Construction is among the most important sectors of the Indian economy, generating approximately 8 percent of its GDP. It employs more than 50 million people. The durability and quality of building materials utilized in diverse projects directly impact the security, efficacy, and longevity of structures.
Of all the construction materials that are used, steel bars are one of the most commonly utilized and vital components used to reinforce concrete structures. However, not all bars are made in the same way.
In this blog, we will discuss how TMT bars, a particular kind of steel bar, are changing the building landscape of India due to their outstanding quality and performance.
TMT Bars and Their Applications in Various Construction Projects
TMT refers to Thermo Mechanically Treated. This refers to the method of making these bars. The bar made with TMT are created by putting steel wires hot-rolled through a water-cooling process that increases the temperature in these bars. This results in the outer surface being hard (martensite) and a soft inner core (ferrite-pearlite).
According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the Indian TMT bar market was valued at USD 10.88 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% during 2020-2025. A few of the key factors behind this growth include:
- The growing demands for development infrastructure in India.
- The government’s initiatives include Housing for All by 2022, Smart Cities Mission, Bharatmala Pariyojana, etc.
- Consumers are increasingly aware of the safety and quality of the construction material.
- Innovations and technological advances in the TMT bar industry.
Examples of notable construction
Chenab Bridge: Construction is currently underway for the world’s highest railway bridge spanning the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir. It will measure 1.3 kilometers long and rise 359 meters above the river’s bed. It will be constructed using around 28,000 tons of TMT bar.
The Statue of Unity: The largest statue in the world devoted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat. It’s 182 meters tall and has an area of 22,000 sq m. It is expected to use around 5700 tons of TMT bar.
Navi Mumbai International Airport: The Navi Mumbai International Airport Second international airport is being constructed in Mumbai. It will be capable of accommodating 60 million passengers by 2030. It will require 50,0000 tons of TMT bar.
Benefits of TMT Bars
Bars made of TMT have many advantages over steel bars made of conventional They include:
More ductility and strength: TMT bar have higher tension and yield force than conventional steel bars. This means they can take more loads and strain without breaking or bending. Also, TMT bar have a greater elongation percentage, meaning they can bend and stretch further without cracking or losing shape. These features make TMT bar perfect for bridges, buildings with high-rise dams, flyovers, dams, metro rail, and many other structures requiring quality and durability.
Higher resistance to fire, corrosion, and earthquakes: TMT bar have a low carbon percentage and a uniform layer of oxide protection on the outside, which helps to prevent corrosion and rust. They also have low thermal conductivity, which means they can withstand extreme temperatures and fire. Furthermore, they are extremely seismic resistant, meaning they can absorb the earthquake’s vibrations and shock waves. These qualities make TMT bars ideal for areas near the coast, humid zones, fire-prone zones, or seismic areas.
Maintenance and cost reduction: TMT bar are more economical than traditional steel bars since they consume less waste for the exact quantity of work. They also last longer and require less care because they are immune to fire, corrosion, and earthquakes. These characteristics make TMT bar affordable and suitable for commercial, residential, and industrial structures.
Improved aesthetics and design flexibility: TMT bar have a smooth surface and uniform diameter that enhances the appearance and look of the bars. They also possess a high weldability and bendability, which allows for more imaginative and creative designs. These characteristics make TMT bars appealing and flexible for intelligent urban areas, industrial corridors, and other modern-day projects.
Click here: To read the Benefits of Tata TMT Bars for Your Building Projects
TMT Bars and Their Role in Sustainable Development and Innovation
TMT bars are not just useful to the construction industry, but they also benefit the environment and society. They are a key element in sustainable development and innovation in different ways, for example:
Reduced carbon footprint and energy use: TMT bar produce less energy than traditional steel bars due to one rolling process instead of multiple heating processes. They also release less greenhouse gases in the course of production and transport. Furthermore, they lower the energy use of the structures by improving their insulation and thermal efficiency.
