Heavy rains cause a lot of problems on construction sites. The work gets slowed down most of the time, and the materials need to be given extra protection against water and moisture. Out of all the construction materials, TMT bars are the most vulnerable to rain. If they are kept wet for long periods, they will corrode, lose their mechanical properties, and give rise to structural stability issues.
This is the reason why storing it properly is essential during monsoon seasons. Proper storage not only safeguards the metal but also makes the building strong and long-lasting. These measures are essential for a normal bar or a high strength 550D TMT bar.
Among the features of TMT bars is their ability to offer high strength as well as flexibility when used in concrete structures. They are the main elements that hold the building together and, as such, they make it difficult for cracks to appear. However, when they are exposed to moisture and water, corrosion can develop.
Corrosion is a process that essentially consumes the metal, and it does so very slowly, thereby reducing its strength. The situation becomes worse when the rusted bars are put in concrete because the rust particles resulting from the corrosion process are very bulky and thus they exert high internal pressure. As a result, cracks appear,r and the structure gets weak from the inside.
The right storage facilities are the ones that stop this kind of damage. They are the ones that keep the bars clean, dry, and safe until they are taken out to be used. The internal steel that is to be used for a strong and long-lasting construction has to be in good condition, just as much as it has to be of good quality. Even a high grade bar like a 550D TMT bar has to be shielded from soaking wet situations.
The first stage is to choose a place where water cannot collect. Most places have the habit of putting their materials directly on the ground, and the area gets muddy and flooded during the monsoon. When steel is in contact with wet soil, it rusts very fast. So, it is advisable to always keep bars on the raised platforms, which are made of wooden planks, stones, or concrete blocks. This not only protects the bars from the moisture of the ground but also enables the air to circulate from below. Besides, a raised platform prevents rainwater from accumulating around the stack.
Waterproofing the steel with suitable sheets is a must if the rain comes unexpectedly. Take a plastic tarpaulin that is large enough to cover the bars from all sides. After covering the bars tightly, tie the ends or place some heavy objects on the edges of the cover so that it will not be blown away by the wind. Open small holes at the bottom for air to pass through. This will help the bars stay dry as it will stop the formation of condensation.
Properly stacking bars makes it easier to handle them and also saves them from being damaged. Put pieces of similar size side by side. Do not mix different diameters in one bundle, as uneven pressure may result in the bending of the wires. In case you have a 550D TMT bar or any other high strength bar, separate it from the low-grade steel.
One way to ensure safety and prevent damage is by tying bundles together with steel straps. By doing so, it keeps them from rolling, bending, or dropping due to the movement. Bars that are not properly secured may get scratched and damaged, resulting in their reduced bonding strength with the concrete.
It is always necessary that, besides having the covers and protection, regular checking is done. Once in a while, take off the cover and check if there is moisture, water accumulation, or even some rust starting to form. In case any part is damp, it should be dried with a cloth or fresh air immediately. When rust is detected, it is better to remove it first before putting the thing back in storage.
When wet steel is cut or bent, it develops weak areas that rust faster. So, it’s a must that the bars are thoroughly dry before cutting or bending. Besides, wet reinforcement is a potential hazard for workers as it may cause slips and falls.
In most cases, building sites hold steel materials for lengthy periods of time. The practice of taking from the oldest stock first before newly delivered keeps the storage neat and also shortens the time that the bars are exposed to weather changes. Good turnover is also a means of having better quality control.
Safe storage of TMT bars during the monsoon is the first step in keeping a building strong and durable. Rusting can be caused by water and moisture, but basic steps can keep such trouble at bay. Stocks lifted off the ground, properly covered, separated by size, and checked frequently are some of the ways to keep them safe. Even an extremely strong reinforcement like a 550D TMT bar, if not properly handled, will not be able to give the performance it is intended for. If kept properly, the TMT bar will be clean and dry, and construction can be done with confidence as soon as the sun is back.
