Reinforced Concrete Cement, or RCC, is the foundation of every skyscraper and bungalow we see around us. ‘Reinforced’ with steel bars, RCC is the backbone of every construction that maintains structural integrity and strength. Here, we will walk you through a complete RCC construction guide, key ingredients used, and types of RCC structures.

Key Materials Used in RCC Construction

Find below the list of key ingredients in RCC construction:

Aggregates
Classified as coarse and fine, aggregates are the primary ingredients in any RCC construction. The coarse aggregates are quarried from igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rocks and retained on a 4.75 mm sieve. They are further classified as:
Rounded – Have smooth surfaces and lower surface area, offer excellent workability with cement.
Angular – It has a higher surface area but lower workability. Their irregular surfaces make a better bond with cement than other aggregates.
Cement
The base material for all traditional RCC construction, cement, constitutes 60-70% lime. Compounds like tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate impart strength to the mix, making it an inseparable part of every construction. Some of the types of cement are Ordinary Portland Cement, Low-Heat Cement, Rapid-Hardening Cement, and High-Strength Cement.
Water
The water used for mixing the ingredients must have a pH value between 6 and 8. The chloride content should be less than 500 mg/l, and the suspended solids should be less than 2000 mg/l.
Admixtures
They are chemical components used in the concrete mix to enhance concrete’s compressive strength and workability. They can be classified as:
Retarders – Used in hotter climates to delay the setting time of cement
Accelerators – Used in colder regions to increase the rate of hardening of cement

Role of Steel Bars in RCC Construction

Steel bars offer tensile strength to the construction and are used for their ductile capabilities. As concrete is weak in tension, steel bars are used to make concrete a composite material capable of handling various load conditions. Importance of using steel bars in RCC construction:

Ductility
Concrete is weak in tension but strong in compression, unlike steel TMT bars. Hence, these bars offer ductility to the construction, withstanding every pull force. This property of reinforced concrete enables it to be used in high-rise structures, dams, and flyovers.
Earthquake and fire resistant
The steel bar’s unique body design enables it to form a stronger bond with concrete and withstand temperatures as high as 300 degrees Celsius. Its unmatched flexibility and bendability make the construction safe in dynamic loads like wind and earthquakes.
Elongation
Steel bars can undergo substantial deformation or elongation without breaking. This property of the bars prevents sudden building failure and ensures the safety of the construction.
Strength and corrosion resistance
Steel bar grades like Fe500 and Fe550 are known for their strength and longevity. They are non-corrosive and prevent inside rusting of the construction, helping the buildings stay upright and undamaged.

Types of RCC Structures and Their Applications

Steel reinforced concrete structures: The most common construction around us is made from RCC. Here, cement and concrete ingredients act together to resist cracking, crumbling, or breaking.
Fibre reinforced concrete structures: Fibrous materials like glass, steel, and synthetics are used to construct fibre-reinforced concrete structures. Though they increase the construction cost, they are ideal for controlling cracks and improving the concrete’s impact and corrosion resistance.
Prestressed concrete structures: One of the advanced construction techniques, prestressed concrete allows for quicker construction time and greater strength. It increases the load-bearing capacity of concrete beams and is manufactured through a unique process called pretensioning: pretressed concrete suits flyovers, metro rails, and other heavy-duty structures.

RCC vs. Other Construction Methods

The traditional RCC construction offers the following advantages over other construction methods:

High compressive strength
Versatile and durable
Durability
Can withstand heavy loads

Construction methods like PCC and fibre-reinforced concrete offer application-specific benefits over RCC in the construction industry. For example, they are better suited for seismic regions than RCC construction. However, this may incur additional costs, requiring skilled labour and advanced construction materials.

Conclusion

To conclude, RCC construction is widely used compared to other methods. RCC structures provide superior compressive strength and are the best materials for applications like beams, columns, slabs, and footings. Understanding its capabilities will allow for exceptional construction and pave the way for an expanding GDP of our nation.