Before knowing the best steel bar for construction, do you know why steel is needed for construction?

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Be it a personal house, commercial building or any other infrastructure building, they would not have the same strength, durability, flexibility and safety without steel.

Generally, TMT steel bars are considered the best steel bars for building constructions. From warehouses to skyscrapers, TMT steel bars are common in all types of projects. So, let’s look at why TMT steel bar is the best choice for house construction in India and also look at other types of steel used in various projects.

Which is the best steel for construction?

TMT or Thermo mechanically treated bars are usually the 1st choice when choosing steel for construction.

Thermo mechanically treated bars are quite strong and highly elastic(ability to withstand tension) which makes them suitable for almost all types of construction. The manufacturing process used in TMT steel bars gives them high-yield strength and makes them corrosion-resistant which is suitable for buildings built in seismic zones or any high-rise structures.

What are the steel types used for construction?

Apart from TMT bars, the other best steel for construction are:

1. Stainless steel(or Alloy steel) – This type of steel is highly resistant to corrosion which makes it quite suitable for projects. This not only provides strength to construction buildings but also provides durability and aesthetic appeal.
2. Mild Steel bars- Also, known as low-carbon steel, mild steel is more ductile, weldable and malleable compared to other steel types. Therefore, this type of steel is used in projects where a lot of customisations are included.
3. Steel Rebars – Large surface deformations on steel rebars make it most suitable for reinforced concrete structures as they form a better grip with concrete.
4. TMX Steel – More weldable and ductile than TMT bar, TMX steel has more visible rib patterns, higher elongation capacity and fire resistance.

Different types of construction projects need different types of steel based on their environment, structural strength required, load capacity, etc. Thus, using the best-suited steel for your specific projects will not only result in structural integrity and strength but also the durability of the structure with time.

Why are TMT bars the best steel for house construction?

TMT bars are one of the best steel for construction in India. But, why is the TMT steel bar preferred over other types of steel used for house construction?

To answer this question, we need to know about the mechanical properties and values associated with TMT steel bars, that make it the first choice for house construction.

Mechanical properties and features of TMT steel bars

TMT steel bars show high strength due to distinct physical and mechanical properties which makes them one of the most demanded steel for house construction.

Properties of TMT bars:

• Yield strength – (415 – 600 MPa) – TMT bar can withstand high loads without deforming from its original shape.
• Tensile Strength – (540 – 650 MPa) – Withstand pull forces, thereby improving stability
• Elongation – (12% – 20%) – Provides flexibility, improving performance in seismic conditions.
• Bendability – (Excellent) – Allows customisation of complex shapes and sizes.
• Resistance to corrosion(High) – It is suitable for harsh corrosive environments, even in coastal conditions.
• Thermal resistance – (Up to 600°C) – TMT bar is suitable for resisting high temperatures and fire accidents.
• Bond Strength – (Superior) – TMT steel rod bonds allow high cohesion with concrete making it more suitable for house construction.

We’ve got our answer to why the TMT bar is the best choice for house construction, especially for house construction activities in earthquake-prone zones and coastal regions.

Now, let’s understand the manufacturing process for TMT bars which result in these unique properties.

TMT Bars steel manufacturing

The manufacturing of TMT steel bars can be divided into the following steps –

1. Raw Material Selection → 2. Billet Formation → 3. Reheating → 4. Hot Rolling → 5. Controlled Quenching → 6. Self-Tempering → 7. Atmospheric Cooling → 8. Cutting and Quality Testing

1. Raw Material Selection – A suitable raw material(iron ore) is selected to produce Billets which is the primary raw material for TMT bars.
2. Billet Formation – Raw materials are melted in a blast furnace to form molten steel which is then poured into moulds to form billets.
3. Reheating – Billets are heated to an optimal temperature of °C before rolling
4. Hot Rolling – Heated billets are passed through rolling sections and gradually resize the billet into steel bars of the desired TMT bar thickness.
5. Controlled Quenching – The hot rolled bars are quenched(spraying water) in a controlled manner to rapidly cool the outer surface of the bars while keeping the core hot. This results in a hardened outer layer and a ductile core offering high strength and flexibility.
6. Self-Tempering – The heat from the core tempers the outer layer resulting in a hardened martensite shell around a soft ferrite-pearlite core.
7. Atmospheric Cooling – The bars are then left to cool at room temperature, stabilising the microstructural changes.
8. Cutting and Quality Testing – The final bars are then cut to desired lengths and subject to severe quality tests to ensure they meet the required mechanical and chemical properties.

