all out and It came out looking nice. My wife was very happy. Thanks for the training and tips. Now on to my chimney.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bob, Mike

[@darwingreenfield1985]

Great video Mike, very informative. Thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Darwin, Mike

[@daviddixon2209]

Putting steel in concrete makes it a "temporary" construct. My house is 25 years old and, the lintel above my garage door is expanding and cracking the mortar joints above it. The first house I ever remodeled was a brick two flat in Chicago. All the windows were arched as you described and, the brick was in perfect condition.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks David, mike

[@walterbates1654]

I enjoy all of your videos. Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks walter , mike

[@stevenschaublin9695]

mike another great video on masonry and i like your background music

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks steven, Mike

[@briang5307]

Great observation at the end of the video. You really do learn a lot when taking things apart - what works and what doesn’t work. Real world environment and performance can sometimes be different from lab tests and predicted engineered performance.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Brian, I agree, Mike

[@Don.Challenger]

When they are doing demolition/deconstruction they should study, observe and document (in video to economize the time cost of that study) and use the results to calibrate their engineering methods. Much of Mike's work is removing the previous job before he can prepare and do his own replacement/renewal/enhancement and by it much knowledge is found/gained in that necessary removal.

[@johnwoolfrey5093]

Great video Mike. One of your best. Thanks /John

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, Mike

[@dougsherman1562]

Good advice Mike. I'm born, raised and work construction in the San Francisco Bay Area. We remove and replace concrete with steel that was placed 60 + years ago and some of the steel comes out without serious corrosion. Depends on the site but the best advice comes from you: it all depends on where you live, everything is different in other parts of the country. All the best MH, I enjoy the videos!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dough, I appreciate hearing that, Mike

[@MetalBum]

As long as the metal doesn’t get lots of oxygen it won’t oxidize (rust rot)

[@jamiewatkinson4123]

Mike did u ever consider being a masonry teacher in your days at a regional school, I could listen to y'all all day every day. Ur a very well rounded mason with knowledge like no other. Ty 4 all ur information. Ur the man

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jamie, no, I am a bit old for that but thanks anyway, Mike

[@joewhitney4097]

Interesting subject Mike. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joe, Mike

[@peterkohm9742]

Hi Mike I always look forward to your great videos .

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Peter, Mike

[@mikederucki]

Living in Northern Utah, I just had a new driveway poured last fall and they used no rebar. Contractor told me I didn’t want it for this reason and I now I see why.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks mini, I appreciate hearing that, Mike

[@josephsolis7096]

Great video Sir. Very informative and interesting. You're an obvious craftsman. God Bless You...!!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joseph, Mike

[@vectorspace7293]

Very​ good​ information, thankyou for​ many uploaded​ clips.​ I have learned​from​ you a lot.​ Americans people​ are nice and​ kind sharing kwowledge.​

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks vector, mike

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

i really like that wrap the pipe or piece of wood idea, i'll add that step to my posts

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@MrMichael8806]

Great explanation! I feel like I definitely learned what I came to this video to learn and then some

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mr.Michael, Mike

[@paulsimkins3895]

Great video very informative I learn a lot from your videos

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul, Mike

[@andrewprahst2529]

Good video. Well put together, I learned a lot.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Andrew, Mike

[@pasnowboarderbear5298]

for patios, I like to use welded wire fencing thats coated with rubber. its like water proof rebar

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@edwardschmitt5710]

Thanks Mike, you take a lot of time to make these videos and i have learned a lot from you. I have learned a lot by fixing things that were done the wrong way.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Edward, mike

[@buckhorncortez]

Local building code where I live specifies sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc. have no rebar. This was done for concrete recycling purposes, they don't have to separate the steel from the concrete, only crush it for recycling. Rebar is put into concrete for strength when the concrete has tension forces as concrete is good under compression, but not tension. Structural usage such as footers, columns, etc. assumes the concrete will be subjected to both compression and tension which is why building codes require rebar. What is the alternative to rebar for strengthening concrete for tension forces?

