How to inspect rebar in a building without breaking or opening the concrete?

 Steel reinforcement bars, also known as rebars, are used to improve the tensile strength of concrete, which is very weak in tension but very strong in compression. It is only used as a reinforcing bar because its elongation due to high temperatures is nearly equal to that of concrete. Reinforced concrete is created by adding reinforcing steel bars. Though all concrete cracks are undesirable, rebar and reinforcing materials aid in controlling the location and extent of the cracks. It also adds structural support to the project.

Concrete is several times more resistant to failure when reinforced with a rebar. It provides tensile strength by utilizing a corrosion-resistant reinforcing bar. If you want to make your concrete structural, rebar is far superior. The surface of the rebar is frequently deformed to promote a better bond with the concrete. There are various types of rebar. A reinforcing bar is simply a steel bar. Steel reinforced bar is most commonly used as a tensioning device to fortify concrete and other structures to keep the concrete compacted.

The following are some methods for inspecting rebar in a building without breaking or opening the concrete:

1. When selecting a method for measuring and monitoring concrete strength, project managers must consider the impact, each technique will have on their schedule. While some testing processes can be completed on-site, others necessitate additional time for third-party facilities to deliver strength data.

2. Cover meters and rebar locators are multipurpose tools that are required by any organization involved in the design, construction, or testing of concrete in structures. They allow the user to assess the structural condition of reinforcing steel installations quickly and cost-effectively without disturbing the concrete.

3. Avoiding reinforcing steel damage during saw cutting or core drilling operations. Accidental damage to reinforcing steel can seriously jeopardize a structure's integrity.

4. Ensure proper bar placement and spacing when measuring the depth of concrete cover for structural compliance, corrosion resistance, and fire protection.

5. Measuring bar diameters to ensure compliance with design specifications is required.

Gulf Steel is ranked as one of the most reputed steel suppliers in UAE.  They are a leading steel manufacturer that supplies steel products as per industry specifications and dimensions, all of which are customized as per the client’s requirement.

Pros and Cons of Steel Rebars

 Steel rebar are commonly known as steel reinforcement bars. Steel reinforcement bars are extensively used in building construction these days as they give concrete tensile strength and act as one unit when a load is applied to it. They are rough-surfaced deformed bars and one of the most commonly used steel bars. The steel reinforcement's tensile property will prevent and minimize concrete cracks under tension loads. Steel is only used as a rebar because its elongation at high temperatures is nearly equal to that of concrete.

Steel is also used extensively in the construction of infrastructure. From skyscrapers to building houses, bridges, tunnels, etc. everywhere it is used. Rebar are designed to carry heavy loads such as foundation walls and columns by combining the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel.  Here are some of the pros and cons of Steel Rebars:

Pros of Steel Rebars: 

1. It is well-known for its toughness because it is uniquely suited to withstand the rigors of wear and tear in outdoor environments. Steel structures can last for many years with little maintenance, making steel an excellent choice for a variety of construction projects.

2. Steel rebars are so strong that they can withstand the severity, wear, and tear of construction activities.

3. It has a high resistance to abrasion during transport, storage, bundling, and placement on a construction site. Steel's performance is not significantly affected by minor damage.

4. It is so strong that it can support any weight without the use of additional materials. Steel's lightweight but strong nature aids in lowering the total load of the building under construction.

5. There aren't many building materials that are as adaptable as steel. These can be cut and molded to fit various designs, allowing architects the creative freedom needed for complex vertical and horizontal structures.

Cons of Steel Rebars:

1. The cost of steel construction cannot be compared to the cost of wood or concrete construction. Steel is expensive, which raises the overall cost of the structure.

2. The steel reinforcement may melt at higher temperatures. This is why the steel reinforcement is tied up rather than welded.

3. When exposed to the elements, steel rusts and weakens reinforced concrete. When rust begins to form around steel rebars, it exerts severe internal pressure on the surrounding concrete, resulting in cracks.

4. When there is an insufficient concrete cover, water can penetrate and react with the steel rebars, causing the concrete to crack. 

5. It is not a lightweight material.

Gulf Steel is ranked as one of the most reputed rebar exporters in the UAE.  They are a leading steel suppliers in UAE that supplies steel products as per industry specifications and dimensions, all of which are customized as per the client’s requirement.

