REINFORCED CONCRETE CONTRACTORS

As a reliable and professional reinforced concrete contractor, you can count on us to construct your reinforced concrete formwork exactly when you need it.

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REINFORCED CONCRETE FOUNDATION LONDON

Professional Reinforce Concrete Contractors

What is Reinforced Concrete - Reinforced concrete (RC) is a composite material comprising concrete and reinforcing steel (bars and mesh). The reinforcing steel, or rebar, is embedded in the concrete, allowing the two materials to work together in resisting applied forces. This type of reinforcement is commonly referred to as conventional or regular reinforcement.

Reinforce Concrete Contractors is a premier reinforced concrete contractor with over a decade of unparalleled experience delivering complex concrete structures for customers in London and the home counties. Our expertise in designing and constructing RC sub and superstructure frames is unrivaled. We undertake the most challenging concrete development projects with unparalleled expertise.

Our team of RC experts delivers full-service assistance, offering a comprehensive range of services, including reinforced concrete frame construction, precision-crafted concrete flooring, and robust support structures with meticulous ground preparations.

Furthermore, we possess extensive experience in delivering a comprehensive range of concrete finishes, from the most basic as-struck to the most intricate and architecturally patterned concrete. RCC is the clear choice for any complex concrete project, with a proven track record of excellence and uncompromising quality.

Our frame division provides unrivaled expertise and dependable services in all aspects of reinforced concrete frame construction. Clients can rely on our value engineering, design, design development, reinforced concrete detailing, finishes, falsework, and formwork systems, including table forms, climbing cores, hybrid, and precast solutions, all executed by our in-house multi-disciplinary construction teams.

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Concrete Reinforcement and RC Frame Professionals

We are the premier choice for all your groundwork and concrete reinforcement needs in London and the home counties. As the leading groundworks company in London, we guarantee the highest professionalism and expertise in reinforced concrete construction. We approach each project with a comprehensive site inspection and survey, ensuring a detailed understanding of the requirements.

Our team of qualified groundworks and reinforced concrete contractors work closely with clients throughout the entire process to deliver durable, high-quality end-products. From initial ground investigations to the final finishing touches, we provide the most cost-effective and timely results, every time.

When it comes to groundworks and concrete reinforcement, we are the one-stop solution you can trust. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is unmatched in the industry.

Building for the Future

We rigorously manage all projects and maintain clear communication with clients and their stakeholders. Our goal is to be the contractor of choice across all sectors in which we operate. We are committed to being the best in our field.

Unrivalled Knowledge

We are committed to the management and implementation of safe working practices on-site. We have an enviable record for successfully undertaking complex and demanding projects.

Stress-free Process

We aim to remove all the stress and worry associated with reinforced concrete works, allowing our clients to focus on their core business.

Skilled and Experienced

We are experienced concrete contractors and work hard to meet high standards within the Uk construction industry.

Our expertise and experience equip us to safely deliver reinforced concrete sub-structures and superstructures in London and the home counties, on time and within budget.

WHAT IS REINFORCED CONCRETE?

Reinforced concrete is a superior building material in which steel is strategically embedded to work in tandem with the concrete, providing unparalleled strength and resilience. The reinforcing steel, whether in the form of rods, bars, or mesh, is designed to absorb the tensile, shear, and even compressive stresses that the concrete structure must withstand. This integration of materials creates a powerful and reliable construction solution, making reinforced concrete the preferred choice for a wide range of structural applications.

When do you need Reinforced Concrete?

Reinforced concrete is used in situations where regular concrete alone is not strong enough. Concrete is a strong and durable material, but it can have limitations in certain applications. Adding steel reinforcements, known as rebar or rebar mesh, to the concrete can significantly increase its strength and durability.

Reinforced concrete is widely used in a variety of structures around the world, as it provides the necessary strength and stability for many construction projects where regular concrete would not be sufficient. The steel reinforcements work together with the concrete to create a composite material that is much stronger and more resistant to various stresses and loads.

