TMT Steel Bars: Enabling Architectural Innovation & Excellence
VRKP
in Construction Trends, Steel Applications, Steel Industry, TMT Bars, VRKP Steel Industries
Steel is an extremely popular construction material, thanks to its high tensile strength and low cost. As steel production has become more advanced, and the demand for higher yield strength rose, Thermo Mechanically Treated (TMT) bars were developed. Apart from being more cost-effective, TMT steel bars are also more ductile and flexible. This makes them earthquake resistant and has also led to the emergence of steel structures highlighting architectural innovation and excellence. Here are some of the wonders of the structural steel world.
Burj Khalifa
Dubai changed the game, with the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure in the world, 163 stories high, and now a popular tourist destination. The Burj Khalifa was built using a whopping 55,000 tonnes of steel rebar. Laid end-to-end this amount of steel would extend one-quarter of the way around the Earth.
Image Credits: Izkiz.net
Beijing National Stadium
China’s crowning glory at the 2008 Olympics, the Beijing National Stadium, or the Bird’s Nest, pushed architectural innovation to the limits. It took five years to build, using 42,000 tonnes of steel, and is one of the largest steel structures in the world. The interlocking steel beams, and the geographical location along faultlines, meant that the steel used needed to be extra flexible.
Image Credits: Wikimedia.org
Willis Tower
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower has become a bit of a celebrity on the big screen, appearing in blockbusters such as Dark Knight and Man of Steel. Its structural frame was made entirely of steel and pioneered the bundled tube system, which meant buildings could take on a more sculptural shape instead of the box-like buildings of the past.
Image Credits: Chicagotraveler.com
Taipei 101
The tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010, until Burj Khalifa took its place, Taipei 101 mimics the shape of a pagoda and stands half a kilometer tall. Notably, its steel framework and strong structure were created to withstand typhoons and earthquakes, common in the area.
Image Credits: USGBC+
The Gateway Arch
Commonly known as the ‘Gateway to the West’, this iconic landmark in Missouri is the tallest arch in the world. Standing tall at a height of 630 feet, constructed with carbon-steel on its interiors and covered with stainless steel, the St. Louis Arch holds the record for the most stainless steel ever used in a project.
Image Credits: Mentalfloss.com/
Were you inspired by these amazing steel structures? Click here to learn more about the flexibility and ductility of twin ribbed TMT steel bars.
