BSt 500 S Reinforcing Steel
BSt 500 S rebar is the classic German designation for high-ductility reinforcing steel with 500 MPa yield strength — the forerunner of today’s B500B under the harmonised EN 10080 / DIN 488 framework. Still encountered in specifications referencing older German standards.
What Is BSt 500 S?
BSt 500 S — literally Betonstahl (reinforcing steel), 500 MPa yield, ribbed (S = Stab, bar) — is the traditional German grade designation used under the earlier editions of DIN 488 before full harmonisation with the European standard EN 10080. It represents the same performance class as today’s B500B: high ductility, 500 MPa minimum yield, and hot-rolled ribbed bars.
Mechanically, BSt 500 S required: characteristic yield fyk ≥ 500 MPa, tensile-to-yield ratio k ≥ 1.08, and minimum elongation comparable to EN 10080 Class B requirements. These values map directly to the B500B specification in the current harmonised standard.
BSt 500 S in Modern Practice
With Germany’s full adoption of EN 10080 and the revised DIN 488, the designation BSt 500 S has been superseded by B500B in new project specifications. However, BSt 500 S continues to appear in:
- Legacy contracts and drawings produced before harmonisation, particularly for infrastructure maintenance and refurbishment projects.
- International specifications drafted by engineers referencing older German standards handbooks.
- Import documentation checks where destination-country customs or structural engineers ask for “German rebar” using historical terminology.
When a specification calls for BSt 500 S, supplying B500B per DIN 488 / EN 10080 with an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate is the correct approach — subject to confirmation with the engineer of record. See the full standards and certification page for cross-references.
BSt 500 S vs B500B: A Direct Comparison
How the legacy German designation maps to the current harmonised European grade.
| Property | BSt 500 S (legacy DIN 488) | B500B (current DIN 488 / EN 10080) |
|---|---|---|
| Characteristic yield fyk | ≥ 500 MPa | ≥ 500 MPa |
| Tensile/yield ratio k | ≥ 1.08 | ≥ 1.08 |
| Uniform elongation Agt | ≥ 5.0 % (effectively) | ≥ 5.0 % |
| Ductility class (Eurocode 2) | B (high) — equivalent | B (high) |
| Surface | Ribbed (deformed) | Ribbed (deformed) |
| Weldability | Yes | Yes (DIN EN ISO 17660) |
| Inspection document | DIN 50049 2.2/3.1 (old) | EN 10204 3.1 |
| Current status | Superseded designation | Active harmonised grade |
Related Products & Standards
B500B Reinforcing Steel
The current harmonised equivalent of BSt 500 S — hot-rolled ribbed bar, high ductility, the general-purpose workhorse for all structural concrete applications.
Explore B500B →Standards & Certification
Full overview of DIN 488, EN 10080, Eurocode 2 and how German-standard rebar meets international procurement and inspection requirements.
View standards →Steel Grades Overview
Side-by-side comparison of B500A, B500B, B500C and BSt 500 S — mechanical properties, ductility classes and typical applications.
Compare grades →Frequently Asked Questions — BSt 500 S
Is BSt 500 S still manufactured and available?
What is the difference between BSt 500 S and BSt 500 M?
My project specification says BSt 500 S — what do I supply?
Does BSt 500 S satisfy Eurocode 2 requirements?
Can Steel Rebar Germany supply with documentation referencing BSt 500 S?
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