While researching for any type of construction, be it a large scale construction, or a small project, you will surely come across the trem reinforced cement concrete. You might read that it is incredibly strong and durable and does not crumble like normal concrete. This is a small insight into everything you need to know about reinforced cement concrete.
Just as the name suggests, RCC is cement that has been strengthened with additional materials like steel bars, wires, or mesh. These additions make the concrete stronger and more durable by improving its ability to handle tension, making it suitable for even more construction applications.
Reinforced concrete offers a set of advantages over plain concrete. They offer higher strength and durability, flexibility in design, and fire and weather resistance. Since they are low maintenance, they are also more cost effective.
Following is the list of materials that make up reinforced cement concrete.
Cement is the primary binding agent. Once you mix it with water, it forms a paste that coats and binds all the aggregates together.
Aggregates make up most of the reinforced cement concrete volume. It is a combination of fine and coarse aggregates. Fine aggregates are small particles and fill the gap between the coarse aggregates. They enhance the strength and density of your concrete mixture. Coarse aggregates on the other hand are larger particles responsible for providing the bulk and structural integrity of the concrete. Good quality aggregates have good grades and size distribution.
Water is another important component. It is what converts the cement from powder to paste and binds the aggregates. The reaction between water and cement is also what causes your concrete to harden and gain strength over time. Which is why you should be very careful about the quantity and quality of water you use. If there is too much water, the concrete will be weak. On the other hand, if you don’t pour enough water, working with concrete will become a nightmare for you. Also make sure that the water is free of impurities so that it does not mess up with the quality of the concrete.
Now this is the “reinforced” part of RCC and what makes it different from plain concrete. Steel reinforcements can include rebars – which are the most common ones. You can choose the diameter of your rebars and they are usually placed in grid patterns within the concrete. You can determine both space and sizing depending upon the demands of your project. Other materials used as steel reinforcements include welded wire meshes, steel fibers etcs, wire meshes are usually used when you want to distribute weight more evenly.
These are additional components that are optional. They include
The process of creating RCC involves carefully proportioning and mixing the components to achieve the properties you desire.
First, you need to determine the exact quantity of cement, aggregates, water, and steel reinforcement you would require based on your project’s need. You can do the mixing manually or using a machine for larger jobs, but in any case, the process must be thorough in order to create a uniform mix. You can then pour them into molds or wherever it needs to be set. Use a vibrator or other tool to compact the mix and remove all air pockets and ensure proper bonding. Make sure to keep the concrete moist and at the right while you cure it over the required period of time.
There is no doubt that reinforced cement concrete is far better than plain concrete. But even then you should always look at the quality of all the materials included. Make sure the composition of your concrete meets the requirements of your design and the environmental conditions of your structure. You can consult with the best TMT bar manufacturers and other experts for help
