When you need to build load bearing columns, bridges, dams and other such structures, you need Thermo Mechanically Treated or TMT bars. These can be described as high-strength reinforcement bars with extreme tensile strength and durability. For anyone in the construction industry, your TMT bar supplier is a key contact. He should be trustworthy but don’t have blind faith. Here are a few things you should know about TMT bars.
What is a TMT bar?
TMT bars are high-strength reinforcement bars. They have a soft inner core and a hardened outer core. These bars are known for their high tensile strength, thermal conductivity, ductility, durability and yield strength – qualities essential for reliable construction materials. They can withstand natural catastrophes like storms, earthquakes and floods.
How are TMT bars manufactured?
One of the things your TMT bar supplier should be able to tell you is how these bars are manufactured. After all, they get their strength and ductility from the manufacturing process. “Thermo Mechanical Treatment”, the cutting-edge metallurgical process used to manufacture TMT bars is what gives it its name. This process involves passing hot rolled steel billets through water. Alterantively, they may be sprayed with water at regular intervals to cool the metal. As the steel bars cool, the outer surface is hardened with a high tensile strength but the inner core stays warm and therefore more ductile. Many manufacturers create ribs, indentations or lugs on the surface of these rods to increase their bonding strength when used with concrete. These surface finishes also reduce the risk of slippage. Some bars may also be given an additional anti-rust coating. TMT bars can be made of varying lengths and radii as per the builder’s needs and the load they need to bear.
How are TMT bars graded?
TMT bars can be categorized in 9 graded according to their rigidity and strength. The grades range from Fe415 to Fe 600. The most common amongst them are Fe 415, Fe 500, Fe 550 and Fe 600. As the grade increases so does the ductility of the bar. Thus, bars graded as Fe 600 may be used for industrial purposes while lower grade bars may be used to construct residential structures. Bridges and underground structures require medium graded TMT bars.
What are some of the special features of TMT bars?
Some of the features that make these bars unique include:• It is protected from rust. For this reason they are crucial to the construction of bridges and dams.
• The high strength and flexibility makes it earthquake resistant
• It is lightweight compared to other bars
• It bonds well with cement and concrete
• It is safe to work with
• It lowers construction costs
When it comes to choosing a TMT bar supplier, you must ensure that the supplier is trustworthy and will supply only real TMT bars. After all these bars play an important role in determining how strong your building will be. As a builder, it is your reputation on the line and hence you must stick to known brands that have proved themselves over the years.