Reinforce Cement Concrete as structure design in building along with it's uses, advantages and disadvantages. - Engineering Guide

Reinforce Cement Concrete as structure design in building along with it's uses, advantages and disadvantages.

Reinforce Cement Concrete as structure design

Table of Contents

Introduction

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) is a composite material made of cement, water, aggregate (sand, gravel, or crushed stones), and steel reinforcement. The steel reinforcement, typically in the form of bars or mesh, provides added strength to the concrete, making it suitable for use in heavy-duty structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams. The mixture is then poured into a mold and allowed to cure, or harden, over time. RCC is a durable and strong material, capable of withstanding heavy loads and environmental conditions. It also has a long service life, making it a popular choice for construction projects. However, it is important to ensure proper design, mix proportioning, and curing of RCC to achieve the desired strength and durability.

Specifications 

Mix Design

The proportion of cement, sand, aggregate, and water required to produce concrete of the desired strength and workability.

Strength

The minimum compressive strength of RCC concrete is usually specified, ranging from 20 to 60 MPa (2,800 to 8,700 psi).

Slump

The consistency or workability of the concrete is determined by its slump, which is the measurement of the distance that concrete deforms when a cone-shaped mould is removed.

Steel Reinforcement

The type and size of steel reinforcement bars to be used, the spacing of reinforcement, and the minimum and maximum cover to the reinforcement.


Curing

Proper curing of RCC concrete is crucial to its strength and durability. The methods and duration of curing are specified to ensure that the concrete reaches its maximum strength.

Testing

The frequency and type of tests to be conducted on the concrete, including strength tests, air content tests, and permeability tests.


Finishing 

The surface finish of RCC concrete is specified to ensure that it meets the aesthetic requirements and provides the required surface texture for the intended application.


Advantages  

Strength and Durability

RCC is a strong and durable material that can withstand high loads and extreme weather conditions.


Fire Resistance

RCC has high fire resistance due to its low organic content and high mass.

Low Maintenance

RCC structures require low maintenance due to their strength and durability.


Versatility

RCC can be moulded into various shapes and sizes to meet the specific design requirements of a project.

Cost-effective

RCC is cost-effective compared to other building materials, especially for large-scale projects.

Improved Seismic Performance

The addition of steel reinforcement in RCC makes it more resistant to seismic loads, improving its overall seismic performance.


Easy to Construct

RCC is easy to construct as it does not require skilled labor and can be poured into place using standard construction equipment.

Environmentally Friendly

RCC is made from locally available materials, reducing the need for transportation and reducing its carbon footprint.


Disadvantages

Initial Cost

The cost of constructing RCC structures is higher compared to other building materials due to the cost of steel reinforcement.

Time-consuming

RCC construction takes longer compared to other building materials due to the curing time required for the concrete to reach its desired strength.


Heavy Weight

RCC is a heavy material, which can increase the load on the foundation and increase the cost of construction.

Limited Design Flexibility

The design flexibility of RCC structures is limited due to the rigidity of the material.

Skilled Labor Required

RCC construction requires skilled labor to ensure proper mixing, placing, and curing of the concrete.

Moisture Retention

RCC has a tendency to retain moisture, which can lead to cracks and other forms of degradation over time.

Carbon Footprint

The production of cement, the main component of RCC, generates a significant amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to its carbon footprint.


Shrinkage

RCC can experience shrinkage over time, leading to cracks and other forms of degradation. This can be minimized by proper curing and the use of appropriate mix design and steel reinforcement.

Conclusion

RCC is a composite material that combines the strengths of concrete and steel to create a material that is ideal for use in heavy-duty structures. It is durable, strong, and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for construction projects around the world.