 

Facts You Probably Didn’t Know about steel

 Steel is one of the world's most diverse and useful materials which was first created by mining iron ore from the ground, smelting it in a furnace to remove impurities, and then adding carbon. Existing steel is recycled in today's steel-making process. It is made up of iron and carbon, it is one of the most versatile alloys on the planet. It is used in a wide range of industries, including construction, transportation, rail, automotive, agriculture, and energy, etc.

Steel is the most commonly used material in renewable energy delivery, such as wind, hydro, and solar power, and it can be recycled multiple times without losing its integrity. It is one of the most commonly used metals in fabrication shops because of its ability to withstand corrosion, heat, and pressure due to the presence of the inorganic compound chromium oxide.

So, what is it about steel that makes it so special? Here are fascinating steel facts you probably didn't know!

Steel is a type of alloy: It is important to know the fact that it is not pure metal because it is made up of various metals. They are primarily iron and carbon alloy. Carbon steel contains manganese, silicon alloys, and other elements that are prone to corrosion. Because alloy steel is a combination of several other metals such as copper, aluminum, and nickel, it is less expensive and widely used in mechanical industries such as pipelines and motors. As a result, there are numerous steel types available on the market and used in a variety of industries.

Steel has a higher elasticity than rubber and 1,000 times stronger than iron:  It is a material that can return to its original shape after being deformed under stress. It is approximately 1000 times stronger than iron because it is an alloy composed of iron and traces of carbon. Steel's tensile strength is significantly increased when a small amount of carbon is added to it, resulting in a stronger material.

Steel is one of the most recycled materials on the planet: Some may be surprised to learn that steel is one of the most recycled materials on the planet. The best part is that steel retains its strength when recycled. It is entirely dependent on its composition. In its purest form, steel is nearly a thousand times stronger than iron. The majority of steel products and objects are not made of new steel. They are made from recycled steel. Steel, whether used in automobiles, roofing, or appliances, can always be recycled and easily separated from other materials due to its magnetic properties.

Everything around us is made of steel: Steel objects can be found in your own home. Cabins, utensils, doorknobs, and other items, for example, are made of or contain steel. Its strength and versatility have been tested over the years that it has become a part of everyone's daily lives.

Steel is a good indicator of a strong economy: Steel, as we all know, is used in a variety of industries to construct various objects. Steel is used in everything from skyscrapers to commercial planes because it is in such high demand. If the steel industry grows, it indicates that the economy is growing as well. An increase in construction steel demand indicates that many constructions are taking place, implying that there are more buildings for commercial, residential, or industrial use. Steel, which is used in manufacturing, could also be in demand.

Gulf Steel has years of experience, honing our skills across the board to deliver CARE-approved steel and provide quality customer service to our customers. If you need high-quality steel rebars, you should get in touch with Gulf Steel.

Tips for protecting and storing your Rebar

 Reinforcing steel comes in the form of bars that are normally tied together in a cage. The bars are available in a variety of grades and strengths, and they can be smooth or deformed. Rebar’s give the concrete structure strength and also prevents shrinkage cracking. In the construction industry, the engineers create the rebar that will be used in the structure.

The most obvious benefit of steel rebar is that it provides exceptional support to a wide range of structures. It can be found in foundations, bases, columns, and wall paneling. Single steel rebar is frequently connected with multiple rebar to form a framework that provides stability. The patterned and textured finish of the rebar is designed to strongly adhere to the concrete's composition. It is one-of-a-kind design makes it ideal for reinforcing the qualities of concrete.

Stainless rebars, carbon steel rebars, galvanized steel bars, and epoxy-coated steel bars are all types of steel reinforcement used in construction. They are of various classes and grades are commonly used in construction projects. To avoid distortion and deterioration due to corrosion, each type must be handled and stored separately.

Here are some tips for protecting and storing your rebar : 

1. Position the rebars on a raised platform, which can be made of any non-metallic material. For example, because the ground and concrete absorb moisture, which can cause rusting, wooden pallets can be used as platforms.

2. The rebars can be protected with a thick tarp and secured with cinder blocks at the corners and edges. The protective covering keeps the rebars from being exposed to the elements.

