Material Research - Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete is a building material, it is a composite material made up of concrete and steel reinforcement bars or mesh. The difference of reinforced concrete to regular concrete it is that much stronger and doesn’t crack easily.

Reinforced concrete is used in a variety of construction projects, from buildings and bridges to dams and highways. It is great used material for creating strong, durable structures that handle harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Its strength and versatility make it also great for open large spaces that need to support heavy weight.

Benefits:

Some of the benefits of reinforced concrete as a building material is its strength and durability. The addition of reinforcing materials, like steel bars or wire mesh, helps to reinforce the concrete and make it even stronger and more durable.

Reinforced concrete is incredibly resistant to a wide range of environmental factors. It is fire resistant, which makes it a safer material to use in construction, particularly for structures that need to withstand fire hazards such as industrial plants, high-rise buildings, and even residential homes.

Furthermore, reinforced concrete is also weather-resistant, withstanding harsh weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rains, and snowstorms. It does not rot, corrode, or decay over time, which makes it ideal for construction in areas that experience extreme weather conditions. It also offers superior insulation, reducing heat loss or gain, which contributes to energy efficiency. It is also resistant to corrosion, wear, tear and even earthquakes, which means that it can withstand a lot of traffic and activity without becoming damaged or worn down.

Another benefit of using reinforced concrete in construction is its versatility in design. Reinforced concrete can be molded into almost any shape, size, and style to create unique and innovative building designs. The material can be polished, painted, or textured to match any design preference, making it a perfect choice for both traditional and modern building designs. In addition, reinforced concrete can be easily integrated with other materials such as wood, glass, or steel to create a hybrid building structure that incorporates the best properties of each material. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building but also enhances its functionality and structural integrity.

It is also an affordable building material. Compared to other construction materials, reinforced concrete is relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for developers looking to build on a budget. The cement, aggregate, and steel used in the production of reinforced concrete are widely available, which makes the cost of the materials more reasonable. Also, production is another factor of cost-effectiveness since it is a straightforward process.

It is also sustainable, reinforced concrete structures can have a long lifespan of up to 100 years with proper maintenance. This means that the need for frequent reconstruction or replacement is reduced, which reduces the environmental impact and saves resources. Reinforced concrete is also a good insulator, which can reduce the energy required to heat or cool a building. This reduces energy consumption and lowers the carbon footprint of the building. 

Reference

Designing Buildings (last edited 2021) Reinforced concrete. Available at: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Reinforced_concrete (Accessed: May 2023)

Ocmulgee Concrete Services (last updated 2023) Benefits of Using Reinforced Concrete in Construction. https://ocmulgeeconcreteservices.com/raleigh-services/benefits-of-using-reinforced-concrete-in-construction/ (Accessed: May 2023)

The Constructor (2019) What is Reinforced Concrete? Uses, Benefits, and advantages. Available at: https://theconstructor.org/concrete/reinforced-concrete-uses-benefits-advantages/35976/ (Accessed: May 2023)

Image reference

LinkedIn (2017) How To Design A Reinforced Concrete Building In Midas Gen. Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-design-reinforced-concrete-building-midas-gen-prince-max (Accessed: May 2023)