Reinforcing bars, or rebar, are a common element in construction projects. Different types of reinforcing bars help to strengthen a concrete pile or column, and rebars improve the tensile strength of concrete columns, bars, or piles. Are you planning to construct a reinforced concrete slab or foundation? Do you need ideas on selecting the correct type of rebar for your construction project? First, you need to know what types of rebars are used in construction. Read on to learn about different types of rebars used in construction projects. You’ll learn about different types of rebars and their unique characteristics. Carbon steel rebar One of the most commonly used rebar is the carbon steel rebar. The high carbon content in the reinforcing bar gives it the iconic black colour. This is why it is also called the ‘black’ rebar. These types of rebars have excellent tensile strength. One of the downsides of carbon steel rebar is its vulnerability to corrosion. It can undermine the structural integrity of the concrete and develop cracks around it. Epoxy coated rebar Epoxy-coated rebar is a better version of carbon steel rebar. It has an extra coating of epoxy on carbon steel rebar to make it corrosion-resistant. The tensile strength of epoxy-coated rebar is similar to that of carbon steel rebar. If you have the budget and are willing to increase the lifetime of the rebar used in your construction project, you should go for epoxy-coated rebar. It will safeguard the reinforcing bars from corrosion and maintain the structural strength of your building. Mild steel rebar Mild steel rebar is made of iron and carbon, but it has a relatively lower percentage of carbon, around 0.16% to 0.29%. The lower carbon content makes it less vulnerable to corrosion and improves its elasticity. These reinforcing bars are available in different diameters, from 6mm to 50mm. Mild steel rebar is most suitable for joints in concrete for its flexibility. Deformed steel rebar The name deformed steel rebar comes from the seeming deformity on the surface of the rebar. This type of reinforcing bar has patterns or indentations on its surface that increase the bond with the concrete. It also helps to improve the tensile strength of the concrete. Deformed steel rebar can improve the structural integrity of a structure if it comes with added epoxy coating. Speaking about resistance against corrosion, two types of deformed steel rebars are there: Thermo mechanically treated (TMT) bars TMT rebars are treated with heat to make them incredibly strong and highly corrosion-resistant. High-strength deformed bars This type of bar, unlike TMT, is cold-processed. It also has excellent tensile strength and resistance to corrosion, but it is relatively economical to produce. European rebar European rebar is a less expensive reinforcing bar that uses an alloy of steel and manganese. The choice of alloy makes it easy to bend, which denotes reduced strength of the rebar. You should not use European rebar if you plan to use it in an earthquake-prone area. You should not use these types of bars if the building is in a region with extreme weather. Galvanised rebar Galvanised reinforcing bars are superior corrosion-resistant. The coating of the galvanised bar is much more resistant to corrosion than the epoxy-coated reinforcing bars. Epoxy-coated reinforcing bars have a delicate epoxy coating that can wear off during transportation or construction. The high value of galvanised rebar comes with a higher price than carbon steel rebar or epoxy-coated rebar. Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) is an excellent option for reinforcing bars because it is fully resistant to corrosion. It is almost similar to carbon fibre. While it can be used as a reinforcing bar in construction, it cannot be bent or given a customised shape on site, making it a significant challenge to use in construction projects. GFRP comes with a high cost, limiting its usage for customers with budget constraints. Stainless steel rebar Another type of rebar that is highly resistant to corrosion and damage is stainless steel reinforcing bar. This type of rebar is the most highly valued in the construction industry and is more expensive than epoxy-coated rebar. Concluding thought The construction industry has a wide range of reinforcing bars, such as carbon steel rebar, epoxy-coated rebar, galvanised rebar, and stainless steel rebar. You should select a reinforcing bar depending on your budget and the construction area. If you have a higher budget, go for galvanised or stainless steel rebar. Otherwise, you can opt for epoxy-coated reinforcing bars for better protection against corrosion. Alternatively, you can contact Reinforced Concrete Contractors and let us deal with the selection of rebars for your construction....