3. When using galvanized rebar, avoid contact with uncoated rebar and prolonged contact with wooden materials, which can stain its surface. We recommend that you use a different type of non-metallic platform.

4. Carbon steel rebars and other ferrous materials must be kept separate from stainless steel rebars. If space is an issue, place the stainless steel rebars above all other rebars.

5. Corrosion in rebars can be avoided by storing them in sheds or an enclosed spaces. It should be made certain that the area is not prone to humidity, moisture, snow, or rain.

6. The ends of the various classes of rebars should be painted differently to facilitate identification and organization. To prevent scaling and rusting, the steel reinforcement should be painted with cement wash if possible.

7. Rebars can be stored for an extended period by stacking them at least 150 mm above ground level. It must be done with enough support so that it does not buckle, sag, or bend. To store rebars, special steel racks are now manufactured.

Gulf Steel was founded in 1992 and specializes in customized ready–to–use cut and bend steel. They are one of the best steel manufacturers in the UAE. If you need high-quality reinforcement steel bars, you should get in touch with Gulf Steel. In addition, they are CARE-approved steel companies in the UAE.

What is the manufacturing process of TMT steel rebars?

 Using Thermo Mechanical Treatment, high-strength reinforcement steel bars are produced, which is commonly known as TMT Steel Rebars. These bars are widely used in the construction industry as they possess several qualities other than strength. TMT bars are in great demand in the construction world due to their unique metallurgical process that combines work hardening along with heat treatment to create robust and high strength bars from low-carbon steel. They are economically viable when compared to conventional steel bars.

Thermo Mechanically Treated Steel bars are mostly used in concrete reinforcement structures, residential buildings, high-rise commercial buildings, flyovers, dams, bridges, thermal plants, industrial structures, and hydel power plants.  They are capable of withstanding heavy loads compared to normal steel and are especially known for their high tensile strength and ductility.

The manufacturing process of TMT steel rebars includes 5 steps:

1.  Extraction of iron from its ore: Iron ore plays an important role in manufacturing the TMT bar. Under this process, raw materials such as iron ore, coke, limestone, etc. are kept in a molten state. When it is the molten stage, all these materials are treated on hot gases. The molten iron is then poured into a casting machine to be shaped into the desired shape.

2. Heating, Rolling, and formation of reinforced bar: The steel billets are heated from 1200°C [2192 F] to 1250°C [2282 F] and are passed through a rolling mill to give shape. In the rolling mill stand, it is heated and rolled rapidly.

3. Quenching: It forms the most crucial stage in the TMT bars manufacturing process. After the milling stand, the bars are quenched by a special water spray system. This is performed to harden the outer surface of the steel. This process benefits to increase the tensile strength, size of shrinks, and durability.

4. Self-Tempering: Once the rebar is out of the quenching box, the core remains hot compared to the surface. The heat flows from the core and gets transferred to the outer surface of the bar. This causes the desired tempering of the outer martensitic layer into a structure called ‘tempered martensitic’. It makes the bars highly ductile.

5. Atmospheric Cooling: This is the final step in the TMT manufacturing process. It involves laying down the bar on a cooling bed at normal temperature. When the bars are cooled down, the final structure will have a strong outer layer with a ductile core.

Gulf Steel is ranked as one of the most reputed Steel Manufacturer in UAE.  They are one of the best producers of construction steel and are a CARE-approved steel company in UAE. If you have any requirements for good quality Thermo Mechanically Treated Steel bars, contact Gulf Steel.

What are steel bars? What are their uses?

 Steel plays a very significant role in the modern development of any industry. It is used for every structural purpose, from houses to machines, tools to roofing. In the construction industry, steel is the basis of design for skyscrapers and modern housing. Steel bars are also known as reinforcing or rebars. It is a mesh of steel wire used to reinforce concrete and masonry structures to strengthen the base material. They are widely used in construction projects to add support and strength. Apart from the construction industry, steel bars are also used in the military industry (for equipment), paper industry, shipbuilding industry, and many other architectural-related industries.

Steel bars usually have different shapes like flat, round, hexagonal, and square and mostly, it’s the form of the bar that defines its application space. Steel bars applications and utilizations depend on the kind of bars required. The primary use of these bars is to give and add another layer of reinforcement to concrete structures. These steel bars are strong and affordable. The secondary use of steel bars is for durability and to add aesthetic value.

