In this short eLearning lecture we will learn about handling and storage practices for reinforcement steel.
Reinforcing bars are used extensively in the construction industry. They are used to strengthen anything that needs to be made rigid and sturdy. Ignoring the correct way of handling or storing may cause you many problems later on. This article explains how you can handle and store TMT rebars properly on construction project sites:
Have the TMT Reinforcement on a Raised Platform
The rebars should be stored on a raised platform. This will ensure that they do not come into contact with water or moisture. That way, you can avoid corrosion and rusting. Any force that will cause the rebars to bend will cause them to rust fast, and any kind of rusting will cause the bars to break when you use them. They might also crack if they are not in good condition.
Use a Protective Tarp and Secure Using concrete Blocks
The rebars should be covered with a tarp to keep them dry. You can use a large tarp and secure it with cinder blocks. If you want to keep them out of the rain, you can cover them with the tarp and place a couple of cinder blocks on top to keep the tarp in place.
Keep Galvanized Rebars Away from Uncoated Rebars and Wooden Materials
Galvanized and uncoated rebars should never be stored together. There may be rusting of the uncoated rebars if they are in contact with the galvanized bars. This is because galvanization prevents rusting. They will also be affected by moisture. Both of them will cause the rebars to lose their strength. This will result in the loss of the strength of the reinforced material.
Place Rebars in Sheds or Enclosed Spaces
The rebars need to be kept in a secure and protected place. Any lubricant or moisture will cause the rebars to lose their strength and become brittle. They should be placed in an area out of the way of cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
Ensure Sufficient Support When Stacking Rebars
The top layer of the stack of bars should always have the least amount of weight. The weight of the top layer will be distributed evenly to the layers below it. The idea is to distribute the weight and not have all the bars either at the top or the bottom. The bars should also be kept on their edges to avoid damage to the coating.
Safety Precautions
One of the biggest dangers of reinforcing bars is that they are very sharp. Make sure that they are not handled unless you are wearing gloves. They are also cumbersome and can cause many injuries if they are not handled properly.
Make sure that the bars are stored in a way that they cannot fall on anyone. Do not forget to wear the proper safety equipment like safety glasses and safety shoes.
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