Feasibility of Cold Rolling Technology for Rebar
Introduction
Rebar is ubiquitous in our lives as it forms the structural building block for many of the infrastructures around us.Steel rebar, or reinforcements bars, are concrete reinforcements used in construction that are used primarily for tension and compression in reinforced concrete and masonry structures for bridges, parking structures, foundations, dwellings, and other structures.Making materials stronger and more durable is essential to practically any structure and is the reason why rebar is so important.
Currently, most rebar manufacturing plants across the world use hot rolling technology to produce rebar.This involves heating the steel and then passing it through rollers to reduce its gauge.This technique is energy intensive, requires large amounts of heating fuel, and results in the creation of a lot of emissions.Also, due to the need for high temperatures, the mechanical properties of the rebar that is produced can be compromised.The reduction in the Rebars mechanical properties can decrease its integrity and make the construction of the reinforced concrete or masonry structure less safe and stable.
Cold rolling as an Alternative
Cold rolling technology presents an alternative to the traditional hot rolling process.In cold rolling, the steel bars are passed between rollers at ambient temperature which is much lower than the temperatures used in hot rolling.This process greatly reduces the amount of energy and fuel required, decreasing the associated energy costs, time, and emissions.With this process, the mechanical properties of the rebar are maintained and, in some cases, enhanced making the reinforced structures that much sturdier and more reliable.
Technical and Economic Analysis
In order to assess the feasibility of utilizing cold rolling technology for rebar production, a detailed technical and economic analysis was conducted. Through data collected from existing rebar plants and other sources, the additional resources required for the cold rolling process were determined (namely the cost of additional rollers and associated maintenance, cooling equipment, and larger buildings).These costs were compared to the savings that cold rolling technology would confer such as reduced energy costs, fewer emissions, and a lower total cost for the facilities due to not needing ovens.Additionally, a survey was conducted to assess the current market for cold rolled rebar, the opinions of the feasibility of this technology from some previous and potential customers, and the consumer demand for cold rolled rebar.
The data collected and analyzed revealed that replacing hot rolling technology with cold rolling technology for rebar production is economically and technically feasible.The reduced energy costs and pollution associated with cold rolling make it a preferable choice over hot rolling and the feedback from customers indicates a positive view towards cold rolled rebar.The only major obstacle that stands in the way of this technology being more widely adopted is the significant upfront costs associated with erecting the necessary infrastructure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cold rolling technology appears to be a viable alternative to hot rolling technology for the production of steel rebar. The process requires significantly less energy and can result in a better quality of product in terms of mechanical properties. Additionally, the decreased emissions from the process make it better for the environment.However, the upfront costs associated with the introduction of cold rolling technology for rebar production needs to be considered as well. It is these costs that may impede the wider adoption of this technology even though it does show promise.
