Rebar, short for reinforcing bar, can break when bending due to several reasons related to its material properties, handling, and bending process:
Material Quality: The quality and grade of the rebar play a significant role. Lower-grade rebar or rebar with impurities may have inconsistent strength properties, making it more prone to breaking during bending.
Brittleness: Rebar can become brittle due to improper handling, storage, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Brittle rebar is more likely to crack or break when subjected to bending forces.
Improper Bending Techniques: Bending rebar requires skill and the use of appropriate tools. If the bending radius is too tight or if excessive force is applied during bending, it can exceed the rebar's yield strength, causing it to fracture.
Pre-existing Defects: Any defects in the rebar, such as microcracks or voids, can act as stress concentrators during bending. These defects can propagate and lead to sudden failure.
Fatigue: Repeated bending or bending after previous stress (such as bending and straightening) can induce fatigue in the rebar. Fatigue weakens the material over time and can eventually lead to failure during subsequent bending operations.
Corrosion: If rebar is corroded, its cross-sectional area and strength can be reduced. Corrosion weakens the rebar and makes it more susceptible to breakage during bending.
Incorrect Handling: Mishandling during transportation or storage can lead to physical damage or bending of the rebar beyond its elastic limit, weakening it and making it prone to breakage during subsequent bending attempts.