[@wim0104]

yup, In my opinion, concrete with rebar has higher maintenance requirements, that's all. And yes it's impossible to keep water our forever. I settle for 50 years :-)

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Buckhorn, I agree, that makes sense, tell it The local inspectors, Mike

[@BradSimmons]

Mike Haduck for President!!! Man, this is awesome common sense stuff. Not too common anymore. Thank you!!! :-)

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Brad, I appreciate the kind words, Mike

[@MichaelDillin]

I love this guy he is spot on!! Subscribed and thumbs 👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks M D, Mike

[@bobwhelk2117]

Very relevant considering what happened in Florida with condo collapse.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bob, Mike

[@spenmac]

@Mike, i alway enjoy listening and watchig you read and illustrat books, plans, maps etc. The sound of your voice, of the paper as you move fingers across it, its sorting southing and hipnotic. Other than that. Nice video mix of pervious work :-)

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Spen, I appreciate it, Mike

[@bobd.]

Epoxy coated rebar has been used on many jobs I have worked over the past few years. One of the earliest uses of reinforced concrete on the East Coast was the Traymore Hotel in Atlantic City built in 1914. I think the extensive use of road salt in PA and other states does more to destroy concrete than people realize. Once that salty water gets soaked up by the concrete the salt works it's way to the rebar and the destruction of the rebar is accelerated by the salt. Same thing happens to concrete exposed to salt or brackish water. I've watched it happen to facilities along the Delaware River over the years.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bob, I agree, mike

[@RudyMogavero]

That post by Qool Qoin made a lot of sense. Side bar TBH I didn't think it was too long for what was said. Not an engineer but have wondered for some time about putting metal in concrete. Just didn't make good sense to me but figured the "experts" knew what they were doing. Boy was I wrong. Thanks again. And Mike, thanks to you for all your informative videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Rudy, Mike

[@brianw8751]

Awesome information, thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Brian, Mike

[@paulsautocm]

Thanks for the insight,

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks paul, Mike

[@kadenheeter9748]

I enjoyed this thoroughly

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Kaden, Mike

[@tonyhawk123]

Very good video. @13:07 Where you say you learn more when taking old projects apart than when doing new projects. This is spot on. A comparison is with mechanical watches. Arguably the best manufacturer of mechanical watches in the world, Greubel Forsey, started out repairing watches. And he (Stephen Forsey) said he learned how to build the best watches by taking apart old watches to see what worked and what eventually fell apart.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Tony, thanks for the comment, I agree 100%, Mike

[@TommyJH54]

We now use ice and water shield to wrap out posts. Works to prevent moisture from getting in and doing damage!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Tom. Mike

[@theoldbigmoose]

I played architect when we built our house in 85. The mason did not put the rebar I specified in the footer when he poured it. We negotiated, and we settled on durawall every other course. Here I thought I was cheated all these years, but the good Lord was looking out for me! Our cinder block walls are as perfect today as the day they laid the 12 inch block! Thanks again Mike for your great advice and experience.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@dorhocyn3]

I heard the PH of the concrete would preserve the rebar unless it gets constant water infiltration. I have been coating my concrete work with heavy duty Concrete paint that comes in 5 gallon buckets with some kind of a grit like material in it shortly after I remove the forms...Every now and then I’ll see a 5 gallon bucket of it at the big box store in the oops / Clarance MisTint area and pick it up for $10 or $20 versus $120 regular price. I also try to use a zinc rich primer and some kind of paint over anything that’s getting buried in the concrete pour. I always feel sort of OCD when I’m doing this stuff but I hope it last a little longer.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi CY, I always say, anything that works, thanks Mike

[@frankingrassia8376]

Thank you, Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks frank, Mike

[@jafinch78]

Interesting seeing more polymers coming in like fiberglass rebar. Wondering if carbon fiber or kevlar will be a thing? Glad you're sharing the wise old wisdom. Guessing if steel, stainless steel holds up better then the galvinized? Seems I've seen where some use I forget which polymer on the rebar/mesh... maybe that was road or bridge work. Thanks for sharing!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks jafinch,,, Mike

[@oldmango8606]

excelent morning coffee video. thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks old man, Mike

[@chadmyers4432]

Always awesome Mike! nice work on the Bible Proverb! Thanks.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Chad, Mike

[@bartosullivan8050]

Mike, I enjoy your sharing and common sense approach. Would you recommend a galvanized lintel over steel for an outdoor fireplace.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Bart. Fire kills everything in time, it's a hard question to answer, Mike

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Mike I love this video and all your stuff, would you be interested in doing an Interview? About concrete and rebar vs fiber rebar or whatever

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Grubb, I appreciate you asking, but I am not the people that do continuous studys on it, I'm the guy who just notices what happened when I tear things down, ,but I appreciate you asking, thanks mike

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

@@MikeHaduck that's what's up, thanks 4 response

[@FishFind3000]

My neighbor just redid his driveway and the city would not allow him to use rebar. I said that’s stupid it’s gonna separate. Later on he mentioned your required to use fiber. That coupled with what you said and us being in the Chicago area makes sense. A specific psi plus fiber is better for our environment as long as the base is good and there’s no shifting.

