Why re-bars are not used in sidewalks?

Re-bars are typically not used in sidewalks because sidewalks are designed to be flexible and accommodate slight movements due to temperature changes and ground settling. The rigidity of re-bar can lead to cracking if the concrete shifts or expands. Instead, sidewalks often use wire mesh or no reinforcement at all, which allows for better performance under typical loads and conditions. Additionally, the cost and complexity of using re-bar in such applications often outweigh the benefits.