by CN Steel CN Steel

Construction industry and causative economic revival

The construction industry is one of the most important drivers of any economy. In order to boost an economy for a longer-term, increasing construction activity is the surest way to go about. Governments all over the world prefer building infrastructure to give an impetus to a slowing economy.

The way construction boosts the economy is manifold. Primarily, the increase in a number of construction activity results in great employment opportunities for skilled labours as well as unskilled labours. Direct employment generated by any construction activity surely boosts the economy by generating newer opportunities.

Impact on the economy

The construction industry revival will help in creating a state-of-the-art structures and projects. This, in turn, will give the young skilled & engineers employment. The labours, Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, engineering consultancy companies, etc will get direct benefits and direct high pay jobs. The increase in the use of fuel to manufacture steel has a considerable effect on the overall economic growth of the company as well. The direct impact of this will cause an increase in economics & trade business. The use of the Building construction material will make the material companies run thereby creating employment opportunities. This can range from the Steel companies to the engineering companies, technological companies.

Engineers make use of the different diameter High-Grade TMT steel bars of the various diameters for the strengthening purpose of the building when used in combination with the concrete i.e. Reinforced cement concrete RCC. There are various trusted Steel companies of the Steel manufacturing such as Confab steel, Bhuwalka Steel Industries etc. which offer every variety and quality of 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm diameter TMT bars.

Some statistics

  • Almost 45% of the construction demand in Sri Lanka comes from the infrastructure sector whereas, Industrial activities, residential and commercial construction, etc. contributes the rest.
  • Construction sectors provide 3.5 million employment and attract second-highest inflow of FDI.
  • The construction sector has a strong impact on the overall economic growth and development of Sri Lanka since last 25 years.

Significance of the construction sector

By development of the infrastructure projects, the Cement industry (building material) will flourish along with the logistics industry and relating people. The residential and commercial development will have an impact on the area of the city or place thereby improving the macro and microeconomics. The other related sectors also automatically start to develop as the construction industry is one of the most prominent and ever-growing industries.

The IT industry, which is the new sensation in the world these days also improves as the software required for the designing of the building, infra projects, commercial projects, etc. is developed. The educational sector also gets a boom as every department offers its services for the construction industry directly or indirectly.

The Financial sector of the country improves by increasing the cash flow of the currency & employment opportunities for the finance, management students, etc.

The construction industry requires the auto-instruments, automobiles, latest materials machines so that the construction work smoothens without hazards. The revamp of the construction industry will have a direct impact on the GDP of the country. The banking sector, leading Steel companies, institutional financing companies, also will improve due to the growth in the construction industry. The transportation will indirectly improve by the revival of the construction industry due to the mobilization of the men & material required from one place to another.

Final Word

Undoubtedly, Construction industry is the backbone of economics. It contributes tremendously in multiple ways. Over the years, this industry has grown considerably and has adopted environmental friendly ways to raise the standard of living of the society as a whole. There is a strong correlation between the economy and the construction sector. The growth, development, and improved infrastructure are one of the greatest benefits of this industry. However, the tremendous development and continuous improvement are reviving the economy considerably.

by CN Steel CN Steel

Strengthening Concrete – Reasons to buy TMT Bars for your Home

Why does concrete need strengthening?

Building material concrete is a composite product that is a mixture of cement, sand, stones, gravel, accelerators and similar other things. It has a very high compressive strength and hence does not crack under its own weight. Hence, one can build multi-storey concrete structures of long heights. However, on a relative basis, the tensile strength of concrete is extremely low. It means the concrete can easily crack when being pulled i.e. concrete is an extremely brittle product. The application of large moving machinery on concrete or large loads can cause the concrete to easily crack. Hence, it is important to safeguard the concrete from deformation and build upon improving its strength.