[@MikeHaduck]

That makes sense, I heard it because of recycling, thanks Mike

[@PirateLifeFitness]

Expert advice. Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks J, Mike

[@PirateLifeFitness]

@@MikeHaduck you're welcome sir

[@timothyconnecticut1910]

Your absolutely spot on ! Steel and concrete are a terrible combination. The bridges here in Connecticut are failing . You can see where the rebar has rusted and expanded causing the concrete to crack and pop off. Also in the winter when water gets in the cracks and freezes. This just accelerates the process. New bridges are now being built with a type of epoxy coated rebar. Should last a bit longer

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks again, Mike

[@subwaydawg7254]

I'm not a mason or anything like that, but in NYC there is a mixture of old skyscrapers built with steel skeletons (like the Empire State Building) and more modern ones with rebar reinforce poured concrete skeletons. Some of these buildings are more than 50 stories tall. If there is a leak hidden behind the fancy interior design work, am I right in assuming that the metal rebar expansion and concrete cracking will also happen in these buildings? They might use special concrete but I'm not sure whether it will prevent water penetration for 100 years. Imagine you buy a condominium on the 40th floor, and several structural columns are compromised. The whole building would have to be evacuated for safety in case of collapse.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks , I agree , it's only a matter of time, mike

[@johntorres1805]

Hi Mike new subscriber here!! I just had cement slab poured and they used fiber just like that bag u showed us.so I will see if it cracks or it last I’ll keep u posted!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, it helps, Mike

[@74stevedc]

I agree with you on the rebar and wire, we post a video pouring a floor no wire you get the comments. We post a video of no rebar in a wall same thing. People think if you put rebar in a wall it won't crack it's just not true. If you don't put wire mesh in the floor same thing it will crack. Concrete will crack because it shrinks during hydration a 100' wall shrinks 3/8 so it will crack probably 3 times in that distance could be more. The rebar is just a threaded rod holding the crack on both sides together until water gets in and moisture and oxygen cause rust there is the cycle. Same with the floors.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks steve, I agree, mike

[@Dimrain13]

Take a drink every time he says concrete.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dimrain, Mike

[@texhow1]

In the UK it was found that a lot of the concrete Cancer was caused by the Rapid Hardening Additives that were added during the mixing process,the reason being the two that we used were acids, they were CCS, Calcium Cloride Solution, another type was Hydrol which we were told was Hydracluric Acid , after this concrete cancer was diagnosed we had to sign our names to our order if we wanted any additives in the mixes.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Terence, I hear you, thanks Mike

[@eleventeenmachine5991]

Having been a truck mechanic I can attest to my hatred of shredded fiberglass in a floor. Spend a day working under a truck or piece of machinery. Your arms will be full of it. Every time you reach for something on the floor or have to crawl under a low spot where you can't roll under with a creeper puts more and more in your skin. Ahhh the good old days... I just wish they polished concrete floors back when I spent my days laying on them. Anyway, thank you again for a well put together and thought out video.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, I appreciate it, mike

[@rafaelparedes9189]

great video mr mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Rafael, Mike

[@user-mn4nu9dp4i]

Great video. I got criticized for using fiberglass rebar on one of my own jobs even though we know steel fails. About 15 years ago I poured a set of 8 steps and used a piece of galvanized cyclone fence for reinforcing. Not a crack so far, our climate is the same as yours.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Karl, Mike

[@danstuder2064]

Thanks Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dan, Mike

[@TexSupport]

What I wouldn't give for an old school artisan like you here in south Texas.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bud, Mike

[@georgespaloss5895]

Hey Mike I’m a retired mason in Jersey,I agree with you 100 per cent about re-bar. I did a lot of commercial work and amount of steel re-bars the drawings required were ridiculous,and I thought the same way you do, because I’ve taken old jobs apart too, There is no need for it, you know as I do concrete is only as strong as what is under it,and if you pour it thick enough and expand it properly it will not crack nearly as much if it had steel re-bars in it. I did get a chance to work with solid fiberglass and it’s lighter,you have cut every bar you need to with a saw that makes fiberglass dust that you breath and itch,I would use a rod cutter(you know like a 4’ bolt cutter mounted on a 2”x8”) no dust,no noise,portable and electricity needed! But you can’t cut or bend the fiberglass because the ends shatter or get frayed. Also you can’t bend thru corners on footings. Sorry for the book here,Geo in Jersey

