Reinforced Concrete Construction The Most Popular Method Of Constructing Buildings

A gamut of buildings in the modern world particularly flats are constructed using reinforced concrete columns. To allow the columns to absorb pressure uniformly they are constructed vertically as well as horizontally. The reason why c is so popular is the fact that concrete can be molded in the desired shape easily. The fact is that the invention of Portland cement led to concrete gaining immense popularity, and gradually it began to be used in building construction extensively.

The basic purpose served by reinforcement is to provide the newly constructed structure sufficient tensile strength. The invention of reinforcement led to construction of more and more concrete buildings. In other words the invention of reinforcement coupled with advent of new technology revolutionized the way buildings were built.

Reinforcement on a building incorporates a whole host of components and structures. The basic ones are slabs, frames, beams, and columns.

The reinforced concrete is primarily of two types – cast in-situ concrete or precast. The floor system is the area where a great deal of emphasis on reinforced concrete happens. The design and implementation are the key components that ensure an optimal building structure. The building as a whole can be impacted majorly if there is a slight modification in the design of the floor system. The impact is by and large realized on the construction plan, cost of material, running cost, the eventual strength of the structure, end use of the building as well its level of occupancy.

Primarily Portland cement and ballast are mixed together with water to form concrete. When mixed with a little water the cement hydrates to form opaque crystal lattices that in turn enclose and shut the entire mass into a stiff structure. Even a slight appreciable tension can cause the microscopic rigid lattice to break leading to disintegration and fracture of the concrete. If this takes place it can lead to collapse of the building. So to prevent such kind of accidents the reinforced concrete must be well balanced.

There are 3 key characteristics that lend special qualities to the concrete:

First off the coefficient of thermal expansion of steel is much the same as of concrete. This give rise to internal stresses elimination owing to varied thermal contraction and expansion. The second characteristic is that following hardening of the concrete and it assuming a shape, it (concrete) now resumes the surface details making the stresses to be evenly distributed among the concrete & the steel slabs.

Thirdly, steel encompass alkaline chemicals that makes it highly resistant to corrosion. But, remember all kinds of steel are not suited for use in reinforced concrete. Construction steels are made in specific sizes and each size is presumed to be used for its intended work. The building can simply collapse if the steel is used for work it was not intended. If, that happens it can result in serious damage to the property and even death. So, all safety measures must be taken while constructing any kind of structure.

To sum up reinforced concrete construction is thus far the most popular method of constructing high rise buildings today!