There are various methods of strengthening concrete-like using higher quality cement, changing the water to cement ratio, adding admixtures, reinforcing concrete pour with a rebar or steel mesh, etc. Out of these methods, the reinforcing of concrete with bars or cement or fibres provides the maximum incremental increase in the tensile strength of concrete in a cost-effective manner. Easy availability of steel and its low cost make it the ideal choice for strengthening concrete. The two materials – concrete and steel bond together very well that result in resisting any loads as an aggregate unit. The tensile strength of steel is approximately equal to 100 – 140 times the tensile strength of the plain concrete mixture. Such strengthened cement using steel is called reinforced concrete cement or RCC.

In earlier days, mild steel was used to strengthen structures. However, it was observed that the increase in tensile strength using mild steel was not sufficient for buildings needing more strength. Hence, there was a need for modified steel bars that could have optimal tensile strength and ductility. TMT or Thermo mechanically treated steel bars were then considered to get the desirable tensile strength as well as ductility.

The basic process for making a TMT steel bar involves Quenching, self-tempering and then atmospheric cooling (Annealing). Hot steel billets are passed through cold water that results in hardening the outer surface, enhancing the tensile strength. The core, however, remains at a higher temperature and hence remains ductile. This modification results in a complete change in the microstructure of the steel and gives enormous strength to the steel.

CONFAB STEEL TMT Bars is the most used TMT steel bar used in the construction industry. This grade of TMT steel bar provides the right mix of tensile strength and ductility to the concrete. On account of superior properties, TMT steel bars are now used extensively across all construction projects globally. Since TMT bars are so commonly used, when one goes to buy steel bars in Srilanka, one may end up buying CONFAB TMT bars.

A few reasons to buy TMT steel

  1. Strength – The TMT bars are much stronger than conventional steel bars. Using TMT steel bars can impart as high as 20% additional strength to concrete structures, keeping the total amount of steel used the same. TMT bars are available as 10 mm steel, 12 mm steel, 16 mm steel, 20 mm steel, 25 mm steel or 32 mm steel as required.
  2. Ductility – A structure with a higher elongation or ductility property can bend or deform before fracturing. Since the ductile core of the TMT steel bars imparts higher ductility to TMT steel bars. Confab TMT bars goes under stringent bend rebend test to provide always the best TMT bars in Sri Lanka
  3. Unique Designs possible – Since TMT steel bars provide tensile strength as well as the ability to bend under stress because of its ductile nature, many unique designs are possible using TMT steel bars.
  4. Weldability – The softcore and low carbon amount in TMT steel make it possible to perform weld joints and butt without compromising the strength at the joints. Confab Steel only uses Spectro analysed imported billets for TMT bars production.
  5. Corrosion Resistant – The process of manufacturing TMT steel bars involves highly controlled cooling that prevents the formation of carbide which in turn makes TMT steel corrosion-resistant.  Any engineer’s first choice is Confab Steel TMT bars.
  6. Fatigue Resistant – TMT steel bars have the unique property to withstand higher pressures and resist fatigue. The softcore of TMT steel can enable the steel to bear any kind of seismic loads. Hence engineer approved CONFAB TMT bars are the first choice to build earthquake-resistant structures. Confab TMT bars have minimum 18% elongation.
  7. Better grip with concrete – The ribs running across the length of a TMT bar on its surface results in better bonding of concrete with a steel bar that provides high strength to the structure that lasts for a longer duration of time.

On account of superior properties like high weldability, corrosion resistance, ductility and durability, TMT steel bars are the most preferred choice for construction of all high-rise buildings globally. However, there are many suppliers of TMT bars in Sri Lanka. It is imperative to do complete research and collaborate with one of the best and most reliable steel companies such as Confab steel in Srilanka.

So, choose the best TMT bars  to strengthen the foundation of your home as well as ensure overall safety too.

by CN Steel CN Steel

How to improve construction safety with lean thinking?

The construction industry is one of the most volatile and hazardous industries. It requires lots of mental agility and attention to detail to achieve perfection. The chances of fatal and non-fatal incidents, injuries are all-time high at a construction site. Therefore, a lot of careful thinking and alertness is a primary requisite. Many studies on incidents and injuries at a construction site give a clear correlation between the design of the project and mishaps. The decisions that are made during designing the project also play an important role in determining the safety precautions at a construction site.