Why is Reinforced Concrete Important?

Concrete floor reinforcement is an absolute necessity in large-scale construction projects. This is because concrete has significantly weaker tensile strength despite its impressive compressive strength. As the covered area of an unreinforced concrete floor increases, the likelihood of cracking escalates dramatically.

Reinforced concrete floors employ steel bars or mesh to bolster the tensile strength of the concrete. The steel reinforcing bars or mesh are meticulously laid in advance, with the concrete then poured on top, solidifying around them. These steel reinforcing elements resolutely counter any tensile forces affecting the concrete, ensuring the structure remains sound and crack-free.

Concrete without reinforcements is inherently high in compressive strength but woefully weak in tension. On the other hand, steel possesses remarkable tensile strength, capable of withstanding immense lateral forces that would otherwise tear it apart. Combining the unyielding compressive might of concrete with the tensile resilience of steel creates a composite material of unparalleled strength and structural integrity: reinforced concrete.

Reinforced concrete is indispensable in applications where both superior compressive strength and tensile capacity are non-negotiable requirements, particularly in structures designed to withstand the devastating forces of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The enhanced compressive strength of reinforced concrete also ensures its properties endure for an extended duration, making it a crucial component in the construction of buildings and other structures that must remain secure and reliable for decades.

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How much does Reinforced Concrete Cost?

The price for a new installation of Reinforced Concrete is determined by a range of factors:

- The size of the area requiring work

- The age of the structure

- Any additional features required

- The ease of access to the area

- The condition of the current area

- And various other factors

Prices for Reinforced Concrete can vary significantly when these details are taken into account. The best approach is for us to conduct a free, no-obligation survey of your location. This will allow us to provide you with the most accurate and comprehensive price quote. We are confident in our ability to deliver a tailored solution that meets your specific needs. Our team of experts will work closely with you to ensure a seamless and efficient project completion.

What is Reinforced Concrete Best Suited For?

Reinforced concrete is the unrivaled choice for large-scale construction projects and the foundations of houses and similar buildings in domestic construction. Its exceptional qualities make it the superior material for a wide range of applications.

Large/Tall buildings rely on reinforced concrete for their floor, roof slabs, and beams. The material's strength, fire resistance, durability, and cost-effectiveness make it a clear preference over alternatives.

Bridges also benefit from the aesthetic and economic advantages of reinforced concrete, making it the preferred choice over steel.

The immense strength of reinforced concrete makes it the ideal material for roads with heavy traffic or high-duty applications, such as runways for aircraft and other heavy vehicles.

Reinforced concrete is the optimal solution for water-based structures, including wharfs, quay walls, caissons, and floating docks. It is also the go-to material for sewage pipes and dams.

Reinforced concrete is the foundation of choice, used in piles and rafts for the foundations of houses, bridges, and various types of buildings. Its versatility and reliability make it an indispensable component of modern construction.

Benefits of using Reinforced Concrete in Construction

Reinforced concrete is a superior construction material that combines the strengths of steel and concrete to create a structure that can withstand various stresses. Normal plain concrete may be able to handle compressive forces, but it falters when faced with tensile and shear stresses, such as those caused by wind, earthquakes, and vibrations. The steel embedded within the concrete reinforces it, making the overall structure far more robust and resilient. Here are some of the advantages of using reinforced concrete:

Strength - Reinforced concrete is an exceptional construction material with an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio. It can effortlessly support colossal loads, forming the foundations for floors, roofs, and towering structures. The immense strength of reinforced concrete can be tailored to specific needs by adjusting the mixture proportions and reinforcement methods. This versatility makes it an indispensable choice for a wide range of ambitious architectural and engineering projects.

Increased Longevity - Reinforced concrete flooring and frames are the superior choice for a wide range of development projects. It provides buildings with a robust foundation and structure, consistently delivering a longer service life with remarkably low maintenance requirements and, consequently, reduced conservation costs. Fundamentally, this construction method necessitates minimal repairs or replacements over an extended period, rendering it a more economical and sustainable option compared to regular concrete.

