Concrete Vs. Steel: How Do They Stack Up Against Each Other?

Concrete Vs. Steel: How Do They Stack Up Against Each Other?
 
The scarcity of space has led to a spurt in the construction of multi-storied buildings in India. Indian cities today are growing vertically. There is a steady need to weigh the pro and cons of structural steel and concrete as the most effective option in construction projects. 
 
Strength
 
Concrete: A composite material made of cement, sand, gravel, and water- concrete has a relatively high compressive strength but lacks tensile strength. It must be reinforced with steel rebars to give a construction an increased tensile capacity, ductility, and elasticity.
 
Steel: It is one of the most common construction materials used in the construction industry. TMT bars or Thermo Mechanically Treated bars are made from steel and are widely used in all types of construction today. Best TMT bars are those that are immensely strong and durable and are used in the construction of houses and concrete structures to improve their longevity and safeguard them from environmental hazards.
 
Costs
 
Concrete: The price of concrete remains largely consistent, which is its greatest benefit. However, the on-going maintenance and repair work, which is a given in concrete construction, calls for additional costs throughout its lifetime. 
 
Steel: Using steel structures or long-lasting TMT bars mostly proves to be economically beneficial. Steel is more durable and does not decay fast with age. Buildings that use steel require less maintenance and other additional costs of repair or redevelopment. Construction steel remains a more cost-effective option compared to reinforced concrete. The strength to weight ratio of steel is higher than concrete.
 
Ductility
 
Concrete: Brick and mortar buildings have low ductility. They absorb very little energy, making them especially vulnerable even in minor earthquakes.
 
Steel: TMT bars are great shock absorbents and bend without breaking. Adhunik FE 500 SD TMT bars are one of the best earth-quake resisting TMT bars, produced through a special Thermocore technology which makes the inner core of these bars of steel to be softer while the outer core remains hard, lending superior strength and ductility.
 
Versatility
 
Concrete: Concrete can be molded into different shapes. However, it faces limitations when it comes to floor-to-floor construction heights and long, open spans.
 
Steel: Steel has superior flexibility and can be adapted to be fabricated into any structure. A wide array of designs for wider applications open up when steel is used. Concrete cannot compete with steel which offers different aesthetic options.
 
Corrosion 
 
Concrete: Reinforced concrete can fight corrosion with proper construction. Care should be taken not to expose the steel reinforcement inside the concrete which will then get compromised and can get easily corrode. 
Steel: Steel is made from iron ore and can corrode when it comes in contact with water. Water-resistant seals and paint care can keep corrosion at bay. Fire-resistant features can also be applied along with the water-resistant seals. 
 
A construction project involves many key decisions. Making the wrong choice can be detrimental. Choose quality steel and best TMT bars to make your construction the very best of the best.