Grades and Types of Steel
For standard building purpose, two types of steel such as the mild and deformed steel bars are utilized. The mild steel bars used in reinforced cement concrete structures are plain in surface and round in cross-section. While the deformed ones have ribs or deformations on their surface. Occasionally, certain cracks might be formed in the reinforced cement concrete around mild steel bars. This is due to the bars stretch and reduce the bond with concrete. The projected deformations of the deformed bars prevent this issue and enhance the bond with concrete.
You can also read about reinforced concrete structure to know about reinforced.
Additionally, steel bars of grades Fe 415 and Fe 500 are utilized for construction purposes. The amount of the grade signifies the yield stress. Steel bars can be found in various ranges of diameter from 6mm to 50mm. On the other hand, those having diameter from 6mm to 20mm are used for home construction.
Verifying the quality of steel on site
The quality of steel employed for reinforcement work is dependent upon its tensile strength, weight and elongation. Furthermore, the chemical components for instance carbon, manganese, sulphure and phosphorus content have an effect on the quality. Numerous laboratory tests are conducted to confirm the quality of steel prior to supplying. Even so, it's hard to learn all these things for common people. For that reason, ask your builder to make sure that they are tested before you buy them. Top quality steel bars ought to be free from surface flaws and cracks. The ought to not have rough, jagged and imperfect edges.
An easy test known as bend test conducted on site can asses the quality steel. Once you bend the steel rod to make an angle of 90 to 135 degrees and then bend it back straight, there must be no cracks on it. When the original shape is retained once it's straightened, you are able to make sure that it's of the best quality.
Things to consider while buying steel
Remember to check the following points whenever you buying steel bars:
- Ensure the presence of the BIS certification mark.
- Get information of the quality of steel.
- Buy from the reputed suppliers or manufacturers. Additionally, check for the trademark on every bar.
- Ensure that same sized rods get without any errors.
It's on your part to make sure that the best quality steel rods are used for grills, windows reinforcement work and others. Keep in mind, any deviations in the specifications of the steel might weaken the structure of your building.