A cantilever beam is a strong structure used in construction. It is supported at one end and the other end is free of any external support. It is a unique design of beams used in construction. In this article, you will get an idea of the cantilever beam. You will understand how it can carry loads without support on the other end. In this discussion, you will learn what bending moment and shear forces are required for a cantilever beam. What is a cantilever beam? A cantilever beam is a unique structural element. It is a horizontal beam that extends its arm to carry loads. A cantilever beam is only supported at one end. The unsupported part of the beam is called the cantilever. It often extends beyond the support point. If the cantilever beam is not constructed with proper engineering calculations, it may fail to carry the loads. Building contractors and engineers carefully design a cantilever beam. They should ensure that the unsupported portion is substantial enough to hold the weight of the building. A powerfully built cantilever beam improves the aesthetic appeal of a building or structure. In modern construction, this type of beam showcases engineering advancement. What is the shear force and bending moment for a cantilever beam? Shear force and bending moment are crucial elements to design a cantilever beam. Shear force is the force that acts parallel to the surface of the cantilever beam. The total load on a cantilever beam equals the total shear force. On the other hand, a bending moment is a measurement of force that causes a structural element to bend. For cantilever beams, the bending moment is the total of moments between the section and the beam's free end. The design of a cantilever beam depends on shear forces and bending moment. Similarly, construction elements used in cantilevers impact their capability to carry loads. How are cantilever beams designed? The can believer beams may be vulnerable to deflection, shear forces, and bending moments. Bending moment and shear forces occur at the supported part of the beam. Alternatively, the maximum deflection happens at the unsupported part of the beam. In engineering, deflection refers to the movement of a beam from its original position. The total load affects the deflection of a beam in a building. Hence, the design process of the cantilever beam is tricky. Engineers calculate the total load and length of the cantilever beam for its design. Depending on these factors, a reinforced concrete cantilever beam will be constructed. The higher the load, the stronger the cantilever beam will be. More reinforcement will be required. A cantilever can also be made of steel or concrete, depending on the load these beams must carry. Where are the cantilever beams used the most? The cantilever beam's unit design makes it suitable for modern construction. It is used in roofs, balconies, stadium roofs, bridges, etc. The cantilever mechanism is also used in cranes. A cantilever supports the midsection of a bridge. The Forth Bridge is a great example of a cantilever bridge in Scotland. Temporary cantilever beams are also used during building construction. They help support the structure of the building and can easily be removed when the work is done. Advantages and disadvantages of cantilever beam If you do not consider the engineering point of view, a cantilever beam improves the aesthetic appeal of a building. It reflects engineering expertise. That being said, cantilever beams are more accessible to construct. It is a better option to compensate for negative bending moments with positive bending moments. In building bridges, cantilever beams provide support without scaffolding work. On the other hand, a cantilever is often not regarded as an economical truss. This type of structure is also vulnerable to large deflection. Conclusion Cantilever beams are an excellent option for supporting roofs, balconies, and other structures. They are also used in bridges and large cranes. However, a cantilever beam is vulnerable to large deflection at its unsupported end. At the same time, the supported part is susceptible to shear force and bending moments. Engineers calculate the total load cantilever beams are to carry and construct these beams accordingly. If you use cantilever beams in your building, it may also improve its aesthetic appeal. However, you should contact a professional contractor. Contact Reinforced Concrete Contractors today for your residential construction project. We offer a free quotation and excellent service....

In construction work, different types of beams are used, which are made of steel, timber, or reinforced concrete. Beams support large buildings like bridges, high-rise buildings, etc. Beams are made to withstand shear forces and bending moments to protect the structure from collapsing. Intense beams ensure the safety of the building and are efficient for domestic, commercial, or industrial purposes. In this blog, we shall discuss different types of beams and their usage in construction. If you plan to construct a residential building or an industrial warehouse, continue reading the blog to learn about beams and beam structures. Why are beam structures essential? Different beams and beam structures are essential as they help increase a building's structural support, protect it from structural settlement, and improve its attractiveness. If used efficiently in construction work, beam structures can significantly improve their ability to absorb shear forces and bending moments. What are the different types of beams used in construction? The following section will discuss different types of beams used in construction. Fixed beams Fixed beams are most commonly used in structures among different types of beams. It is also known as a clamped beam and is supported at two ends. The fixed beams' rigid nature helps carry dynamic and static loads. Fixed beams are ideal for structures that require protection against bending moments and minimum structural deflection. These beams are used in bridges and large buildings like industrial warehouses. Cantilever beam The cantilever beam is a solid and rigid structural element in a building or structure. It is fixed through reinforcement or anchoring at one end and free on the other. A cantilever beam is exposed to vertical loads on its free side. The free side or arm-like extended part of the cantilever beam can bend downwards depending on the vertical load on the structure. Due to such downward bending, the upper fiber of the free end is subjected to tension, and the lower end of the beam is subjected to compression. As the free end of the cantilever beam is exposed to more tension, more reinforcement is provided in that section.  