Steel bar, also known as reinforcement steel, is an essential material used in construction that provides durability and strength to concrete structures. They come in several shapes, grades, and sizes. They are used to resist ductile force, which concrete alone cannot withstand.
Steel bars are placed in a grid-like manner throughout the structure, which provides support and resistance to cracking, bending, and breaking. They are long, solid metal rods made from alloy or carbon steel. They are also used in manufacturing tools, machinery, and equipment, as well as bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure projects.
Here are the types of steel bars used in construction:
Mild Steel Bar
This type of steel bar is smooth and flat, with no raised ridges, and can range from 6 mm to 50 mm in diameter. Hooks are needed at the ends of the bars as they are unable to form a solid connection with the concrete.
This is a budget-friendly option for those who want to keep the costs low. They have low carbon content and are known for their ductility and ability to weld, which makes them an easy and suitable option. Moreover, they are also used in the automotive industry and are used for various parts of vehicle bodies.
Carbon Steel Bar
Carbon steel bars are primarily made of iron and carbon, which are mainly influenced by carbon content. They come in different shapes, like round, flat, hexagonal, and square, with various grades based on their chemical composition and carbon content. Their properties include strength, durability, and hardness, which increase with the carbon content.
They are typically used as reinforcement in concrete, general construction, structural support, agriculture, and the automotive industry. Known for their strength, affordability, and flexibility, they are good for thermal conductivity, which means that they can withstand heat well. This is because carbon steel has a lower melting point than the other types of steel. They are also resistant to the corrosive effects of chemicals and moisture, making them ideal for construction projects that require strong materials.
Thermo Mechanically Treated Bar (TMT)
TMT is a type of reinforcement steel bar that involves subjecting the steel bars to a series of thermal and mechanical treatments to work towards their durability and strength. This type of steel bar is hot-rolled first during its production process, which is immediately followed by a rapid cooling process, known as quenching. This process involves passing the steel bars through cooling mediums, such as water, which causes the outer surface to cool down and harden rapidly while the inner core remains malleable and hot.
This type of steel bar is preferred over traditional steel bars as they have high strength, are corrosion-resistant, and are malleable and earthquake-resistant. This is because after quenching, the bars are hung out to cool in the open air, which allows the inner core to cool slowly and gradually. The most common uses of TMT bar include buildings, bridges, dams, and other structures where durability and high strength are crucial.
Twisted Steel Bar
Twisted and deformed steel bars have ridges and deformations on their surface, which provide better bonding between the bar and the concrete. They come in several shapes and sizes, and they are made from high-quality steel and designed especially for construction work. The twisted shape also works to increase the tensile strength of the steel, making it more resistant to breaking or bending under pressure.
To Sum It Up
Steel bars are the most crucial element when it comes to construction. Hence, it is so important to choose the right type of steel bar. They are supposed to withstand high tensile force, heavy loads, and stresses. Contact Fort Bend Steel Supply and get gold-standard steel for your construction. You can also call them at (281) 499-5800.