Steel bars are often needed during construction of concrete structures. The steel bars are essential because they reinforce buildings. In simple terms, the installation of steel bars within concrete walls, slabs and other elements will promote structural stability. The building will be more durable and resilient. However, it is important to note that the best steel bars must be acquired for the ideal performance of the completed structure. Here are simple guidelines for choosing and buying steel bars for your building project.
Compare the Steel Material
You should choose the specific type of steel for the construction of your building. There are different grades of steel on the market which are used in concrete structures. However, they are not all equal in strength, durability and performance. If you choose the wrong type of material, your structure will not be as reliable as intended. For instance, if you purchase medium tensile steel instead of high-strength steel, the results will not be the same. Therefore, you should follow your contractor's recommendations on the best steel grade.
Consider the Bar Designs
There are different steel bar designs on the metal market, and their performance and strength can vary significantly. The primary design options to consider for your building are plain and deformed steel bars. Plain bars are usually manufactured using mild steel. The surfaces of bars are smooth, and the round members can be bent and cut easily. These are suitable for low strength applications. The deformed bars are high strength elements with ribs or other types of deformations on the surface. These products have exceptional strength and attach strongly to concrete. Therefore, they are favourable for reinforcing applications.
Check the Drawing
Steel bars are available in different sizes in terms of diameter and length. It is important to evaluate the option and choose the perfect fit before purchase. If you buy bars of unsuitable sizes, you could incur some losses because you will need to return the products. After all, the contractor cannot place bars arbitrarily into the concrete structure. Typically, the appropriate sizes of bars are outlined in the design drawings. You should check the details and compare with the measurements collected using a tape measure and callipers.
Finally, it is important to inspect your selected steel bars for damage before finalising the transaction. Ideal metal products should not be covered in rust because this could affect performance. Also, make sure that the bars are not bent or deformed in a way that affects strength and durability.
Find a supplier that specialises in steel sales to find the steel bars needed for your project.