This manufacturing process for TMT bars results in these unique properties which makes it suitable for house construction.

Why TMT bars are suitable for house construction(Reinforced concrete structures?

Now that you know why TMT bars are best suited for house construction, let’s move to the key benefits that make TMT bars the preferred choice for house construction.

1. High strength and load-bearing capacity – TMT bars can withstand heavy loads and structural stress without deformation due to the thermo mechanical treatment which they undergo. Therefore, they are commonly used in foundations, beams and columns of residential buildings.
2. Earthquake resistance – Due to the high ductility and elongation capacity of TMT bars, they can bend considerably under seismic forces. Their high flexibility helps in absorbing and dissipating the stress caused by earthquakes reducing failure in seismic-prones areas.
3. Corrosion resistant – The quenching process used to manufacture TMT bars forms a protective surface that resists rust and corrosion. This increases the longevity of structures in humid areas and coastal regions without the need for frequent maintenance.
4. Fire Resistance – Since TMT bars can withstand high temperatures of up to 600°C, their structural strength is not compromised in the event of fire accidents.
5. Ease of working & flexibility – High ductility of TMT bars, makes them highly bendable and customisable without affecting their strength.
6. Cost efficiency – Due to the high strength-to-weight ratio of TMT bars, less steel is needed to achieve the desired structural strength, thereby reducing overall material cost.
7. Consistency & quality control – TMT bars are manufactured in a controlled environment which ensures consistency in quality and properties across all bars.

The high strength, flexibility and resistance to environmental stresses make TMT bars the best steel for house construction. Therefore, structural buildings built using TMT bars are safer, more durable and highly capable of withstanding several structural challenges.

Which are the best TMT bars used for house construction?

Fe 415 and Fe 500 grades of TMT steel bars are considered the most best quality TMT steel for house construction. Their properties such as high elongation capacity, rust resistance and thermal stability make them suitable for RCC projects and projects being executed in seismic-prone zones or projects with exposure to atmospheric moisture.

1. Fe 415 TMT bars – As the name suggests, these TMT steel bars have a yield strength of 415 MPa best suited for low to moderate load-bearing structures. With high elongation(up to 20%) and ductility, they can be easily welded and bent as per the structural designs. This type of TMT steel bars are commonly used for small residential houses, low-rise apartments, etc.
2. Fe 500 TMT bars – With a yield strength of up to 500MPa, these TMT steel bars are stronger and have less elongation as compared to Fe 415 TMT steel bars. With good rust resistance and high load-bearing capacity, these TMT steel bars are commonly used for high-rise buildings, residential complexes and commercial structures with high strength requirements, especially in coastal areas.

How to choose the best steel for house construction?

TMT steel bars, mild steel and other steel types have different mechanical and chemical properties making them suitable for different types of home construction projects. So, you need to choose the best-suited steel for your house construction.

But how do you choose the best steel for house construction?