Recycling and reusing of scrap steel: TMT bar are constructed from scrap steel, a byproduct of diverse industries like shipbuilding, automobiles, etc. Scrap steel is an important source of material that can be reused and reused several times without losing its value and characteristics. TMT bar reduce the dependence on natural resources, such as coal and iron ore, and safeguard the natural environment from extraction and mining operations.
Green buildings and building standards: TMT bar can be used in conjunction with a variety of sustainable building techniques and guidelines, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), IGBC (Indian Green Building Council), and GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment), as well as others. These standards and practices encourage the design, construction, and operation of eco-sustainable, energy-efficient, and socially sustainable structures. With TMT bars, structures can achieve higher ratings and certificates for eco-friendly performance and superior quality.
Encouragement of the development and research of new products and technologies: The TMT bar is the outcome of constant study and improvement in engineering and metallurgy. They are always evolving to meet the building industry’s ever-changing demands and expectations.
Some of the latest innovations in TMT bar manufacturing TMT bar industry include:
Fe 600 grade TMT bars: Fe 600 TMT bars of the highest grade The highest quality of TMT bars available in India have a yield force of 600 N/mm2. They are stronger, ductility, and weldability than the lower levels of TMT bars. They are suitable for structures that require a high capacity to bear loads and security.
Corrosion-resistant TMT bars: They are TMT bars coated with a specific coating or treatment that helps stop or delay the onset of corrosion. They are ideal for humid areas, coastal regions, chemical plants, etc.
A few of the varieties of TMT bars that are corrosion-resistant TMT bars include:
CRS (Corrosion Resistant Steel) bars: CRS bars are TMT bars that contain an appropriate quantity of copper, chromium, phosphorus, and nickel in their composition. They form an outer layer of protection over the top of the bars to prevent corrosion.
Epoxy-coated TMT bars: They are TMT bars with an emulsion of epoxy resin over their surfaces. The epoxy resin can be described as a plastic with excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and longevity. It serves as a barrier between steel and the outside environment. It protects against corrosion.
Galvanized TMT bars Galvanized TMT bars: TMT bars with an emulsion of zinc over their surfaces. Zinc has a very high electrochemical potency and can sacrifice itself to shield steel from rust. Zinc can also form an insulating film of zinc oxide deposited on top of bars that resist corrosion.
Conclusion
The TMT bars are one of India’s most innovative and flexible construction materials. They provide superior durability, strength, toughness to cost, aesthetics, and design flexibility to various construction projects. They also aid in sustainable development and innovative thinking in the field of construction by cutting down on carbon emissions and consumption of energy, as well as encouraging the recycling and reuse of scrap steel, promoting sustainable building practices and standards, and stimulating the development and research of innovative products and technologies. TMT bars are changing the building landscape of India thanks to their remarkable characteristics and capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the distinction between TMT bars and TOR steel bars?
Steel bars from TOR are another kind of steel bars used to reinforce concrete structures. TOR is the abbreviation of the name of Toristeg Steel Corporation of Luxembourg, the firm that invented this construction method. The steel bars made by TOR are created by twisting cold-rolled steel wires at high speed and forming either lugs or ribs on the top of these bars. These ribs and lugs give more bonding to concrete than smooth-surface bars. However, TOR steel bars have less ductility, strength, and weldability than TMT bars because they go through numerous heating processes that weaken their structures.
What is the best level of TMT bar for various purposes of construction?
The grade of TMT bars refers to the yield strength or the stress at which they break forever. The higher the grade, the stronger the bar. The grade of the TMT bar is identified in the form of Fe and then a numerical value, such as Fe 415, Fe 500, Fe 550, etc. The number signifies the yield strength at the lowest in N/mm2.
Does TMT bar aid in sustainable construction?
TMT bars are environmentally friendly because of their recycling capabilities and the energy-efficient manufacturing process.
What is the best place to locate reliable providers of TMT bars in India?
Trustworthy suppliers can be found through online directories, recommendations from industry experts, or through contacting established steel makers.