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks for the input Geo. Mike

[@lincolnmaniac]

Sure wish i could get you down to Berks county to help me with the stucco on my foundation. i got estimates and everyone wants to use wire mesh. they won't do the job without!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi, I don't know what to say, every Mason had their own techniques, mikr

[@davidothus191]

ty. you have answered a question I have had for quite some time about ways to mitigate the cracking caused by metal rusting in concrete. Any thoughts on a possible spray foam / rubber covering the wire before placing it?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi David, I know the highway people come up with new stuff every year, trying to stop it, I don't know what the answer is, next house I buy will have wheels on it, lol, Mike

[@lorendjones]

Great perspective. Sadly, common sense is not so common anymore. Thanks for the insights.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Loren, Mike

[@alforliniteaching5670]

Very informative.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks al, Mike

[@mauricerichard3611]

Mike just love all the information you share. Q - Would plastic rods work like carbon fibre, they are flexible and strong and won't rot ? Been following you for years !!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Maurice, I dont know I did that with the birdbath but it seemed a bit week, Mike

[@stonebody]

Wow this video was an eye opener. Thanks Mike Can plastic mesh be used be used instead in a garage 5” slab in RI?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Douglas, I can't say what to use, buti show what I use on my concrete.sidewalk or concrete slab videos, thanks Mike

[@harleyjune1233]

trained as architect and structural engineer and we learn new things everyday, see things that scratch the head - and KISS technique is awesome, we use to joke in school about the LARS design method - (Looks about Right) - but caveat in the MHSOCS - not using rebar or welded wire for fully support concrete not suspended is a big ticket item to right if the substructure is not fully prepared correctly - (concrete is no good in tension) and for masonry support and horizontal reinforcement - to keep the brick stone from falling over - either a true masonry wall with a big base like they did in catherdrals then no rebar- old school (awesome amounts of stone work in those still standing no steel reinforced structures ) but veneers need something to "Tie them back if gaining any real height - and we use always take into consideration the environment when having to design concrete structures - epoxy coated rebar, post tension coated cables - things that help retard erosion - but yup. concrete cracks - we tell all our clients - anyone saying different is not being truthful - great video school session -

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks harley, i appreciate the comment, mike

[@Piterworkshop]

In the end I am left with the doubt. I have already put rebar in the foundation of my house and was thinking of putting it in the concrete belt joists between floors and under the roof. I am making the house of stone and concrete. I just need him to last 40 years, then I'll be dead and I don't care (hahahah) Thank you very much for your videos and greetings from Spain.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Piter, Mike

[@pingpong9656]

I love the concrete sidewalks in Canada - I really did not like the UK paver sidewalks, because they settle and become tripping hazards over time. You only notice this when you live somewhere long enough.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ping Pong, Mike

[@elmersmolnisky9814]

Loved your rebar and rust video. Rebar only temporarily solves the problem. Job security for thr bridge repair profession. Question: I would like to build an insulated slab on grade home with in floor heat. Would 6" fiber mesh concrete or 4" concrete with pink rebar work the best on top of Owens Corning R15 XPS in Custer, SD? I also am going to use 8" thermal studs (t studs) for walls and have ground mount solar panels for trying to be energy efficient. At 72 years of age I have one last chance to do it right ! I used a water heater 20 years ago to heat a gypcrete floor in a sunroom remodel project and let it run wild keeping the floor about 82° with the house stat controlling the rest ($350 water heater boiler vs a $3000 boiler). My wife suggested putting the radiant supply tubes in the middle of the floor with the returns near the outside walls. Great idea, worked well with less heat loss due to the cooler temps neat the outside walls. She said we sit in the middle of theroom not near the outside walls. Being a retired eng, I know she is smarter than me! Thanks for the informing videos. Elmer

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Elmer, I can't say on that, but thanks for asking, Mike

[@preppernaut4094]

I was about to waste time and money putting iron in an 8 x 8, 2 foot tall stoop (cabin in the woods, no permit needed). Thanks for the common sense!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@charlesviner1565]

I worked on a waffle grid parking area under the Modern Woodmen building in Rock Island,Illinois. Rebar rusted,concrete fell and damaged cars.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Charles, mike