I'm thinking of integrating rebar into a short grape trellis as horizontal supports for the vines to climb on. Is there anywhere I can get the deflection/load information for rebar spans? As currently planned the spans will be 10ft and the rebar I have access to is 1/2in. Will that diameter rebar span 10ft under some load without serious/fatal deflection?
(I realize this isn't the intended use of rebar, but It seemed like a potential alternative to horizontal beams, and its a little more vine friendly)
Best Answer
If you are using re-bar I would go with a #6 (3/4"). Anything less will deflect too much. Buy it from a local concrete supply yard or metal service center. If it were me I would use cable and run it across, like Andrew suggested with wire. This way you can increase the tension in the future without worrying about the vines.