Supported beam Of all the different types of beams, supported beams are the most common and widely used in construction. The name of the structure suggests the simplicity of the beam’s making. It is supported at both ends, and load is carried on the rest of its parts. Its easy construction process makes it the first choice for domestic or small-scale industrial construction. The most common use of simply supported beams also includes beds of machine tools due to their load-bearing capacity. Overhanging beam Overhanging beams are similar to supported beams. However, this type of beam extends both ends beyond its support. The extended part of such a beam helps to carry additional weights at the overhanging section. Continuous beam A continuous beam supports more than two points. Its design helps distribute loads on multiple support points. Walls, columns, or other structured elements support a continuous beam. The distribution of loads in multiple points increases the beam's structural ability, which helps reduce bending moments. Tie beam A horizontal beam connecting two or more columns and structural elements is called a tie beam. The function of the beam is to tie together all the structural elements and prevent them from falling apart. This type of beam is generally used in constructing houses and industrial structures. Tie beams are used in a building to maintain structural rigidity and stability. Reinforced concrete is often used to build tie beams at the ground level to connect all the columns and create a platform for the building. It also helps to prevent differential settlement of the building structure. Hip beam A hip beam is used to build a building's roof. It is placed between the ridge board and the outside corner of the roof. A hip beam supports a hip rafter and is mainly used in residential building roof construction. Conclusion Beams are essential to a building as they help maintain its structural integrity and rigidity. Different beams, including fixed beams, supported beams, cantilever beams, etc., play a crucial role in a building based on their efficiency. Reinforced Concrete Contractors have a team of experts who can help you with all kinds of reinforced concrete solutions. Contact us today for a personalised quote....

Different types of reinforced concrete are used in construction work to withstand bending, shear, torsion, etc., forces. Reinforced concrete (RC) has revolutionised the art of construction by increasing structural durability and its life cycle. In this discussion, you'll learn about different types of reinforced concrete and recent developments in this area. The advantages and disadvantages of these types of RC will help you determine the most suitable type for your construction work. Different reinforced bars and materials, such as steel fiber, polymer, etc., are used in such concrete to extend its structural integrity. For domestic usage, reinforced steel bars manufacture concrete slabs or reinforced beams. Precast concrete Precast reinforced concrete, or simply precast concrete, is manufactured away from the construction site in a factory using a mould. Reinforced bars are used to make strong and durable precast concrete. Advantages If a strict construction timeline is your priority and you want to build a durable structure in harsh weather, precast concrete is your best option. You can use precast concrete walls, slabs, beams, or columns to reduce time and labor costs in construction. Challenges Precast concrete offers limited flexibility for design and customisation unless a specific direction is provided to the manufacturer. It can also break or be damaged during transportation, another challenging factor. Steel fiber reinforced concrete Steel fibers of different shapes and sizes are used in RC structures. Reinforced concrete is a strong material but can be vulnerable to bending or shear forces. Unevenly distributed steel fibres help protect the concrete from developing cracks and reduce its brittleness. The use of steel fibres is widely practised, and commercially sold steel fibres are expected to grow by 20 per cent worldwide (Liew and Akbar, 2020). Advantages Steel fibres have replaced steel mesh in reinforced concrete, providing design flexibility. Steel fiber-reinforced concrete offers superior resistance against compression, torsion, or shear forces on the concrete. You can build concrete structures with less material, which provides resistance and durability similar to traditional concrete. Challenges The length and size of steel fibres must be appropriately calculated before they are used in different types of reinforced concrete. A fixed standard size is not suitable for all concrete structures. Another challenge is that steel fibers can sometimes protrude from the concrete surface, undermining its aesthetic values. Prestressed reinforced concrete Concrete structures are more likely to develop cracks under heavy compression, torsion or shear forces. To avoid this vulnerability, you can use a prestressed reinforced concrete structure. Prestressed concrete uses pre-tensioned steel reinforced rods before the concrete is cured. It strengthens concrete strength against tensile forces. Advantages Prestressed RC is more durable and resistant to shear force than traditional reinforced concrete. Due to its high load capacity, it is used in large construction projects such as bridges, rail tracks, concrete piles, etc. Challenges However, this type of concrete may cost you more at the initial stage and more for maintenance. Carbon fiber reinforced concrete The construction industry has used carbon fiber in RC since the 1970s. The material has been used to construct walls or partition walls. Carbon fiber-reinforced concrete increases its tensile strength and improves resistance against cracks. Advantages One of its advantages is the higher load capacity of carbon fiber-reinforced concrete. Due to the strong material quality of carbon fiber, it has a higher load-bearing capacity than traditional steel rod-reinforced concrete. Carbon fiber also safeguards concrete structures from corrosion or rust, as it does not rust like steel rods. Due to its lightweight characteristics, thin walls can be constructed without developing cracks. Challenges However, if you plan to build a carbon fibre-reinforced concrete wall, you must be prepared for a comparatively high construction cost. This type of reinforced wall also makes it challenging to modify once cast, making it difficult for further maintenance. Conclusion Reinforced concrete is one of the most solid and durable elements of construction. However, its brittleness makes it vulnerable to torsion, compression, or shear forces. Continuous development takes place to help you construct a strong and well-built structure. Modern developments suggest using steel or carbon fibre in RC structures to make them torsion or crack-resistant. Prestressed concrete is also being manufactured to manage high compression force and is used to carry heavy loads. Whatever your purpose, a reliable RC contractor is essential. At Reinforced Concrete Contractors, we can deliver reliable construction services to you. Contact us today for a personalised quote. External links Liew, K.M. and Akbar, A., 2020. The recent progress of recycled steel fiber reinforced concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 232, p.117232.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117232...

