Steel Reinforcement
Steel is one of the most common materials used to strengthen structures and support buildings. It is also one of the strongest materials which is why it is used in the construction industry. Steel reinforcement is the process of reinforcing a structure with steel elements to provide additional strength and support for the structure to increase its load-bearing capacity and longevity.
The most commonly used type of steel reinforcement is commonly known as rebar, or deformed steel bar. Rebar is steel with an uneven surface which increases its bond strength when embedded in concrete. It also has a ribbed surface which increases its surface area and friction grip with concrete and other materials. It is the most used type of steel reinforcement in the construction industry.
Another type of steel reinforcement is plain steel bars, which can be used in the place of rebar. Plain steel bars are steel bars with smooth surfaces and no ribbed projections. Their lack of protruding workability makes them more aesthetically pleasing and easier to cut. They are also more resistant to corrosion and wear than rebar. However, due to their lack of texturing, they provide less lateral strength to structures compared to rebar. Therefore, plain steel bars are not commonly used to reinforce structures.
Steel reinforcement is typically used to strengthen structures such as bridges, buildings, and retaining walls. It is embedded in concrete where it offers its increased strength, load bearing capacity and other advantages such as long-term durability. Steel reinforcement is also preferred in the construction of earthquake-proof structures as it is not prone to buckling and offers greater flexibility than other materials. As steel reinforcement increases the strength of structures, it is often used alongside other materials for greater structural strength and stability.
In addition to steel reinforcement, there are also other materials that can be used for reinforcing structures such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). This material is composed of a resin matrix reinforced with fibers to provide increased strength. FRP is increasingly being used to reduce weight and cost of structures, but it is not as strong as steel reinforcement and is not suitable for high-strength requirements.
Steel reinforcement is an important component of all construction projects, providing the extra strength and stability that is needed to ensure the safety and longevity of structures. It is, therefore, important to select the appropriate type of steel reinforcement to ensure the safety of a structure and its occupants, taking into account its load bearing capacity, cost, and aesthetics.
