Abstract: A high mechanical strength reinforcement, hot rolled steel, in particular, rebar suitable for construction in areas prone to seismic activity, comprising iron, at most 0.4 weight percent carbon, at most about 0.4 weight percent vanadium and/or niobium, at most about 1.6 weight percent of manganese, at most about 0.5 weight percent of silicon, and the usual residual elements of scrap steel. A method of reinforcing a dwelling from damage resulting from seismic activity, the method comprising providing, as a component of the dwelling, at least one high strength, hot rolled steel rebar with high mechanical strength which meets the requirements of construction, in particular, rebar suitable for construction in areas prone to seismic activity, comprising iron, at most 0.4 weight percent carbon, at most about 0.4 weight percent vanadium and/or niobium, at most about 1.6 weight percent of manganese, at most about 0.5 weight percent of silicon, and the usual residual elements of scrap steel.