Here’s how:

1. Know the construction project requirements – Consider the type of structure that has to be built, be it a single-storey, multi-storey or high-rise building – different projects would require different steel types. E.g. – Steel with high corrosion resistance would be suitable for buildings constructed in coastal regions.
2. Choose the most suitable grade of steel – After considering the type of construction project, the grade of steel needs to be chosen whose properties match the steel required in that particular project. E.g. – Fe 415 and Fe 500 can be used for the construction of residential buildings, Fe 415 should be used for higher ductility requirements and Fe 500 for higher strength requirements.
3. Check corrosion and rust resistance capacity – If the construction project is being executed in coastal areas or regions with high atmospheric moisture, the steel chosen should be highly resistant to these adverse conditions. E.g. – TMT steel bars with high rust resistance or galvanized steel are commonly used for gates and fencing structures.
4. Evaluate flexibility and ductility – For construction projects that involve lots of bending and welding activities, steel bars with high ductility should be considered.
5. Verify steel quality and other recommendations – When working with commercial projects, the steel being used needs to fulfil the quality requirements(IS code for steel) and other recommendations as per the proposed project plans.
6. Check the steel weight & size – The correct steel size and weight ensures proper load distribution and avoids over/under-ordering. This will not only impact the structure’s integrity but also the transportation, installation and cost of these steel bars.
7. Consider long-term sustainability – Try to measure your ROI over initial vs long-term costs while choosing the right steel for home construction. This may incur high costs in the beginning but will ensure low maintenance and repair costs in the long term.
8. Consider expert guidance – Discuss with structural engineers, architects and other experts involved to determine the most suitable steel needed for your construction projects. These experts can help you choose the right steel based on project requirements, budget limitations and other factors.

Prices for best steel for house construction

Knowing the prices for the types of steel available for house construction helps in estimating the overall cost of construction projects.

Here is a table displaying the price per kg of different types of steel used in construction.

Steel Type Price per kg (approx.) Price per tonne (approx.) TMT Bars ₹48 – ₹65 ₹48,000 – ₹65,000 Mild Steel Bars ₹35 – ₹50 ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 Stainless Steel (304) ₹250 – ₹350 ₹250,000 – ₹350,000 Structural Steel ₹75 – ₹90 ₹75,000 – ₹90,000 Cold Rolled Steel ₹45 – ₹60 ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 Steel Rebars ₹37 – ₹52 ₹37,000 – ₹52,000 Reinforcement Bars ₹39 – ₹54 ₹39,000 – ₹54,000 Steel Coils ₹42 – ₹57 ₹42,000 – ₹57,000 Steel Angles ₹44 – ₹59 ₹44,000 – ₹59,000 Steel Channels ₹43 – ₹58 ₹43,000 – ₹58,000 Steel Sheets ₹50 – ₹65 ₹50,000 – ₹65,000 Steel Roofing Sheets ₹60 – ₹75 ₹60,000 – ₹75,000

*The prices mentioned are approximate and may fluctuate based on several factors such as grade, size, location, supplier or other factors. Additional costs such as GST, freight, packaging and other relevant costs are not included. Check with your steel supplier for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing.

Steel Formwork – The Comprehensive FAQ Guide

Steel formwork, in case you aren’t familiar, is one of the few types of formwork that is considered the most common because of how it’s structured and because they are used in most projects and in the majority of construction work.

We here at Total Contec offer steel formwork, as well as a few other types and to help you in identifying whether steel formwork is the type you need or not, here are the most commonly asked questions and concerns raised by people about it.

What is Steel Formwork?

Figure 1 – An image of what steel formwork looks like

The company is the world’s best Steel Concrete Formwork Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

From its term alone, steel formwork is one of the many different types of formwork that makes use of steel. To be more accurate, steel formwork utilizes medium to large-sized steel plates that are coupled and fused together using bars – also commonly referred to as falsework.

Imagine a temporary mold of a building or a structure that’s made out of steel? That’s something else – you might as well just use it! Moreover, steel is an excellent choice because it does not bend, warp, get deformed, and break easily, especially during the curing process.

What Are the Different Types of Formwork?

Figure 2 – Timber Beam Formwork, one of the most common types of formwork structures

Out of all the different types and categories of formwork in the industry, there are a few that standout because of the frequency of usage. To help you with it, here are the different types of formwork you can choose from for your construction project:

• Timber Formwork
• Steel Formwork
• Aluminum Formwork
• Plastic Formwork
• Fiberglass Formwork

NOTE: These formworks are almost always similar to one another. Differences that they have often revolve around the materials used – for timber formwork, timber (strengthened wood is used) whereas for steel (galvanized or reinforced steel is what’s used), etc.

