What kind of materials does rebar usually reinforce?

Rebar, or reinforcing bar, is primarily used to reinforce concrete structures. Concrete, while strong in compression, can be relatively weak in tension. By embedding rebar within concrete, the tensile strength of the concrete is significantly enhanced. This combination allows structures like bridges, buildings, and roads to withstand various forces and stresses, thus providing durability and stability.

When it comes to the other materials mentioned, rebar is not typically used with wood, brick, or glass. Wood is generally reinforced through different methods such as using metal brackets or other types of fasteners. Brick can exhibit sufficient compressive strength on its own and does not require rebar for support in standard construction applications. Glass, being a brittle material, is not suited for reinforcement with rebar either, as it behaves very differently under stress compared to concrete.