Advantages of Reinforced Steel
Steel is iron that has had carbon and other alloys added to enhance its properties. This material is commonly used in construction because of its durability, and it is often used to reinforce other structures, such as concrete. In this application, it is called rebar. Steel has many advantages that make it common in construction.
Other People Are Reading
-
Reinforcing Concrete
-
Reinforced concrete is essential when producing concrete structures, since plain concrete slabs will crack. Building owners must pay to fix joints and cracks. Many building owners have to remove the plain concrete and replace it with reinforced concrete or put more concrete over the cracks to repair them. Reinforced steel prevents these problems.
Corrosion Resistance
-
Stainless steel reinforcing bars are resistant to corrosion. In environments that are subjected to high levels of corrosion, oxygen and chloride penetrate into concrete and contact the reinforcing bar. This can weaken steel bars and cause them to fail, leading to structures needing to be repaired or replaced before they collapse. Corroded bars also lead to cracks and splintering. These conditions cannot be avoided when salty water splashes onto concrete, seeps within and contacts the steel. But, alloys and coatings can make the reinforced steel more resistant to corrosion. While stainless steel reduces maintenance costs, it has higher initial construction costs. The much longer lifespan of the reinforced stainless steel bars makes them more cost-effective overall.
-
Strength
-
Steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any building material, so engineers can use it to keep buildings sturdy without adding too much weight to the structure. Steel is highly resistant to many natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Steel not only resists fires, but also does not contribute to the fuel of the fire, unlike wooden structures that burn and keep the fire going. Steel must be produced in a way that strictly follows national standards for material quality, so builders can expect consistency.
No Rotting
-
Steel does not rot, as with organic materials. Therefore, it does not crack. It also does not twist or warp when exposed to moisture. Since it’s inorganic, bacteria and other organisms will not consume it.
Environmentally Friendly
-
The production of steel does not produce as much waste as that of wood materials. Steel is a cost-effective material and builders can erect structures quickly with it. Steel is recyclable, making it better for the environment.
-
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