Fire and Weather Resistance - Reinforced concrete possesses exceptional weather and fire resistance. Concrete is inherently incapable of catching fire or burning. This material remains unaffected by weather conditions, including rainfall and snowfall.

High-Stress Environments - Reinforced concrete was designed to overcome the shortcomings of plain concrete, particularly in high-stress environments. Concrete is one of the most widely recognized construction materials, renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. However, the material on its own is susceptible to failure in high-stress environments, such as during earthquakes and tornadoes. The reinforcing properties of steel in concrete have made reinforced concrete a highly sought-after material in areas prone to natural disasters.

Flexibility - Reinforced concrete can be poured into forms, enabling the construction of virtually any desired shape. Curved facades, domes, vaults, and creative architectural forms are not merely possible, but achievable. Pre-casting allows for the mass production of components in a wide array of shapes, granting unparalleled design flexibility.

Low Maintenance - Reinforced concrete is a robust and long-lasting construction material that requires minimal maintenance. Once the design is in place and the concrete cures, you can depend on it to steadfastly withstand the test of time. This material is a reliable choice for any construction project, delivering unwavering structural integrity for decades to come.

Cost-effective - Reinforced concrete is the economical choice compared to structural steel. The materials are widely available and inexpensive, making it a cost-effective solution. The construction process is rapid, and it requires minimal maintenance, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. While it may necessitate forms and skilled labor, the advantages of reinforced concrete outweigh these requirements, making it the superior option for construction projects.

The use of reinforced concrete in construction is a clear choice due to its numerous benefits. It offers unparalleled strength and durability, allowing it to be utilized in various applications. Structures built with reinforced concrete can confidently withstand the most demanding conditions, making it an indispensable material for modern construction.

A Brief History on Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete is a revolutionary construction material that has transformed the building environment. In 1854, William Boutland Wilkinson patented the groundbreaking concept of incorporating iron rods within concrete, recognizing its potential to enhance the material's strength. However, it was French gardener Joseph Monier who truly pioneered the practical application of reinforced concrete, obtaining the first patent in 1867 and using it to create innovative pots, tubs, and basins.

In the late 19th century, the visionary French engineer Francois Hennebique spearheaded the use of reinforced concrete building construction, designing a groundbreaking commercial building in Brussels in 1892. Hennebique's designs rapidly spread across Europe and North America, fueling a revolution in architectural design.

Early 20th-century architects, such as the esteemed Perret and the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, enthusiastically embraced reinforced concrete as a fundamental component of modernist architecture. The material's flexibility allowed the construction of dramatic new forms, while its unpareleability and fireproofing abilities were highly valued.

Continuous innovations have further improved the strength, workability, and efficiency of reinforced concrete. Its usage flourished in the aftermath of World War II, playing a pivotal role in the reconstruction and development of nations around the globe. Today, reinforced concrete stands as one of the most ubiquitous and indispensable building materials, prized for its unrivaled versatility and uncompromising performance.

Types of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Elevated Slabs

Slabs are the backbone of buildings, bridges, and pavements. These horizontal plate-like elements effectively distribute loads across their surface area. One-way slabs carry in a single direction, supported on opposite sides. In contrast, two-way slabs allow loads to be carried in orthogonal directions, supported on all sides.

Slabs provide level and sturdy working surfaces, with their thickness resisting bending forces. They may be solid or include voids to reduce weight. Ribbed slab construction creates voided bays between solid ribs, offering additional support. Flat slabs, on the other hand, have no beams or girders, relying on column capitals for support.

While slabs require extensive formwork, they allow for flexibility in spatial layout, making them an essential component of construction. Designers and engineers must carefully consider the slab requirements to ensure the integrity and functionality of the structure.

Beams

Beams are the backbone of any structural system. As horizontal linear elements, they are designed to efficiently carry lateral loads over a span or opening, transferring these forces to the supporting posts, columns, or walls. Their role is critical in maintaining the structural integrity of a building, resisting the bending moments and shear that act upon them.