How Do You Select Formworks To Use?

Figure 3 – Choose your formworks by how strong, durable, and long-lasting they are

Selecting or choosing the type of formwork to use does not necessarily need you to be an expert about it. In fact, your choices can simply depend on how you want the formwork to function – how you want it to flow through.

We can offer little help, and that is by making sure that the quality of the formwork you will be getting is on point. So, here are a few key considerations you can make in choosing or selecting a formwork you can take advantage of:

1. Finalize the type of material you want to use. There are instances where concrete is good, but there are situations where using aluminum will be extremely better.
2. Check the overall cost of the project. Would the formwork you’re planning to get fit the budget properly?
3. Assess and deliberate on the strength, durability, and overall sturdiness of the formwork.
4. Identify the timeline and the length of the project.
5. How safe would the formwork be? Check and assess the safety and security of the formwork.

These are among the top considerations you can have when it comes to your steel formwork.

What Are the Differences Between Steel Formwork and Aluminum Formwork

Figure 4 – An example of what an aluminum formwork component looks like

The most common misconception people have with steel formwork is that they confuse it with aluminum formwork, when, in fact, they are two (2) completely different materials and types of formwork.

To help you with it completely, though, here’s how they are different:

Steel formwork is a category of formwork where still is used, while aluminum formwork is the type of formwork where aluminum is used. Both are great products and types of aluminum, but they have different usages.

Steel is great for big building and construction projects, and the main advantage it has over aluminum formwork is its reusability. It can be reused multiple times in similar structures. It’s conventional, used by many businesses, and the steel is stronger, more rigid, and more durable than aluminum.

Aluminum, on the other hand, is a category of formwork where it’s strong and durable, too, Compared to steel formwork, aluminum formwork is lighter in weight, which means it is extremely easier to carry and transport. It’s also less durable and weaker than steel. Overall, due to these circumstances, aluminum formwork is cheaper and more affordable than steel formwork.

What Are the Advantages of Steel Formwork?

Some of the most known advantages and pros of steel formwork include:

• They’re durable and strong to the extent that they wouldn’t be worn out and taken down easily
• Steel is sturdy and would not tip over by light to medium winds
• The surface finish is smooth
• Highly reusable
• It can be fixed, moved, removed, and changed

These advantages are what make up the entirety of why steel formwork is commonly used and purchased. But if you think it’s all rainbows and butterflies, think again!

What Are the Disadvantages of Steel Formwork?

A few of the disadvantages and cons of steel formwork include the following:

• The shapes and sizes you can purchase them for are limited
• The loss of heat is excessive
• They’re heavier and more difficult to carry and transport
• The extreme smoothness can give problems when it’s time for finishing

These are some of the considerations you need to factor in when choosing steel formwork. By now, you should know that not all steel formwork are made equally.

Is Steel Formwork Stronger Than Cement Formwork?

Figure 5 – Workers setting up concrete formwork

Yes, steel formwork is stronger, a lot more durable, and extremely longer-lasting than cement formwork. The simple fact that they’re steel is more than enough to say that they are stronger and will be better performing than cement formwork.

Where Can You Get High-Quality Steel Formwork?

If you’re on the market and you’re trying to look for superior quality steel formwork, Total Contec is the key! For 12+ years of dominating the market, we have produced many different types of steel formwork that provided assistance to various construction projects like buildings, residential, commercial, and even industrial infrastructure.

All our experts here at Total Contec have produced some of the world’s most significant and most important types of formwork wherever you are, and whatever business you might be in!

Other than steel formwork, Total Contec is also known in the industry because of high-quality frame scaffolding, steel planks and ladders, aluminum scaffolding, construction tools and safety equipment, and many more!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Combined Flat Formwork. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.