Selecting the right materials for a construction project can be tricky, especially if you are unaware of their uses and features. In Pakistan, many popular building materials are commonly used in the construction business.
Steel and concrete are the most popular construction materials. Both of them offer various advantages. As per the latest engineering methods, they can be easily managed to become flexible or lighter, depending on the construction conditions.
In this blog, we will bring you a comparative report of concrete vs. steel, dropping the light on some of the concrete and steel features as building materials.
TYPES OF CONCRETE AND STEEL
Concrete is utilized for building solid foundations in the form of slabs and blocks. As one of the most valuable building materials in Pakistan, it is not used for creating different kinds of structures. It is mostly because of longevity and formality as a construction material. Concrete is a mixture of water, cement, and various types of rocks.
TYPES OF CONCRETE IN PAKISTAN
Plain Cement Concrete: One of the most accessible forms of concrete. It is a crucial component used in laying the foundation of a building. It is also used for bedding or leveling purposes in the way of slabs.
Reinforced Cement Concrete: With low tensile strength and ductility, this type of concrete is reinforced with rebars. This combination helps in getting the structure super strong. That’s why it is commonly used in expressways and bridges.
Ready-Mix Concrete: The type of concrete can be easily transported to any construction site. It is mixed on the move in distinct kinds of Lorries and trucks equipped with concrete mixtures and pumps. Ready-mix concrete can use in the construction of buildings and roads.
Some other types of concrete include Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Prestressed Concrete, and Waterproof Concrete. All of them have different chemical combinations and characteristics. This is why concrete has a vast range of applications in the field of construction.
TYPES OF STEEL
Plain Carbon Steel: It includes a small amount of carbon. This is the most basic type of steel used in structural and construction building. Also known as mild steel.
Rebar Steel: Commonly known as reinforcing steel. It combines with reinforced concrete. It gives durability and strength to the structure. Rebar steel is also used as a tension tool for different kinds of reinforced masonry structures.
Structural Steel: Forming various structures’ exteriors, structural steel has a different chemical composition and excellent mechanical properties. This makes it durable, strong, and ductile. It is a building material that can be quickly morphed into other forms.
CONCRETE VS. STEEL: SAFETY FEATURES
These two building materials in Pakistan are famous in the construction industry for their flexibility and durability.
SAFETY FEATURES OF CONCRETE
Concrete is a construction material in Pakistan known for its durability, strength, and resistance to heat and radiation. These qualities perform well and keep the structure from falling to some extent during natural and human-made disasters.
One of the vital safety features of steel is that it does not require any extra fireproofing treatments.
SAFETY FEATURES OF STEEL
Steel is best for its effectiveness in terms of strength and design. In light of modern engineering trends, structural steel is high in demand. Structural steel combined with glass surfaces gives a building the much needed ultramodern look. It is also lightweight, durable, and flexible, providing the right amount of strength.
Steel is the top choice for builders constructing a structure in seismic zones. In such a case, steel’s ductility and strength are combined with the latest engineering reliable design and practices. Steel protects the structure’s foundations and pillars from moisture and rust.
This is the end of our blog post on concrete vs. steel. We hope all of the information mentioned above will help you pick the right material for your upcoming construction project.