Corrosion of RCC structures is an on-going challenge for the whole construction industry. Every year the government spends millions in the maintenance of civil structures across the country. And almost all of it is to battle structural deterioration – of which corrosion is one of the main culprits!
Corrosion happens due to exposure to chlorides and seawater, and deicing chemicals are the primary sources of these chlorides (more on how corrosion occurs in RCC structures).
How does corrosion affect a building structure –
- Structural weakness
Due to corrosion, the entire structure can lose strength and become unable to bear the loads they were designed to manage.
Corrosion leads to reduced shear capacity in beams and columns, concrete slabs and footings, leading to a possibility of shear failure. It can also severely compromise the fatigue strength of various steel elements in the building. This can speed up fatigue crack propagation in structural steels. Pitting corrosion can add new points of stress concentration at which cracking can develop, hence reducing overall fatigue strength of the steel.
- Less flexibility
One of the direct results of corrosion is reduced the ductility of the overall structure, making it more prone to snapping under stress. This can be especially dangerous in areas with high seismic activity.
- Reduced Bonding between materials
Corrosion also eats and smoothens the grooves and cross-sections of the steel, which provide a tight grip to the concrete. Due to corrosion, the bond strength can be compromised, leading to slippage of concrete and the collapse of the structure.
Using TMT bars can avoid the effects of corrosion on RCC structures
Cast using the latest thermo-mechanical treatment, TMT bars have advanced corrosion-resistant properties which can avoid the above-mentioned corrosion affects.
Standard steel bars corrode when exposed to chloride ions. However, the TMT manufacturing process imparts enhanced anti-rust and corrosion properties to TMT bars.
Manufacturers like Moira Sariya take this inherent advantage a step further. They add copper, nickel, and chrome to the raw material to increase the corrosion resistance nature of their steel bars. Moira TMT bars also have a unique composite uniform microstructure, which gives it additional resistance when used along with the right amount of concrete. All these methods are backed by industry-standard salt corrosion testing methods, which are used by Moira Sariya as a part of their manufacturing process to check the corrosion resistance property of each batch of TMT bars that leaves their factory floor.
Due to their proven corrosion resistance property, Moira TMT bars are highly suitable for use in areas with high humidity and salinity, such as coastal states like West Bengal, Orissa, and Tamilnadu.
If you are looking for construction material in areas prone to rust and corrosion, then do get in touch with your local dealer for Moira TMT bars or call us directly.