CONST MTRLS & TESTING: METALS

courtesy of the Balance

Metals are one material in construction which gives more strength to the concrete. As concrete is strong in compression yet weak in tension, metals help with their high tensile strength.


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courtesy of the Balance

There are different kinds of metals with the various specification of structures. In terms of reinforcing steel bars, RSB, there are also numerous grades offered according to the design used. The most commonly used grades are grade 40 (grade 270) and grade 75 (grade 415); however, commercial grade is also available at grade 33 (grade 230). Grades of steel bars are designated colors in the manufacturing plants. These colors are also combined for those bars which are weldable. Non-weldable bars use one color on both ends.

Rebar diameters also vary from plain rebars of 6 and 8mm diameters commonly used for glassblocks laying and other minor construction work. 10mm to 12mm deformed rebars are used for stirrups and lateral ties and also for slab reinforcement. The bigger sizes from 16mm to 25mm diameters are more used on load bearing structures. Special diameters starting 28mm to 50mm are used for high strength designs.