• TMT Bars vs. Traditional Steel Bars

    October 7, 2024 | By Kenza TMT Steel Bars

    Choosing the right material in construction is essential to ensure your structure stands the test of time. And what type of steel you use is one of the most important ones you must make. Nowadays it usually comes up to whether you should be using traditional bars or TMT steel bars. Both of these options have their strengths. It will help you a great deal to know the difference between the two to make a well-informed decision for your project.

    Let’s start by understanding clearly what these are.

    What are TMT Bars?

    What are TMT Bars?

    TMT bars, or Thermo-Mechanically Treated Bars are specially manufactured to give them unique qualities. It is done by quickly cooling the bars after they are heated during production. This process gives it a strong outer layer and a soft, flexible core which makes it quite popular in modern construction.

    What are Traditional Steel Bars?

    Often called mild steel bars or plain bars have a simpler production process. They do not undergo a rigorous process like TMT Steel bars. So they do not have the same unique properties in terms of strengths or flexibility. But they are still being used in construction and still have their place in some types of projects.

    Which steel is best for construction?

    That depends on what kind of construction project you are working on. TMT bars are a better choice if your building is more complex and larger. But if it is a smaller or more straightforward project you are working on, you can use traditional steel bars. Still, let’s dive a little deeper into specific qualities.

    Strength

    Any structure you make, be it a house, office, or a bridge, you want it to be strong. The strength of a building hugely depends on the strength of the steel. The stronger the steel is, the more load it can handle.  TMT steel bars are stronger than traditional ones thanks to the special treatment they receive. The hard outer layer can hold up to 20% more weight than traditional bars.  The extra strength means that your structure will be able to withstand the weight of multiple floors and other loads.

    Ductility

    It refers to how much your steel can bend or stretch before it snaps. It also indicates how much shock it can absorb and how much movement or shaking it can handle. This quality proves pivotal in areas prone to natural disasters like earthquakes. When it comes to ductility, TMT bars are incredibly ductile, which means that they can bend and flex without breaking. It can also absorb shocks from earthquakes and other forces without collapsing. Traditional bars, even though offer some flexibility, are not as ductile as TMT bars. Read more, Know all about the manufacturing of TMT Bars

    Corrosion Resistance

    Most metals, even steel are prone to rust and corrosion, especially when they are used in construction or areas with a lot of moisture, like coastal regions. But TMT bars are designed to resist corrosion. The process it goes through while manufacturing creates a protective layer on the outside of the TMT bar which makes it less likely to rust. Traditional steel bars don’t have the same level of protection though. Even though they can be treated with coatings or other materials to help prevent corrosion, but still won’t be as corrosion-resistant as TMT bars. If your project is located in an area with high humidity or near the cost, TMT bars would be the better choice.

    Cost

    Cost is a huge factor in any construction project, however big or small it may be.  Giving TMT Steel bars the superior qualities they possess takes time and a specialized manufacturing process, making them slightly more expensive than traditional steel bars. But the extra cost is worth all the benefits including strength, ductility, resistance to corrosion, and low maintenance costs. So even though traditional steel bars may seem like a cheaper option upfront, it could lead to higher maintenance over time.

    Safety

    With all of its advantages, TMT bars are safer than traditional steel bars. Their strength can withstand natural forces without collapsing. Traditional bars are better used in areas that are not prone to earthquakes or storms, and in buildings that need to hold very heavy loads.

    Environmental Impact

    The modern world is highly conscious of how our choices impact the environment – as they should. When it comes to steel, TMT bars are manufactured in a more energy-efficient manner. They also last longer, which means less waste and less maintenance in the long run.

    To sum it up

    Both TMT steel bars and traditional steel bars have their respective places in construction, depending upon the specific needs of your project. The differences we have highlighted can help you make the right decision when the need arises.

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