[masklinn]

Yes, alternate forms of rebar work. You can also coat rebar with epoxy, or use stainless steel.

The two core issues are cost, and limited understanding of the long-term properties of the material (as well as experience e.g. epoxy-coated rebar needs to be handled carefully lest you scratch off the epoxy).

FWIW the Practical Engineering channel has an entire series on concrete which covers (the basics of) this and more: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTZM4MrZKfW90PdaBFt70...

[fbdab103]

>... e.g. epoxy-coated rebar needs to be handled carefully lest you scratch off the epoxy).

That sounds impractical at scale. Whenever I pass by construction I see the materials haphazardly strewn about. How could you possibly ensure that all of the rebar used is never scratched when it has to pass through dozens/hundreds of hands before it is finally set?

[datavirtue]

I've always noticed it carefully packed and stacked on site. The epoxy coated rebar is usually formed and connected into structures that are placed/suspended in the forms or roadway. The epoxy is also very durable.