Steel bars generally have different shapes so the utilization of these bars rely on the shape and the size of the steel bar.  The main uses of steel bars are:

• Flat bars are thick, hot rolled, high strength, and corrosion resistance. They are used in construction industries in the form of base plates and brackets.
• Round bars play a very important role in the machining industry. The specialty of round bars is to create machine parts and automotive components. Because of the fabulous property of corrosion resistance, these bars are indulged in the production of fasteners, machinery, and grills.
• Steel bars are also used in underground pipelines to distribute water to different houses and also to distribute gas. They are used in power stations and pumping houses 
• Steel roofing can deliver excellent value in terms of space, looks, reliability, and even energy saving. They help in redesigning your homes by adding upper value to modern homes, extensions, renovations, and much more. They have modern colors and are cost-efficient. 

Gulf Steel is ranked as one of the most reputed rebar exporters in the UAE.  They are a leading steel suppliers in UAE that supplies steel products as per industry specifications and dimensions, all of which are customized as per the client demand.

Role of steel to reduce carbon emission in buildings

The need for sustainability in the design, construction, and operation of buildings is a reality in today’s world. When you add embodied carbon—the energy and emissions from materials and construction—that number accounts for around 50% of the total carbon emissions.

Necessary measures and alternatives need to be looked into reducing carbon emission in the construction industry. This means not only focusing on technological change but also paying a closer look at the materials that we use in the process of construction.

It is important to limit carbon-intensive materials. For products with high carbon footprints like aluminum, plastics, and foam insulation, thoughtful use is essential. For instance, while aluminum may complement the aesthetics of your project, it is still important to use it judiciously because of its significant carbon footprint. Steel is a brilliant material to reduce carbon emissions.

Steel’s role is at the core of the transition to net-zero energy buildings.

Here are four reasons why steel has its place in the transition toward net-zero:

• Energy Efficiency – steel’s role in energy efficiency is its ability to harness and transfer renewable energy. Examples include the steel mountings of roof solar panels, roof-integrated solar heat collectors, and geothermal energy piles.
• Thermal mass – steel can quickly store/release heat when needed. For example, phase change materials (PCMs) can be used in floors, walls, or ceilings to capture and store thermal energy, enabling a constant room temperature with less energy demand.
• Airtightness - steel sandwich panels and windows contribute to maintaining a building’s airtightness, thereby reducing heat losses and contributing to energy savings.
• Sustainability – steel’s ability to be pre-fabricated in specific dimensions or modules in a factory means that components are made available on-site when needed. The ability for steel to be designed for deconstruction and alternative use implies that the potential to create new future steel is less of a necessity. Being non-organic, steel’s ability to be recycled again and again without loss of quality means there will in the future be less demand for virgin raw materials.           

Established in 1992, Gulf Steel is a leading Steel Manufacturer in UAE. Known for their grade A quality steel, Gulf Steel is known to provide CARES-approved steel. Led by a strong management team, Gulf Steel is one of the most reputable steel producers in UAE.

Gulf Steel: your ultimate choice for reinforcing bars

 

Reinforcement steel bars are used for reinforcement of concrete structures, manufacture of anchor bolts, etc. Reinforcing bars or rebars can be either smooth or deformed. They are produced by hot rolling process with subsequent superficial hardening by heat treatment.

Rebar is necessary to compensate for the fact that whilst concrete is strong in compression, it is relatively weak in tension. By casting rebar into concrete, it is able to carry tensile loads and so increase overall strength.

To increase the tensile strength of concrete, a reinforcing bar — rebar — is used. The compressive strength of concrete is tremendous. Incredible force is required to crush concrete. However, concrete has relatively weak tensile strength. Far less force is required to crack concrete by bending or twisting it than is required to crush concrete.

The purpose of rebar is to correct this imbalance. Have you ever noticed the way rebar is constructed? Builders strategically frame the steel rods in such a way that keeps concrete and mortar in check. How exactly is rebar manufactured through and how is it distributed? There are many companies that specialize in rebar manufacturing and for good reason, this is one product that is always in high demand.

Steel (carbon or alloy) is melted down to liquid form, which requires an extreme amount of heat to achieve.  Once melted, the liquid steel is pulled through small round openings to give the rebar its shape.

