Why should you consider TMT this rainy season for construction projects?

The construction industry has witnessed significant advancements in materials and technologies over the years. One such innovation that has revolutionised construction practices is the advent of TMT (Thermo-Mechanically Treated) steel. In recent times, TMT steel has gained prominence, especially during the rainy season. This blog explores why TMT is now the preferred choice for construction during the monsoon.

Understanding TMT steel
Iron ore mining : The first step is to mine iron ore from the ground. Iron ore is a type of rock that contains iron minerals, and it's usually found in large deposits in the Earth's crust.

Iron ore processing : The mined iron ore is then transported to a processing plant. At the plant, the iron ore is crushed into small pieces and sorted to remove impurities.

Making iron : Next, the processed iron ore is placed in a blast furnace. The furnace is a huge structure where the iron ore is heated to very high temperatures using a combination of coke (a form of carbon) and limestone. This process removes the oxygen from the iron ore, leaving behind molten iron and slag (a mixture of impurities).

Conversion to steel : The molten iron from the blast furnace is then sent to another furnace called a basic oxygen furnace or an electric arc furnace. In this furnace, other elements like carbon, manganese, and other alloys are added to the molten iron to create steel.

Casting : Once the steel is ready, it is cast into large rectangular blocks called billets or blooms. These blocks are then allowed to cool and solidify.

Thermo-Mechanical Treatment (TMT) : Now comes the Thermo-Mechanical Treatment (TMT) process. The billets are reheated to a high temperature, making them soft and malleable.

Rolling mill : The softened billets are then passed through a rolling mill, which is a set of rollers that shape the steel into desired shapes, like round or square bars. The rolling process also makes the steel thinner and longer.

Quenching : After shaping, the hot steel bars are rapidly cooled by spraying water on them. This quenching process creates a strong outer layer on the steel, making it resistant to wear and tear. This is called the 'Thermex System.'

Tempering : The quenched steel bars are reheated again, but not as hot as before, and then allowed to cool slowly. This tempering process strengthens the inner core of the steel, providing flexibility and toughness. It also creates a structure called 'Tempered Martensite,' ensuring the outer structure of the bars is tempered.

Cooling: Finally, the bars are placed on a cooling bed for atmospheric cooling, allowing them to cool at normal atmospheric temperature. During this step, the austenitic core of the bars turns into a ferrite-pearlite structure.

Benefits of TMT steel for rainy season construction
Superior corrosion resistance: TMT steel's unique manufacturing process forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, making it highly resistant to corrosion even in the presence of rainwater. This characteristic ensures the longevity and durability of the structure, even during prolonged rainy seasons.

High tensile strength: TMT steel exhibits high tensile strength, which means it can withstand external pressures and forces. This attribute is crucial during heavy rainfall, as the structure needs to endure additional loads caused by water accumulation.

Enhanced ductility: TMT steel's soft ferrite-pearlite core with a hard martensitic rim provides better ductility, allowing it to withstand bending and deformation without fracturing. This property is particularly advantageous during seismic events or when the structure is subjected to excessive vibrations during the rainy season.

Quick construction: TMT steel's superior properties allow for faster construction, as it can be easily bent and shaped according to the specific needs of the project. This helps reduce construction time and minimises the risk of exposure to rain during the building process.

Cost-effective: Though TMT steel has long-term benefits, including reduced maintenance and repair expenses, it makes these bars a more cost-effective option for rainy season construction.

Bonding strength: TMT bars exhibit excellent bonding with cement, facilitated by the ribs on their surface that run along the entire length. These ribs not only offer superior bonding strength but also enhance the overall structural integrity of concrete or cement-based constructions. By combining exceptional strength and robust bonding capabilities, TMT bars contribute to the creation of durable and long-lasting structures.

Conclusion
As the rainy season presents various challenges to construction projects, it is essential to choose the right materials to ensure the safety and durability of structures. TMT steel has emerged as the preferred choice over traditional steel for rainy season construction due to its remarkable resistance to corrosion, high tensile strength, enhanced ductility, and overall cost-effectiveness. By investing in TMT steel, construction projects can be completed faster, maintain structural integrity, and stand the test of time even in adverse weather conditions. As the construction industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative materials like TMT steel will undoubtedly pave the way for safer, more sustainable, and resilient structures in the future.