Reinforced concrete beams are the superior choice, capable of spanning far greater distances than their timber or steel counterparts. They can be simply supported at two points or continuous over multiple spans, providing a robust and versatile solution. When beams are framed into girders, the resulting structural system becomes incredibly strong and resilient.

Columns

Columns are the backbone of multi-story buildings, efficiently transferring immense loads from beams, trusses, and slabs down to the foundation. These compression members, available in square, rectangular, and round shapes, are the unsung heroes that support the weight of entire structures.

Concrete columns are commonly cast in place using formwork, but precast alternatives also exist. Tied columns, fortified with rebar hoops and spirals, offer superior ductility and confinement for the concrete. The use of larger bars at the ends further enhances load transfer, while eccentrically loaded columns leverage bending reinforcement to handle the additional stresses. Columns are the silent sentinels, silently and tirelessly upholding the safety and integrity of the buildings they support.

Foundations

Reinforced concrete is the ideal foundation solution. It provides a stable and reliable base for transferring loads from structures into the ground. Spread footings, pad foundations, pile caps, drilled shafts, grade beams, and ret walls – reinforced concrete is the superior choice for all of these foundation elements.

Footings distribute loads across soil or bedrock with unparalleled efficiency. Pads deliver unwavering support for columns or equipment. Pile caps seamlessly transfer loads from piles to columns. Drilled shafts, cast deep into soil or rock, offer unmatched structural integrity. Grade beams stabilize below-grade walls with unwavering strength.

Reinforced concrete is the definitive choice for strong, stiff foundation elements. Its superior performance and reliability are unmatched in the construction industry.

Slab on Grade

Slab on Grade (SOG) foundations are the superior choice for industrial construction projects. They offer unparalleled cost-effectiveness, durability, energy efficiency, and versatility, making them the go-to option for a wide range of industrial applications.

SOG foundations are built by pouring concrete directly the ground, eliminating the need for complex and costly underground structures. This design allows them to effortlessly withstand the immense weight of heavy industrial equipment and machinery, while also being resistant to settling and shifting. Slab on grade is the definitive choice for industrial construction projects that demand unwavering performance and long-lasting reliability.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are vertical or near-vertical structures built to decisively resist lateral soil or water pressure, preventing erosion and landslides on a slope. Gravity walls leverages their self-weight and slab action to resist pressure through friction and shear strength. Cantilever walls, clamped firmly at the base, utilize their toe to resolutely resist overturning forces. Counterfort walls feature intermittent vertical bracing at intermittent points. Reinforced concrete is the ideal material for creating durable, cost-effective retention structures.

How we ensure High-Quality Reinforced Concrete Installations?

Reinforced concrete is the backbone of modern construction within the UK. It is the most versatile and innovative building material of the past century, offering unparalleled strength, longevity, formability, and fire resistance. This synergistic material has revolutionized architectural and structural capabilities, enabling creative new forms, long spans, and towering heights.

Reinforced concrete is an indispensable construction material. While further refinements and sustainability improvements are needed, it provides the foundation for our essential infrastructure. Pioneering engineers and architects have recognized its immense potential, and as expert concrete contractors, RCC delivers the quality workmanship required for reinforced concrete installations.

Reinforced Concrete Contractors has been proud to provide concrete placement services for industrial facilities for over two decades. We specialize in challenging environments and delivering premium installations and repairs without disrupting our clients' operations.

Whether you require a small amount of concrete for a minor project or a large volume of up to 4,000 cubic yards for equipment foundations, our dedicated team works diligently to plan and prepare for every project. This allows us to offer top-quality concrete placement with technical accuracy and precision. Please feel free to contact our team of specialists and engineers, who will be delighted to discuss how we can be of service.

FAQ

How long does Reinforced Concrete take to set?

