By evolving with the demands of the construction sector to provide safer buildings, strengthened steel bars have played a major role in the rise of the construction industry. From the 19th century on, the use of steel bars as reinforcement began. Increasing demands have led to the development of technologies that have refined steel reinforced bars used for building structures.
The processed steel bars of the TMT is one such innovation. In the construction field, TMT steel bars that provided greater tensile strength and optimum ductility to withstand the forces of nature quickly became the most preferred reinforcement material. In accordance with the tensile strength the grades can deliver, various grades are available for TMT reinforced steel, namely Fe 415, Fe 500, Fe 550, Fe 600.
Handling Significance of TMT
To prevent any compromise in the construction of TMT steel bars, reinforced bars must be handled and stored with caution. For its efficiency, proper handling of the TMT bars is essential. TMT Re-bar handling at building sites involves various operations, namely unloading, hoisting, stacking, cutting, bending, manufacturing, welding, etc.
Since TMT steel rebar plays a key role in maintaining the building’s structural integrity and durability, all of these operations must be properly maintained at the construction site. The proper use of these operations is very important in order to maintain the quality of TMT steel. Generally, steel is sensitive to moisture and dust from water. Read More
Therefore, if the rebars are handled carelessly, there is a high likelihood that the steel may come into direct contact with either or both of them. Although TMT bars have corrosion resistance, the storage and handling of TMT bars should be managed to minimize their long-term exposure to natural elements in exposed conditions.
Classifications for storage of TMT bars
TMT reinforced steel bars are normally transported by trucks as batches to the construction sites. Following certain methods for handling and storage, time and effort will be saved and the reinforced steel will be 100 percent efficient.
- The area where the rebars must be unloaded must be free of moisture and dust whenever the rebars are ordered. Use timber beds at the time of unloading, too, to avoid contact with dirt and water. The reinforced bars will be protected from moisture by covering the steel rebars with polythene sheets. A covered shed may, alternatively, be used.
- Maintain the stockpiles in order and separately store them for easy identification according to their sizes and lengths. Optimize the stacking height for the reinforced bars. The higher the stacking height, the more load bars on the lower layers will have to endure.
- Ribs on the surface of the rebar may be damaged by excessive load, which in turn reduces tensile strength. Before stacking, coating the reinforced steel with cement wash prevents scaling and rusting. If the bars are stored for a long period of time, stack them at least 150 mm above ground level.