Lean thinking and well thought construction strategies can play an important role in minimizing the risk at the site and improve the quality of construction too. Safety management and concrete strategy must be adopted by the architects and engineers while planning and designing. Building construction material and the best of the steel suppliers in Sri Lanka should be given high preference. High-grade TMT bars and trusted steel companies should be contacted to ensure the foundation of the project is robust and optimum. If there is any risk or chance of hazard is spotted during designing or executing it is important to address the issue immediately and take all the precautionary measures accordingly.

Some of the ways by which one can improve construction safety with the help of lean thinking are given below:

Reduce Waste: Lean thinking involves planning and giving attention to even the minutest details. It is important to make arrangements and plan efficiently the project. The waste reduction should be given equal emphasis. Reducing tangible waste will help you to not only contribute towards the betterment of the environment but will also facilitate the movement of workers. One of the most lucrative building materials that can aid in reducing the wastage is high-grade steel bars. They can help one to limit the wastage and make the best use of available resources as well. In addition, apart from tangible material wastage, one should give attention to workers and labourers as well. A construction site should be strategic and must include the best ways to optimally utilize the skills of the workers and unleash their potential to the fullest.

Define Value: One of the basic things that one should take care of is the value of money. An Architect and engineer must work collectively towards improving construction safety and providing the best possible results. A construction site should not be hastily planned or executed. Construction must be designed keeping in mind the perspective of the customers as well. Make sure to use the best quality imported billet steel and Best Steel Bars in Srilanka to ensure all the safety and precautionary measures are met seamlessly. Everyone right from engineers, contractors, builders to project managers must be equally involved in the project right from start to finish.

Process and Management: Lean thinking involves streamlining the process and efficient organization throughout the process. Everything should be documented and written in advance. Workers should be given professional training and must be well acquainted with all the safety measures and strategies. Proper training is an essential part to ensure the utmost construction safety. Also, it is always vital to take timely feedback across all levels .

Technology: Modern technology and continuous advancements have made it imperative for architects and engineers to adopt the latest methodologies for construction. Technology can play an important role in reinforcing lean thinking and making the best use of resources around you.  It can help you to get real-time access to all the important details and make some necessary changes during the construction. Technology can help you connect with some of the best and most reliable construction material and steel suppliers in Sri Lanka.

Awareness Curriculum: There are many steps that one can take to reduce the number of fatal injuries and mishaps at a construction site. Technical know-how about how to handle a complex situation and what are the steps that one must follow to reduce the chances of accidents and injuries should be an integral part of the safety measures and strategies.  Dividing a project into several zones and monitoring it regularly can help to be on time and as per the schedule.

There are many incidents where the theories and methodologies have failed and are ineffective in a real-time scenario. Therefore, it must be given the emphasis on practical applications as well and planned an efficient reinforced concrete cement technique and other daily operations to improve the efficacy of the site and reduce the chances of incidents as well as injuries.

Regulatory Policies: Just deriving construction safety strategy is not enough one should ensure that all the practices are followed to its maximum. Regularly governing regulatory policies and making sure that all the operations as planned is imperative. A centralized and well-planned review system must be devised to identify if there are any loopholes and take the corrective measures accordingly. Lean thinking should give attention to regulatory measures and policies that must be implemented.

Designing: Lean thinking must give equal importance to the designing of the project as well. Apart from safety equal prominence should be given to the designing aspect as well. A site should be aesthetically pleasing as well must incorporate a great combination of quality as well as health and safety benefits. A site must be designed keeping in mind all the facets of civil and structural engineering.

Lean thinking can help one to reduce the cost considerably. It is essential to adopt a holistic approach to make lean thinking an indispensable part of your project and achieve construction objectives with the help of pull planning and scheduling.

Lean thinking should be an integral part of the construction. It should focus on creating the state-of-the-art structures that are compliant and strong too. Lean thinking can help companies to increase their productivity optimally while making the best use of resources and technology. It propagates smart and detail-oriented work. A company must use the right mélange of tools and techniques to increase efficiency and achieve the desired outcome.