Reinforced Concrete or Concrete fortified with cement substitutes, like PFA, necessitates a more extended curing phase. This process typically lasts a week, and during this time, the concrete structure must remain unloaded to ensure proper hardening.

What is Reinforced Concrete used for?

Reinforced concrete is an indispensable material for large-scale construction projects. It is the backbone of bridges, dams, piers, tall buildings, and stadiums. Moreover, it is the foundation of choice for domestic constructions, providing unwavering support for the weight and forces exerted by everyday dwellings. Its remarkable compressive and tensile strength makes it an unparalleled choice for supporting the structures we rely on every day. Reinforced concrete is the unequivocal solution for the construction demands of the modern world.

Is Reinforced Concrete stronger than Concrete?

Concrete is inherently strong in compression but weak in tension. To overcome this limitation, reinforcement is employed to enhance the material's overall strength. The concrete component effectively resists compressive forces, while the reinforcement provides the necessary tensile strength. This strategic combination of materials delivers a robust and versatile construction solution.

Does Concrete as a Structural Component Need Reinforcement?

Concrete has inherent weaknesses, such as poor tensile strength and a tendency to develop cracks under load. However, it performs well under compressive stress. To address these limitations, reinforcement is typically used in concrete structures that experience significant loads, as it provides strength against tensile stress and helps prevent cracking. While reinforced concrete is stronger, some concrete elements in residential settings, such as driveways, garage floors, and steps, may not require reinforcement. In these cases, unreinforced concrete can be a suitable option.

Can I Add Reinforcement to Existing Concrete?

Reinforcement is typically added during the concrete pouring process. Reinforcing existing concrete structures is possible but complex, often requiring structural assessments and specialized techniques.

Does Reinforced Concrete Require Maintenance?

Reinforced concrete, while more durable, requires regular inspection for signs of wear or damage, particularly in environments prone to steel reinforcement corrosion. In contrast, fiber-reinforced concrete does not carry these risks, making it a more maintenance-free option.

When do I need to add Steel Reinforcement?

The need for steel mesh reinforcement is determined during the planning stage by the architect, engineer, or local authority. Alternatives, such as fiber concrete, may be used, depending on the specific project and local ground conditions. If steel reinforcement is required, it is important to notify the concrete supplier before placing the order, as this may impact the selection of specific ingredients in the concrete mix.

What are three common types of reinforcement used in concrete?

Concrete is commonly reinforced using various materials, with deformed steel bars being the most common. Other reinforcement options include steel welded wire fabric, fibers, and FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) bars.

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Steel Bars/Rebar

This is the most common form of concrete reinforcement and is used in a variety of applications from building foundations to motorway bridges.

Mesh

Wire mesh is commonly used in concrete slabs and other flat structures where controlling cracking caused by temperature changes or settling is the main concern. However, the bulky nature of mesh makes it challenging to transport, handle, and work with.

Fibre

Fibres from materials like glass, steel, or synthetic compounds can be added to concrete to provide reinforcement. This is particularly useful for applications such as concrete bases and driveways. While not as strong as traditional steel reinforcement mesh, this fibre reinforcement is still extremely strong enough for typical domestic and light commercial uses.

Testimonials

The team at Reinforced Concrete Contractors was amazing. They were efficient professional and on time. They helped speed up the project for us as we ran behind schedule. I will recommend them to everyone looking for an experienced concrete company.

Roger Sanders - Project Manager

From start to finish it was a good experience. I was given an estimate, all of my questions were answered and the work to be done was explained to me in detail. Alex is very knowledgeable, honest and straightforward. I was given a date for the work to be done and Eric and his team arrived on time and the job was completed professionally. I would recommend them to anyone looking for large commercial concrete services.

Katie Poulten - Contracts Manager

RCC were quick to provide a quote at a competitive price. Their rival had quoted double the price for the works. I was relieved to find a professional service that delivered as promised and was quick to resolve any issues I had. Reinforced Concrete Contractors are a genuine company and Alex has been very helpful throughout this process. Many thanks RCC.

Joe Kemp - Development Manager

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