When starting a construction project, it is important to select the best TMT bar because it is a crucial component in the construction of buildings and other important commercial & private structures.
TMT bars come in a variety of grades, but the grades FE 500 and FE 500D are the most frequently suggested TMT steel bars for civil projects like homes, offices, etc.
In order to avoid making any compromises while constructing a property of importance for you, it is important to classify the fundamental differences between the two grades and select the best one out of the two. We have kept you sorted,
What is meant by FE 500 & FE 500 D?
The primary purpose of reinforcement steel bars is to carry out Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) construction. Grades are assigned to reinforcement steel bars based on the range of yield strengths that they can resist.
These are found in different grades like FE 420, FE 500, FE 550, etc.
In FE 500, FE denotes the chemical symbol of iron, and the digit 500 represents the yield strength of the bar which is responsible to provide better elongation to the steel bars. Similarly in FE 500 D, FE stands for iron, 500 represents the yield strength and the symbol D stands for ductility.
FE 500 & FE 500 D: What is the difference?
Even though the same metallurgical technique and iron are used to make both FE 500 and FE 500 D grade TMT bars, there are some notable variances in their chemical and mechanical compositions.
The below table summarizes the chemical, and mechanical properties of FE 500 & FE 500 D.

FE 500 & FE 500 D: Which is better?
The fundamental distinction between Fe 500 and Fe 500 D is the change of their chemical composition. Fe 500 has a higher concentration of components like carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus. Fe 500D is more flexible and is able to sustain stress in the event of temperature changes and unfavourable weather conditions thanks to its lower carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus content. For regions that are more prone to earthquakes, Fe 500D TMT bars are advised for construction purposes.
Due to the higher concentration of these elements, Fe 500 steel bars are relatively brittle and may shatter in the event of temperature changes, such as being too hot or cold. Thus, Fe 500 is less suitable for high seismic zones. Also, FE 500 D is more ductile than that of FE 500, ductility supports and provides more flexibility & strength to the structures.
The above-mentioned factors suggest that FE 500 D TMT bars are a better choice for construction over FE 500 TMT bars. For better quality, earthquake prone and durable TMT steel bars, always go for choosing TMT steel bars from Bansal TMT Sariya.