Do I have to use rebar when pouring a 10X12 concrete pad?
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Hog wire works well as a subsitute but some rebar to hold it slightly elevated so that it's placed within the slab.
depending on where you live rebar is a good choice. I poured a 16x35 yard already about 4 inches deep without it but in NE Pa, the weather is so extreme that the concrete cracked without the structural integrity of the metal. You don't need the thick rebar...they make rolls of it that can be cut to size. Home depot will help you even more.
YES
Re bar or wire mesh is always a good idea, if you don't want to fuss with them have your concrete fiber entrained and that will replace your steel
shouldnt have to use rebar but it might be a good idea if you use a wire mesh. Kind of depending what you are going to do with the pad.
If it is a thin pad, (est 4" thick) although not necessary with this size (10x12) of a pad, you might want to consider putting in a contraction joint to help control cracks.
Get some wire concrete mesh comes in rolls 4-6 ft and different lengths . Roll out flat over lap 6 " and pour. If this is out side you will want some expansion joints . Cut then in while pouring or saw them in after. I just expansion strip for inside to .
If you are parking on it you can put a row (4-6 in form edge) of rebar alone edge that will be driven on to help keep from cracking Good luck
I wouldn't use rebar for a pad that small, unless the pad will have footings. Don't know what you're putting on it. Fiberglass fibers will replace remesh, but not rebar.
If the pad is on anything other than undisturbed ground, I'd suggest using the rebar or concrete wire. From past experience, I'd stay away from fiber reinforcement - we have troubles with shrinkage, poor surface finish, and if the pad does crack the fiber will not stop it from shifting as rebar and/or wire will.
If this pad is to be a patio where you might be walking on without shoes definitely do not use fiber. Again, we have been required to use this in a patio and the home owners were not satisfied because of the "hairs" of the fiberglass that were all over the surface. We ended up applying an epoxy coating over the pad to make it a smoother finish. But that is just our experience - some other contractors will swear by the stuff just not us.
One last thing, if the concrete is going to crack, it will crack nothing you put in the pad will stop it. The wire and rebar are there to keep the pad from shifting and breaking apart. An old Italian craftsman once told the man I have worked with that the only way to keep concrete from cracking is to NOT add water and I believe he was right.
I hope that this helps to answer your question. Good luck with your project.
No. You can use a steal matting made for that use. Or even chicken wire. If your slab will not be holding anything heavy like a car. Talk with you local lumber or building materials dealer. Like Menard's, Lows. Etc.. And good luck.
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