Similar to the skeleton that gives a good appearance to our body, steel provides structure to the buildings. Therefore, it’s important to assess the quality of steel to ensure a structured and robust home. Steel is used in conjunction with concrete to construct slabs, lintels, footings, and stairs to provide high tensile strength for reinforcements. Read more to find quality features of Australian steel.
Types and grades
For general construction purposes, two types of steel including the mild and deformed bars are usually used. The mild steel bars used to reinforce cement concrete structures are plain in surface and round in cross-section. The deformed ones have deformations or ribs on their surface. Sometimes, certain crevices may be formed in the reinforced concrete around mild steel bars. This is because the steel bars stretch and reduce the body with the cement. The projected deformations of the bars avoid this problem and improve the bond with the concrete.
Commonly, the steel bars of grade Fe 415 and Fe 500 are used for construction purposes. The grade number indicates the yield stress. The steel bars are available in different diameters from 6mm to 50 mm. However, those having a diameter from 6mm to 20mm are used for home construction purposes.
Checking the quality of steel on site
The quality of steel that is used for reinforcement is determined by its yield strength, tensile strength, weight, and elongation. Also, the chemical ingredients such as sulphur, carbon, phosphorous, and manganese content affect the quality. Different laboratory tests are done to check the quality of steel before supplying. However, the average person cannot know these things. Therefore, ask your home or commercial builder for advice to ensure that the steel is tested before you purchase them. Quality steel bars should be free from surface cracks and flaws. They should not have jagged, rough, and imperfect edges.
Things to consider when purchasing steel
When buying steel bars, do not forget to check on the following things:
* Ensure there is a BIS certification mark
* Get all the details of the quality of steel
* Purchase from reliable manufacturers
* Ensure that you get sized rods without any errors.
Remember that proper storage of steel bars on the site is necessary. They must be shaded in dry conditions to prevent rusting. Ensure that they aren’t placed outside for more than one month. Wash them with cement slurry if they are exposed. You should clean the bars that are rusted before usage.
It’s on your part to make sure that the best quality Australian steel rods are used for windows grills, reinforcement work, and others. Remember, any deviations in the quality of steel may weaken the structure of the building. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you only by quality steel and your construction will be strong and durable.