What are the different types of reinforced concrete beams? A reinforced concrete (RC) beam is a crucial element of a concrete structure that carries loads vertically and faces forces such as bending, shear, torsion, vibration, etc. At the time of construction, different types of reinforced concrete beams are used according to their utility. The following discussion will include an account of various kinds of RC beams so that you understand how and why these beams are used in concrete construction. Before we start our discussion, some crucial terms must be explained to understand the debate better. Important terms Tensile strength- The maximum mechanical stress a material can withstand before it breaks if pulled or stretched. Bending moment- A bending moment occurs in a concrete structure like a beam when an external force is applied, causing the structure to bend. Ductile failure- In a reinforced concrete beam, when the steel reaches the point of failure sooner than the concrete, it is called ductile failure. Now, let's discuss the different types of reinforced concrete beams and how concrete beam design varies accordingly. Over reinforced beam An over-reinforced beam consists of excess steel reinforcement that exceeds the natural requirement of steel reinforcement in the concrete beam. Due to the presence of reinforced steel in more significant numbers, the over-reinforced beam can carry more loads. The benefit of over-reinforced beams is a longer service life due to their structural solid integrity. However, in an over-reinforced beam, the concrete reaches the crushing point before the reinforced steel, which causes a sudden fracture of the beam. It is often dangerous for the concrete structure as it does not develop cracks showing signs of structural failure. Under reinforced beam In an understanding of reinforced beams, the ratio of steel is less than the required, and if it is under pressure, the steel reaches its crushing point faster than the concrete. This type of beam undergoes ductile failure and develops multiple cracks. Unlike over-reinforced beams, sudden fracture is not seen in under-reinforced beams. This allows building occupants to safely evacuate as multiple cracks appear before shattering the beam. Engineers use this beam type as it is cost-effective and gives warning before structural failure. Balanced reinforced beam The concrete and reinforced steel are placed in a balanced reinforced beam to simultaneously reach their maximum tensile strength. The reinforced steel and concrete reach their breaking points at the bending moment. These reinforced concrete beams are considered riskier as they do not develop cracks that would allow occupants to evacuate the building safely. The concrete's sudden structural failure makes it more dangerous. This type of reinforced concrete beam is suitable for buildings in moderate seismic zones and can be used for residential and commercial buildings as well. Singly reinforced beam A singly reinforced concrete beam places Steel bars near the tension zone. This type of reinforced beam is used where the load on the beam is comparatively lighter and the concrete is strong enough to handle it. Singly reinforced concrete beams can be cost-effective but are less resistant to increased pressure. If the load exceeds its carrying capacity, this beam type can develop cracks at the tension zone. Singly reinforced beams may not be suitable for areas prone to seismic activities as they offer lower ductility. Doubly reinforced beam Doubly reinforced beams use reinforced steel in both the compression and tension zones. They are more robust than singly reinforced concrete beams and can withstand pressure. Because they have reinforced steel at both tension and compression zones, doubly reinforced beams can be suitable for carrying greater loads. This beam type is ideal for heavy structures and resisting more prominent bending moments. These beams have higher resistance to cracks and structural durability, which helps improve the structure's appearance. However, it may attract more cost than the singly reinforced structures and may not be suitable for lighter loads. Conclusion Understanding different types of reinforced concrete beams will help you in your construction work, regardless of your profession or work requirements. You will now be able to identify the requirement of specific types of concrete beams in different sections of your building. However, it would be better to consult with expert engineers with years of expertise in construction. They can better advise you on the type of beams your building requires. At Reinforced Concrete Contractors, our expert engineers, with years of expertise in the field, can offer you the best idea for building a robust building with appropriate reinforced concrete beams....