Hollow bar for temperature control and reinforcement of concrete elements and structures

A supporting member, comprising:

• a concrete substrate;
• and
• at least a first bar disposed within the concrete substrate, the first bar having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced apart from the first end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first end defines a channel longitudinally extending from the first end to the second end,
• wherein the first bar has a cross-sectional area as measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and
• wherein the cross-sectional area is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area requirement of a solid bar disposed within the concrete substrate under:
• (i) Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-22);
• (ii) 2018 International Building Code, Chapter 16, Structural Design;
• or (iii) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (9th ed. 2020).

A hollow rebar member, comprising:

• an outer surface configured to be embedded within a concrete substrate;
• and
• a channel defining a longitudinal axis,
• wherein the hollow rebar member defines a cross-sectional area as measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and
• wherein the cross-sectional area is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area requirement of a solid bar disposed within the concrete substrate under:
• (i) Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-22);
• (ii) 2018 International Building Code, Chapter 16, Structural Design;
• or (iii) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (9th ed. 2020).