Steel reinforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring both strength and safety in concrete structures. Under the European standard EN 10080, several grades of reinforcement steel exist to meet different construction needs. Among them, Rebar B420B stands out as a widely used grade in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This is because it offers a combination of cost efficiency, balanced strength, and reliable performance.
With a yield strength of 420 MPa, Rebar B420B provides the ideal compromise between safety and affordability. Consequently, it has become the preferred option for general-purpose projects. In this article, we will examine its specifications, production process, applications, advantages, and market demand.
Rebar B420B is a hot-rolled, deformed steel bar manufactured under EN 10080 / Eurocode standards.
Grade: B420B
Yield Strength (fy): 420 MPa
Tensile Strength (fu): 500–600 MPa
Ductility Class: B (medium ductility)
Surface: Ribbed (deformed) for strong bonding with concrete
The “B” in B420B refers to ductility class B. This class ensures enough flexibility for bending and cutting. However, it provides lower ductility compared to Class C rebars such as B420C or B500C. Therefore, it is mostly used in non-seismic or low-risk regions, where extreme ductility is not mandatory.
Standard: EN 10080 / Eurocode 2
Yield Strength (fy): 420 MPa
Tensile Strength (fu): ≥ 500 MPa
Elongation at Break: 14–16%
Available Diameters: Ø8 mm – Ø40 mm
Lengths: 6 m, 12 m, or cut-to-length
Surface: Deformed with helical or transverse ribs
Delivery Form: Straight bars or coils
Unit Weight per 12 m Bar (examples):
Ø12 mm → 10.7 kg
Ø16 mm → 19.0 kg
Ø20 mm → 29.6 kg
Ø25 mm → 46.3 kg
Ø32 mm → 75.0 kg
As a result, these specifications make Rebar B420B highly suitable for residential, commercial, and light civil construction.
The production of B420B rebar follows a step-by-step process that guarantees quality:
Steel Billets: Produced via continuous casting.
Reheating: Billets are heated to ~1100 °C.
Hot Rolling: Passed through rolling mills to reach desired diameters.
Ribbing: Ribs are pressed into the surface for better bonding.
Cooling: Controlled cooling ensures the required balance of strength and ductility.
Cutting & Bundling: Bars are cut into standard lengths and tied in bundles.
Consequently, the final product meets Eurocode requirements and delivers consistent performance.
Because of its balance of strength, ductility, and cost, B420B is used in many general-purpose construction projects. For example, it is applied in:
Residential and mid-rise commercial buildings
Slabs, beams, and foundations in non-seismic areas
Roads, pavements, and light civil engineering structures
Small bridges, retaining walls, and water tanks
In addition, B420B is often selected in regions where Class B ductility is accepted by building codes. As a result, it is a common choice in price-sensitive projects.
Cost-Effective: Cheaper than B420C and B500C, yet strong enough for most projects.
Good Workability: Easier to bend and cut compared to higher-strength grades.
Wide Availability: Produced by most European and Turkish steel mills.
Reliable Performance: Complies with Eurocode standards for everyday use.
Moreover, its versatility makes it a practical option for contractors who need both affordability and consistent quality.
Lower Ductility: Not suitable for earthquake-prone regions requiring Class C rebars.
Restricted for Mega Projects: High-rise towers and critical infrastructure usually demand B500C or B420C.
Corrosion Risk: Requires protective coatings in coastal or humid environments.
On the other hand, for general construction projects in moderate-risk regions, these limitations are not critical.
The global demand for Rebar B420B is rising, particularly in developing regions.
Europe: Widely used in moderate-risk countries.
Turkey & Middle East: Produced in large volumes for both local and export markets.
Africa & Asia: Gaining popularity as a lower-cost alternative to B420C.
In fact, most buyers are contractors, distributors, and construction firms that focus on residential and commercial projects. Consequently, the trade in B420B remains stable and continues to expand.
Bundles: 1–2 MT tied with steel straps
Markings: Heat number, size, grade (B420B), and mill logo
Delivery Terms: EXW, FOB, CFR depending on the customer’s request
HS Code: 7214.20 (reinforcement steel bars and rods)
Rebar B420B is an affordable, reliable, and widely available reinforcement steel designed for general construction needs. With its 420 MPa yield strength and compliance with European standards, it ensures consistent quality for residential, commercial, and light infrastructure projects.
Although it is not recommended for seismic zones or mega structures, its economic value and strong availability make it one of the most popular reinforcement choices worldwide. Therefore, for buyers seeking to balance price, flexibility, and performance, Rebar B420B remains an excellent solution.
Rebar B420B is a European standard reinforcing steel with a minimum yield strength of 420 MPa and ductility class B. It is mainly used for residential and commercial projects in non-seismic regions.
The “B” refers to the ductility class of the steel. Class B means medium ductility, making it easier to bend and fabricate, but less suitable for earthquake-prone areas compared to Class C rebars such as B420C or B500C.
B420B: 420 MPa yield, ductility class B (medium).
B420C: 420 MPa yield, ductility class C (high, suitable for seismic zones).
In short: both have the same strength, but B420C is safer for earthquake-prone projects.
B420B is used in:
Residential buildings up to mid-rise
Commercial complexes in non-seismic zones
Slabs, beams, and foundations for light structures
Roads, retaining walls, and water tanks
Typical diameters: Ø8 mm – Ø40 mm
Standard lengths: 6m & 12m, with custom cut-to-length and coils available.