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When we refer to concrete in the construction industry, we imply reinforced concrete. RCC construction, or concrete reinforced cement, is the actual term. RCC is concrete that contains steel bars, also known as reinforcing bars. Due to the high compressive strength of concrete and the ease with which steel can be produced on-site, this formula works very well.

What is Reinforced concrete or RCC?

Concrete that has been reinforced with steel fibres, plates, or bars is known as reinforced concrete (RCC). RCC construction is widely employed since such materials increase load-bearing capability. Instead, it has surpassed all other building materials in terms of usage. It is one of the last decade's critical developments in real estate technology. Reinforced structures made of concrete are created so that the two parts work together to withstand the applied forces. Concrete's compressive strength and steel's tensile strength combine to form a solid bond that can bear particular pressures for an extended period. Most construction projects cannot employ plain concrete because it cannot easily handle the strains brought on by vibrations, wind, or other external forces.

Why does RCC construction rule the roost?

Before RCC, the existing facilities were made of concrete. The problem that arose was that the structural integrity of the buildings failed, resulting in an early collapse. The leading cause was the lack of concrete treatment for the tensile pressures on the structure. However, with RCC construction, the building system's endurance increased significantly. As RCC-built structures were better able to withstand tensile force, they quickly rose to prominence and maintained their dominance throughout the years.

Developments in RCC concrete technology

Over the last three decades, RCC concrete technology has experienced significant advancement. Precast concrete, which has become a common material, has replaced ordinary and reinforced cement concrete in terms of strength and other previous structural qualities. Fibre-reinforced concrete, carbon concrete, ferrocement, sulphur concrete, lightweight concrete, autoclaved cellular concrete, high-density ready-mixed concrete, self-moulded concrete, roller moulded concrete, high-strength concrete, and high-performance hard concrete are some of the concretes that have been developed as a result of subsequent work. Of these, the major forms of RCC are:-

1. Fibre-reinforced concrete -  The application of this concrete is typically employed for both new construction and pavement overlays. Various kinds of mineral, organic, and metal fibres can be used for this. Fibre-reinforced concrete structures include prefabricated concrete systems, concrete reactor pressure vessels, blast-proof structures, machine frames, tunnel liners, and thermal impact-resistant structures. Steel fibre reinforced concrete has a substantially higher thermal shock and heat spill resistance than ordinary cement.

2. Polymer concrete -  Polymer concrete is utilised depending on the monomer mix type. much more polymer concrete than regular concrete. This is used in the construction of lightweight concrete structures, prefabricated cement buildings for heavy use, desalination structures, concrete tubes, blocks, and tiles, as well as surface protection for cast-on-site concrete and tunnel supports.

3. Ferrocement - The form, quantity, orientation, and strength characteristics of the mesh influence the reinforced concrete type known as ferrocement. The external cover is between 2 and 3 mm thick and ranges from 2 to 3 cm. The thickness can differ. Fishing and container shipbuilding, crop storage, biogas and digesters, fermentation tanks, cooling towers, septic tanks, irrigation channels, agricultural product drying panels, concrete shutters and forms, waterproofing treatment for RCC buildings or RB rooftops, and tank or pool covers are all applications for this. It has been successfully employed in India by the Material Science Group of SERC (G) to build domes, sizable reservoirs, manhole covers, drainage units, etc.

Usage of RCC while constructing a home

The importance of a foundation in any construction is not unknown. Every construction project starts with laying a strong foundation. It is a crucial element that will determine how long the construction lasts and how damage-resistant it is. RCC in the foundation of the house is used because it works with steel to bear the substantial load. Combining the steel’s tensile strength and the concrete’s compressive strength results in a sturdy home that can resist significant pressure for a very long time. RCC is also used in constructing beams, columns, footings, lintels, stairs, roofs and slabs in the house.

RCC Advantages

1. RCC constructions have a longer load-bearing path due to their stronger steel core.ne of the best building materials, concrete is well known for its strength and durability.  Natural disasters like earthquakes and tornadoes have been known to cause the material on its surface to collapse. In places that are vulnerable to natural disasters, reinforced concrete is a highly sought-after building material because of the steel it contains for reinforcement. High-quality TMT Steel rods that strengthen the cement-concrete mixture increase its strength.

2. The square inch area of the interior rooms serves as a gauge for a building's actual size. It is possible to build even enormous halls or auditoriums quickly in RCC because the columns support most of the weight. Brickworks require walls to keep their loads, reducing the rooms' size. The preference for RCC for the same benefit of more significant areas and tailored structures results from changes in lifestyle preferences, the construction industry, and the commercial sector.

3. If built for two floors or less, brickworks are less expensive than RCC. However, total costs such as labour, material, and wall areas lead to a costly brick-and-mortar building. In the long run, the RCC buildings are a cost-effective choice due to their durability.

4. RCC creates more robust bonds with the steel centre's durability, bonds that hold firm during a catastrophe or other awful calamities. Brick-and-mortar buildings lack a solid core and glue that can endure powerful forces, which makes them less dependable. Because of this, RCC constructions are more reliable and long-lasting for both people and property.

These are just a handful of the many factors slowly making brickworks obsolete and only being utilised for aesthetic purposes due to RCC structures. The RCC is the future construction technology, and its promises are supported by a sector undergoing rapid change. The construction sector in India contributes significantly to the country's expanding GDP and economy and exports goods, including steel, cement, and completed goods. Click here to read more such construction articles!