One of the tasks usually done by concrete contractors is column reinforcement. Strengthening of concrete and steel beams and columns is a process used to add or restore the ultimate load capacity of reinforced concrete columns.
Different techniques are used to strengthen beams and columns, the most important of which are the following:
- Reinforced concrete covers
- Steel covers • Cover
In the rest of the article, we will talk more about strengthening concrete beams and columns.
What is the reinforcement of concrete and steel beams and columns?
If you are considering using concrete or steel as the primary building material for your project, there are several factors to consider.
Both structural materials have approximately the same value. Concrete costs significantly more, but arguably offers better overall performance.
To understand which material is best for your project, you should compare it in terms of strength, durability, fire resistance, sustainability, and of course, cost.
But when using both sides or both sides in your construction project, how to strengthen the concrete or steel beams and columns is the most important point to pay attention to. Strengthening is important from various aspects in building construction, including:
Increase the strength of the structure by strengthening beams and columns
Compressive strength is the ability of a material to resist crushing force. In a building, beam, column and foundation reinforcement allows these elements to resist the vertical loads of the building without being damaged.
Tensile strength is a material’s resistance to breaking when stretched. The girder’s ability to withstand vertical loads is an example of tensile strength, because it prevents the bottom deck from expanding and cracking when load is applied from above.
Concrete has excellent compressive strength, but is very brittle and breaks easily under pressure. To deal with this weakness, rebars made of tensile-resistant materials are installed in it. These bars are usually steel, although options made of composite materials are also available.
In reinforced concrete, the strengthening of beam and column comes from the compressive strength of concrete and the tensile strength of steel rebar. Vertical rebars located along the length of the structure are connected to shorter vertical rebars called stirrups, which strengthen the shear strength.
Increase the durability of the structure by strengthening concrete beams and columns
Reinforcing the concrete beam and columns makes the structure able to withstand more pressure over time and, as a result, will be more durable.
A properly reinforced concrete beam can withstand freeze and thaw cycles, chemicals, seawater, moisture, solar radiation and corrosion.
Since concrete is an inorganic material, it will not be damaged by insects, and most importantly, it will not burn or melt.
But despite its durability, concrete hides a potential flaw, which is the same corrosion-prone steel reinforcement that makes it stronger.
Corroded rebar loses its bond with the surrounding concrete and forms iron oxide which expands, leading to tensile stress and eventual failure. Structural steel is susceptible to corrosion just like rebar and also requires protection. Paint, powder coatings, coatings, and chemical corrosion inhibitors are all methods that can eliminate or limit corrosion damage to structural steel.
Resistant to fire
The composition of concrete makes it incombustible, while the low heat transfer rate prevents fire from spreading between voids. However, both concrete and steel columns can lose their strength after being exposed to high temperatures for an extended period.
Depending on the type of beam and column reinforcement used, concrete may lose its compressive strength at temperatures between 800°F and 1,200°F.
Studies show that lightweight concrete has the best fire resistance due to its insulating properties and poor heat transfer.
Structural steel is less fire resistant than reinforced concrete. At temperatures above 550°F, it begins to lose its strength and retains only 50% of its yield strength at room temperature at 1100°F.
Various methods can reduce the speed of temperature increase in the structural steel elements of a building. These may include fireproof linings, barriers, cooling systems, concrete cover and active measures such as sprinklers.
Advantages of using concrete and steel in construction for the environment
Concrete and steel are recyclable materials and have many advantages in construction. About 85% of the steel used in the world is eventually recycled.
This only makes sense given the abundance of scrap metal and the easy recycling process. In addition to reducing demand on newly mined resources, steel recycling only consumes one-third of the energy used during steel production.
After decomposition, it can be recycled to produce gravel, aggregate, or paving materials for road construction, erosion control, landscaping, reef restoration, and other uses. Uncontaminated concrete can be used as aggregate for new mixes.
conclusion
Adding reinforcing bars to a concrete column can make it a stronger unit, but there are more ways to strengthen the beam and column that concrete contractors use to make them last longer. The above are just some of the techniques that engineers use in construction.
Have you started your beam and column strengthening project? Get advice from our engineers to help you manage your projects and achieve better results that can bring you more benefits in the future.