B500B vs CA-50 (Brazil): Reinforcing Steel Standards Compared
A technical side-by-side of EN 10080 B500B (German/EU) and CA-50 (Brazilian ABNT NBR 7480) reinforcing steel — yield, ductility, chemistry, weldability, and export documentation for global project procurement.
Why Compare B500B and CA-50?
Brazil’s CA-50 is the dominant reinforcing steel grade used throughout Latin America, specified under ABNT NBR 7480. For international contractors working across both European-aligned and Brazilian markets — or for Brazilian buyers evaluating German/EU-standard rebar for quality, documentation, or import reasons — understanding the technical comparison between CA-50 and EN 10080 B500B is a practical necessity.
Both grades target 500 MPa yield strength, but they differ in ductility requirements, acceptance testing regimes, CE conformity obligations, and documentation traceability. This page provides a factual reference comparison. It does not constitute formal cross-certification: any substitution in a regulated project must be reviewed by a qualified structural engineer and approved by the relevant project authority.
Standard Overviews
ABNT NBR 7480 — CA-50
CA-50 is defined under Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7480:2013, “Steel for the reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures.” The “CA” prefix denotes “Corrugado Armadura” (deformed reinforcement bar), and “50” represents the characteristic yield strength of 500 MPa. CA-50 is classified as a high-ductility grade with requirements for strain hardening and elongation. It is the standard grade for structural reinforced concrete in Brazil and most of Latin America, covering diameters from 6.3 mm to 40 mm in hot-rolled ribbed form.
EN 10080 / DIN 488 — B500B
B500B is the European high-ductility reinforcing steel grade under EN 10080, implemented nationally in Germany as DIN 488. It requires a characteristic yield strength fyk ≥ 500 MPa, k = ft/fy ≥ 1.08, and Agt ≥ 5.0 %. CE marking, Declaration of Performance, and EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates are required for sale into EU construction. B500B is specified wherever Eurocode 2 Class B ductility is required.
B500B vs CA-50 — Key Parameters Compared
Minimum requirements unless stated otherwise. For reference and comparability only.
| Parameter | EN 10080 B500B (DIN 488) | ABNT NBR 7480 CA-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Characteristic yield strength fyk | 500 MPa min | 500 MPa min |
| Tensile strength ft | 540 MPa min (typical) | ≥ 540 MPa |
| Strain hardening ratio k = ft/fy | ≥ 1.08 | ≥ 1.08 |
| Total elongation at max force Agt | ≥ 5.0 % | ≥ 8.0 % (A10 ≥ 8 %) |
| Ductility class (Eurocode 2) | Class B | Not classified (different design code) |
| Carbon equivalent weldability | ≤ 0.50 Ceq | Controlled per NBR 7480 |
| CE Marking / DoP | Required for EU market | Not applicable |
| Conformity attestation | EN 10204 3.1 MTC + third-party | INMETRO conformity mark |
| Diameter range | 6–40 mm | 6.3–40 mm |
| Design code reference | Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1) | ABNT NBR 6118 |
Key Differences: Ductility and Elongation
One notable difference between the two standards is the elongation test method. EN 10080 B500B specifies Agt (total elongation at maximum force) ≥ 5.0 %, measured in the gauge length including the neck. ABNT NBR 7480 CA-50 specifies A10 (elongation after fracture over a 10-diameter gauge length) ≥ 8.0 %. These are different measurement methods, and direct numeric comparison requires care — A10 and Agt are not the same quantity. In general, both standards target high-ductility performance suitable for seismic and structural applications under their respective design codes.
Chemistry and Weldability
Both EN 10080/DIN 488 B500B and ABNT NBR 7480 CA-50 impose controlled chemistry to ensure weldability. German B500B produced under DIN 488 maintains Ceq ≤ 0.50, fully compatible with DIN EN ISO 17660 structural welding of reinforcement. Brazilian CA-50 also restricts carbon equivalents, but the method and limits follow NBR 7480 annexes. For weld-critical connections in international projects, the EN 10204 3.1 MTC from a German mill provides heat-by-heat chemical analysis for engineer review, giving the highest traceability confidence.
Documentation and Export Package
When sourcing B500B from Steel Rebar Germany for export, each shipment includes:
- EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate — individual heat chemistry and mechanical results
- CE Marking / Declaration of Performance — EN 10080 conformity confirmed
- Certificate of Origin — German origin, chamber-issued
- Packing list & weight certificate — seaworthy bundles ~2 t, container-ready
This package satisfies project QA requirements in most international markets and facilitates customs clearance for rebar imports. Learn more about our export process.
Explore Further
Steel Grades Overview
Full mechanical and chemical spec for B500A, B500B, and B500C — the EU reinforcing steel ductility ladder.
View grades →Standards & Certification
DIN 488, EN 10080, Eurocode 2, CE marking, Mill Test Certificate — explained for global procurement.
Learn more →Export to South America
Container and break-bulk shipping, documentation, and lead times for B500B rebar export to Brazilian and Latin American ports.
Request a quote →Frequently Asked Questions
Is CA-50 equivalent to EN 10080 B500B?
Can German B500B rebar be imported into Brazil?
Why does the elongation value differ between B500B and CA-50?
What Mill Test Certificate does German B500B carry?
What diameters and lengths can be exported?
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