Some vital points about reinforced concrete

As a material reinforced concrete is extensively used in buildings where steel bars are included to fortify the reinforced concrete. Given below, seven important factors about reinforced concrete :-

Definition of Reinforced concrete: Reinforced concrete is generally formed by integrating concrete and steel bars (as reinforcing materials).

In reinforced concrete, the compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel are amalgamated and functioned as a whole unit.

If compressive loads are concerned then, it is not necessary to arrange reinforcement.

There is possibility for concrete to collapse under tension zone very easily, as the tensile strength of concrete is very low. So, steel is implanted into the concrete to facilitate the concrete bearing compressive load and tensile load at the same time.

Steel is very effective for Reinforced concrete: Ductility- Steel is one of the best instances of ductile material and it can endure large deformation devoid of any failure.

Co-efficient of thermal expansion- Coefficient of thermal expansion of steel and concrete is equivalent approximately, therefore, alteration in length regarding temperature is almost similar for concrete and steel. In this way, a strong bond among steel and concrete is created.

Availability- Steel is accessible easily since it is formed all through the globe.

Sustainability- It is considered as the superior sustainable building material because it can be reprocessed repeatedly.

Young's modulus- Young's modulus of steel is similar for tensions and compression which makes sure that the pulling and pushing load will produce similar amount of change in length.

The most common types of reinforcement utilized in RCC

a. Mild steel
b. Deformed steel

Why double Reinforced beam is used in place of single Reinforced beam?

It is required to arrange reinforcement only in the tension zone for single reinforced beam.

But, in some cases, if the depth of beam is restrained, it is found that arranging reinforcement in tension zone is inadequate to withstand the total bending moment.

Then, reinforcement should also be arranged in the compression zone, which develops itself a double reinforced beam.

Benefits of Reinforced concrete:

• Since both steel and concrete are amalgamated to form reinforced concrete, it contains extreme compressive strength and tensile strength all together.
• Long lasting
• Extended life span
• Maintenance cost is fewer
• Required materials can be accessed
• fire and climate resistant

Why a minimum clear-cover is required for Reinforced concrete?

Some guidelines are provided about minimum clear cover with adherence to IS456 code

It is primarily arranged to safeguard the reinforcement from climate effects.

Besides it is essential to make Reinforced concrete fire proof since it is known that steel can produce combust because high in temperature(fire).

So, if there is not a minimum clear cover, then it becomes simpler for steel to combust.

What are the substitutes of steel in reinforced concrete?

Steel is considered as the conventional material in reinforced concrete. The purpose of steel is to extend the life span of structure and it provides extra safety to the structure.

But, there are good alternatives of the conventional steel.

The Most crucial one is Fibre,other one is bamboo.

Given below, some popular types of fibre in recent times:

• Carbon fibre
• Asbestos fibre
• Polypropylene fibre
• Natural fibre

But, still there are some restrictions for fibre to be used as reinforcing material in concrete.