There are many different types of rebars and are used for various applications accordingly. Some of the most frequent ones are stainless steel rebar, European rebar, carbon steel rebar, galvanized rebar, and epoxy-coated rebar.

Gulf Steel is a Reinforcement Steel Bar supplier in Abu Dhabi. The production facilities located at Musaffah, Abu Dhabi manufactures Reinforcement Steel Bars/Cold-Ribbed Bars in Coils and Cut-to-Length sizes. Led by a strong management team, the company has focused on technological excellence geared towards the production of high quality steel products.

For all of your rebar questions, wants, and needs – contact our team at Gulf Steel. We are leaders in steel reinforcement bars.

Impact of Covid-19 on the steel industry in UAE

The onset of the pandemic has impacted various sectors’ production, deliveries, demand, and supply gave the scenario and restriction on manpower. One such industry is steel, where these looming factors have impacted the UAE Steel industry.

Many construction steel producers in the UAE have had to bear the brunt and take a hit due to the global lockdown and border closures, impacting steel import, and export. Among other logistical issues that prevent the smooth functioning of trade, one main issue is the artificial demand for steel in certain regions and the oversupply in others.

One of the main challenges faced by steel industries in the UAE is supply and manpower. The closure of boundaries and movement restrictions has led to delayed payments and the movement of goods. With the no movement and operations restriction on UAE’s construction market, apparently, stockpiling and surplus inventory are the by-products of COVID-19, as seen from the output eye.

Although with relaxed movement in the New Year, industry experts predict a positive future and a good recovery down the line in the coming months. This is believed to streamline the supply chain and continue running projects in full swing.

On the contrary, the fear of supply chain delays due to Covid-19 has led to a boost in the region’s steel sector. Local and regional sourcing of materials has also helped mitigate the risk and meet project timelines and timely project delivery.

The post-Covid-19 trend sees localization in the steel industry similar to other industries.

If you are looking for a reliable Steel Producer in UAE, then reach out to Gulf Steel. Their modernized facility with updated technology can certainly meet your demands and ensure timely delivery.

Benefits of using steel in constructing buildings

Today, practically all industries have major applications of structural steel. From industry equipment to finished products, structural steel is used everywhere. Buildings, bridges, high-rise buildings and warehouses are made using structural steel sections. 

Industry experts prefer the use of structural steel over any other building material for construction. This is mainly because of the innumerable benefits structural steel provides. Let’s find out what they are:

1. Safety: Safety is the primary goal of any building; steel provides a majority of the safety benefits everyone expects when they enter a structure.

• Steel is non-combustible. It does not ignite nor spread flames.

• It is resistant to rust and corrosion when properly coated.

• It does not mold or mildew.

• It resists splintering and shattering during extreme movement.

2. Speed of construction: The majority of structural steelwork is prefabricated, with very little site work required other than assembly via bolted connections. This leads to fast construction times. Unlike concrete, steel frames are full strength as soon as they are completed, allowing immediate access for trade.

3. Value for money: Faster construction means earlier handover and tenancy. Smaller member sizing (in particular, columns) equals greater net lettable space. Longer spans equate to more flexible internal spaces. Construction steel is relatively cheap compared to other building materials.

4. Prefabrication: Steel sections can be produced off-site on shop floors and then assembled onsite. This saves time, increases the efficiency of the overall construction process, and site safety. A reduced timeline results in reduced hours of paid labor.

5. Reduced weight: A steel structure is intrinsically lighter than an equivalent concrete structure due to the higher strength and stiffness of steel. With lightness comes reduced load on foundations, hence smaller foundations and an ability to perform better for some ground conditions.

6. Design Flexibility: Most of the unique building designs seen today are not possible without steel. Structural steel is very flexible. You can mold it into any shape, without changing its properties. You can convert it into sheets or turn it into wires as per the design. 

7. Durability: It is very durable. Structural steel structures can withstand external pressures such as earthquakes, thunderstorms, and cyclones. A well-built steel structure can last up to 30 years if maintained well.

Gulf Steel is a renowned Steel Manufacturer in UAE. Established in the year 1992, Gulf Steel has emerged as a market leader with its quality steel products like Rebars, Welded Mesh, and Cut & Bend products.