REINFORCED CONCRETE- ADVANTAGES AND USES

Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete is a composite material, is a combination of cement concrete with reinforcements (Steel bar).In reinforced concrete steel is embedded in such a manner that the two materials act together in resisting forces.The reinforcing steel absorbs the tensile, shear and compressive stresses in a concrete structure.Plain concrete is not suitable for most construction projects because it cannot easily withstand the stresses created by vibrations, earthquakes, wind and other forces.In reinforced concrete, the tensile strength of steel and compressive strength of concrete work together to allow the member to sustain these stresses over considerable spans.

Reinforced concrete is a popular building material because it is very strong, easy to work, adaptable, versatile and affordable.Now a days it is widely used in the construction of precast structure, irrigation canals, drains, hydro-power tunnel etc.

Advantages of Reinforced Concrete

1. Strength

Reinforced concrete posses very good strength in tension as well as in compression.

2. Durability

Reinforced concrete structure are durable if properly designed.The reinforced concrete has low permeability, concrete can resist chemicals dissolved in water such as sulfates, chloride and carbon dioxide which may cause corresion in concrete.

Reinforced concrete structures is not affected by weather that is why is ideal for underwater and submerged applications like dams, canals, lining and waterfront etc.

3. Versatility

Concrete has a property of versatility because fresh concrete is in liquid limit.When concrete can be placed on formwork or shuttering it is in a flowable state.

4. Fire Resistance

Reinforced concrete structure are more fire resistant than other commonly used construction materials like steel and wood.It can withstand to fire about 3-4 hours if proper cover is provided in the structure  member.

5. Rigidity

Reinforced concrete member are good in rigidity due to stiffness.

6. Economical

Concrete are widely used worldwide because it is inexpensive when compared with other materials like steel structure.The production cost of reinforced concrete is very low and also its maintenance cost is also low because of its long lasting nature.

7. Seismic Resistance

During the time of designing reinforced concrete structure all types of load which acts on the structure are designed as per Is Ccode guideline therefore these types of structure are extremely resistant to earthquakes.

8. Multiple Application

One of the major advantages of concrete is its ability to be used in different application methodologies.Concrete is hand applied, poured, pumped, sprayed, grouted and also use as shotcrete.

Disadvantages of Reinforced Concrete

• Reinforced concrete structure are heavier than other structures like steel, wood and glass.
• It required massive formwork and shuttering and for that it requires lots of site space and labor work.
• The cost of the form used for casting RC is relatively higher.

Uses of Reinforced Concrete

• It is used in Building construction
• It is used in Foundation
• It is used in Water tank conctruction
• It is used in Road construction
• It is used in Bridge construction
• It is used in Flyovers construction 
• It is used in Marine construction
• It is used in Retaining wall construction
• It is used in construction of Bunkers and Silos