With reinforced concrete made from steel establishing a standard component of almost all construction projects, building construction has experienced a revolution. It is one of the most widely used structural materials for building works. Because of the astounding robustness and durability that steel and concrete provide, structures can endure pressure and last for many years.
What is Steel Reinforced Concrete?
To withstand large loads during building projects, steel-reinforced concrete combines the tensile strength of steel with the compressive strength of concrete. It is frequently utilised in footings, foundation walls, columns, and foundations. It can be used in high-traffic areas like carport flooring and driveways. It is particularly useful for large shed flooring where more support is required.
During the pouring process, the steel reinforcement, usually in the form of steel mesh or rebar, is embedded in the concrete. By strengthening the concrete overall and preventing significant cracks from forming, this reinforcement helps keep the mixture together. Steel reinforcement improves the structural stability of buildings and other structures by enabling the development of longer, thinner cantilevered structures and less supported slabs.
Types of Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete is an integrated part of cement and steel that works together to manage both tensile and compressive forces. The following types of reinforced concrete are available for use in construction:
Rebars
The reinforcing bar is shortened to “rebar.” This mild steel bar is available in several thicknesses, including 3/8 inch (10 mm thick) and 1/2 inch (12 mm thick). Rebar, such as ribbed rebar, is frequently made to improve grip.
Welded Wire Mesh
In construction, welded wire mesh is frequently utilised. It is a flat, grid-like sheet made of steel wires that have been welded together at right angles. In fact, the usual wire thickness is about 4 mm, though this can change based on the structural needs. Typically, the grid pattern measures 150 mm by 150 mm.
Reinforcement Coil
Concrete constructions can benefit from the additional strength and support that a reinforcement coil, also known as a rebar coil, offers. Constructed from premium steel, its ribbed or deformed surface enhances adherence to the surrounding concrete, increasing the construction’s solidity and longevity.
Application of steel-reinforced concrete
Concrete slabs, foundation walls, bridges, and high-rise buildings are made using steel-reinforced concrete. In the contemporary modern construction industry, this type of composite material is widely used for its robust structural integrity, flexibility, and capacity to bend according to the project requirements. This composite material is essential for the development of infrastructure due to its unique properties that serve a variety of construction needs.
Advantages of Steel-reinforced Concrete
- Reinforced concrete has a strong compressive and tensile strength because of the steel and concrete mix. They resist both tensile stresses and improve the solidity of the structure. Reinforced concrete is therefore thought to be more resilient.
- It is reasonably resistant to weather and fire.
- Concrete contractors can use less concrete and still have a sturdy and supported concrete slab because steel reinforcement can strengthen thinner concrete slabs.
- The time and manpower expenses associated with supplying, transporting, mixing, and pouring concrete are reduced when less concrete is used.
- Additionally, steel is a reasonably priced material that is less expensive than some of the other reinforcement possibilities, such as stainless steel and aluminium bronze.
Disadvantages of Steel-reinforced Concrete
- Steel reinforcement might save developers money up front, but they tend to ignore the long-term requirements of maintenance, replacement, and repairs.
- Iron, the primary component of steel, is prone to rust. Corrosion is therefore still a significant drawback of employing steel-reinforced concrete.
- In concrete structures, this corrosion is hard to detect. However, it weakens concrete’s endurance, resulting in a lifespan of only 50 to 100 years, with degeneration beginning as early as 10 years.
- Because of this reduced lifespan, it is costly to restore deteriorating buildings, bridges, highways, and other infrastructure.
- The price of repairing and reconstructing steel-reinforced concrete buildings is quite high compared to traditional building structures.
How does Steel-reinforced Concrete Work?
Structures that can be made of steel-reinforced concrete can withstand both compressive and tensile forces. If both materials are used separately, they won’t support the structure by bearing the different types of stresses. Concrete’s high compressive strength withstands compression, and steel can resist tension. When they are combined, they form a robust composite structure that can bear both stresses effectively.
Concrete firmly adheres to the steel reinforcement as it solidifies, forming a monolithic (one cohesive) structure. Due to these relationships, both materials will deform (or strain) at the same rate when forces are applied, allowing them to function as a single unit. Because of the ability to distribute and withstand stresses more efficiently than either material could on its own, the finished structure’s structural integrity and longevity are enhanced by this homogeneous deformation.
For a variety of construction applications, reinforced concrete is extremely effective due to the interaction between concrete and steel, particularly in buildings, bridges, and other load-bearing structures.
Process of Reinforcing Concrete with Steel
Steel Preparation: Steel is ordered according to the structure’s engineering specifications.
Frame Assembly: The steel reinforcement frame, which will serve as the wall’s main reinforcement, is put together by steel fixers using technical plans.
Formwork Setup: To create a mold of the wall, shuttering carpenters secure treated plywood around the steel frame. To keep it from moving under the weight of the concrete, they reinforce it with struts and fasten it with bolts.
Pouring and Finishing Concrete: After the concrete is poured into the mould, finishers smooth it down to create a level surface. Because concrete is caustic, protective equipment (PPE) is necessary.
Formwork Removal and Final Touches: After the concrete has dried, the plyboard is pulled down, the bolts are extracted, and any visible steel is cut. Finishers for concrete fill in bolt holes.
What are the Differences Between Structural Steel and Reinforced Concrete?
The usage of structural steel and reinforced concrete in the construction industry is indispensable. The common differences that always go for debate are as follows:
| S.No | Features | Structural Steel | Reinforced Concrete |
| 1 | Material | High or mild carbon steel, and steel rebars are its main composition. | Soil, cement, water, and gravel. Reinforced steel is added to strengthen the structure. |
| 2 | Strength | For structural steel, the range of values is 400–500MPa. | It can achieve compression strengths of up to 415 MPa for reinforced concrete but only up to 70 MPa for unreinforced concrete. |
| 3 | Cost-effectiveness | Although using structural steel might reduce the need for maintenance and repairs, it can be costly. | For small-scale applications, reinforced concrete might be a more affordable option. |
| 4 | Availability | Readily available and recyclable material. | Applies the same to structural steel. They are also readily available. |
| 5 | Fire-resistance | Negatively impacted by high temperatures. | Negatively impacted by high temperatures. |
Conclusion
The application of steel reinforcement signifies its importance in the construction industry. For creating resilient and long-lasting structures, steel and concrete are combined as a composite material that withstands the test of time. It is a preferred choice of many builders for its distinctive properties that support constructing many structures. It is anticipated that steel reinforcement will transform research and technology progress, bringing with it fresh advancements that will influence infrastructure and building practices in the future.
FAQ’s
It can efficiently support large loads by combining the tensile strength of steel with the compressive strength of concrete. Steel reinforcement in concrete supports structures like footings, foundation walls, and columns, making it ideal.
The installation process of steel-reinforced concrete may include high costs and skilled labourers. It is considered a major disadvantage because it requires specific equipment and training. The total cost may rise due to the intricacy of the procedure and the equipment needed.
The actual lifespan of steel-reinforced concrete is only 50-100 years.