Have you ever looked at a bridge and wondered how such a structure is so strong and durable? How do they withstand all types of weather and carry all that load from traffic? The materials you use in construction play a vital role in ensuring this. One such important material is TMT bars or Thermo-Mechanically Treated bars that help build strong and long-lasting bridges. Keep reading about why TMT bars are popular in bridge construction.
There are several reasons why construction experts would tell you that they prefer to use TMT bars in bridge construction. Let’s see some now:
Since bridges have to bear extremely heavy loads, their strength is something you have to give priority to. TMT bars are very popular because they have a higher tensile strength than normal steel. They gain this strength through a special manufacturing process where the bars are heated to very high temperatures and cooled rapidly through a process called quenching. Rapidly cooling your TMT bars hardens the outer layer, making them tough and durable. Including TMT steels in the construction of bridges means that you equip them to handle the heavy loads of traffic without any issues, giving them high load-bearing capacity.
We all know that bridges are usually made from reinforced concrete which is a combination of concrete and steel bars. In reinforced concrete, the concrete is what handles all compressions while the steel bars handle the tension, which is why they make the perfect team. If you use TMT steel bars instead of normal ones, this combination becomes even stronger because TMT steel bars bond very well with concrete. When the bond is even tighter, it increases the load and vibrations the bridge can withstand without cracking or breaking.
TMT bars are manufactured with the perfect balance of elements like carbon, manganese, and other elements which allows them to be welded easily. The tough outer layer and ductile core achieved through the process of quenching and tempering also contribute significantly to its weldability, which means that TMT bars can be joined and fused without losing their strength and other important properties.
Since bridges are out in the open area, they are affected by external elements such as rain, humidity, etc. In coastal areas, they are also exposed to salty air. These conditions weaken the bridges over time because they make them rust. However, TMT bars have high corrosion resistance. The tempering and quenching process they go through during the manufacturing process creates a tough outer layer called the martensitic layer. Its unique composition also contributes to enhancing its corrosion resistance. The unique ribbed pattern on TMT bars also provides an additional layer of protection against corrosion. As a result, you don’t have to worry about your bridges deteriorating because of rust, ensuring a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs.
TMT bars can bend and stretch without snapping, which means they are ductile. Ductility is the ability of a material to deform under stress without breaking. This property is beneficial if you’re building a bridge in an area prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters. Bridges made with TMT bars can absorb and dissipate energy during these events, reducing the risk of collapse.
Using TMT bars in constructing your bridges can help you save money over time. They have a high strength-to-weight ratio which means that you would need fewer materials to achieve the same level of strength. Moreover, all the above-mentioned advantages – tensile strength, weldability, corrosion resistance, and ductility give more durability to your bridge which means it would require lower maintenance over its lifespan.
TMT bars come in different sizes and grades which gives you a choice to design bridges according to your specific needs. Be it a pedestrian bridge across roads or a massive highway overpass, you can get the TMT bars you need to use tailored to suit your project.
With all these advantages, there is no doubt that bridges benefit greatly from using TMT bars in construction. But even if you are sourcing yours from the best TMT bar manufacturer in Kerala, you still have to pay careful attention while building your bridges. All the other materials need to be of top quality. You should make sure that all the designing and planning are done meticulously before beginning your work. Next, your chosen worker must be skilled and experienced in handling TMT bars. Regular maintenance is also crucial to make sure that the bridge remains safe for a longer time.
