Could TMT Bars be the Solution to Earthquake-Prone Buildings?

Could TMT Bars be the Solution to Earthquake-Prone Buildings?

TMT bars are known for high tensile strength, superior ductility, and corrosion resistance property which are used to ensure a solid structure of buildings, bridges, and other constructions. But, does it help to prevent the hazardous impact of the earthquake? Does it have that much power to withstand the impacts of an earthquake? The answer is yes. It has that strength. Certain varieties of TMT bars are earthquake-resistant TMT bars. They are effective for infrastructure development in various earthquake-prone areas. Here, we discuss various aspects of TMT bars which will ensure their use as the solution to earthquake-prone buildings.

  1. Ductility

It is one of the key aspects concerning the earthquake-resistant nature of TMT bars. The Thermo Mechanically Treated bars are manufactured in a certain way which makes the outer layer of the bar strong, but the inner portion comparatively softer. That is why it’s able to absorb the high seismic pressure. In an earthquake, the seismic wave is transferred to the core structure of the building and reaches the TMT bars. The outer layer of the TMT bars gradually transfers the wave to the inner layers. The soft inner layer does not allow the wave to disperse much. As a result of that, the frequency of the wave decreases, and the building stands strong.

  1. Corrosion Resistance

The corrosion resistance property of TMT bars is another key aspect that allows buildings to sustain for a long time. The TMT bars have a cross-rib structure. It helps in forming tight bonds with the concrete. Without the absence of air and water, it becomes difficult to form rust around the outer layer of TMT bars. 

When there is no chance of forming rust, there is no chance of breakage of the bar due to wear. Therefore the bar will last long. If it stays strong for a long time, it will keep the RCC structure of the building unaffected. Due to the impact of high seismic pressure, the building will withstand the thrust and stay unaffected.

  1. Elongation

The TMT bars have a high degree of flexibility. It is not a solid structure that cannot be bent or elongated. So, the bar is the best fit for construction in earthquake-prone areas due to its elongation. How does it work in case an earthquake hits? The process is simple. Earthquake pressure comes in a waveform. When it reaches the TMT bars inside the building, the bar transverse the wave across its form.

As a result of that, the pressure compresses the bar. Under the influence of compression, the elongation helps to release the pressure to another side. Owing to ductility, the pressure disperses uniformly along the length of the TMT bar. As a result of that, the bar does not transfer the pressure to other parts of the RCC structure. The elongation property helps the bar completely absorb the pressure without impacting the concrete structure.

  1. High Tensile Strength

The tensile strength of the TMT bars is another fundamental aspect that offers the bars high strength to withstand seismic pressure. Depending on the manufacturing process and varieties of the bar, different categories of TMT bars have different degrees of tensile strength. The TMT bar experts suggest that Fe 500S and Fe 415 grade TMT bars have a high degree of tensile strength and the right composition of other materials which make them the perfect fit for use in the construction of buildings in earthquake-prone zones.

  1. Yield Strength

It refers to the ability of the steel bar to come back to its normal form after mild deformation due to seismic pressure. This way it helps the buildings to sustain their structure. This shock-resistant capacity of the TMT bars makes it the perfect fit for the construction of buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

 

These are the few key parameters that ensure that corrosion and earthquake-resistant TMT bars are the best for constructing buildings in earthquake-prone areas. The quality of the properties changes based on the manufacturing processes and other operational processes. That is why it requires that you purchase the TMT bar from reliable manufacturers. Do not forget to check the ISO certification when buying the TMT bars from any manufacturer.