Thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) bars are being used across India for their obvious benefits and properties. These are contributing heavily to the development of infrastructure in the country. Steel manufacturers always take a lot of care while handling and storing steel TMT bars at construction sites. Unless stored in the right way, these can get rusted due to heat, humidity, etc. Any errors in handling or storage can cause TMT bars from even the best TMT brands in West Bengal to deteriorate, which can compromise the structural stability of buildings. Workers have to store these bars in construction sites properly, to ensure proper safety and structural integrity of the supplies.
How to Store TMT Bars Properly: Tips You Should Follow
Here are some effective tips that will help you to store TMT bars properly:
- Keep them in a designated storage space
You should keep these in a clean, dry space that is ventilated properly. That way, dirt, humidity etc cannot affect the quality of the bars. Keep away any caustic elements or chemicals from this space, which can have a detrimental effect on the steel bars.
- Keep them in an upper area
Try to store your TMT steel bars in an area that is off the ground level. You can stack them on pallets or raised platforms, where there will be no contact with moisture and no risks of corrosion or rusting. When you keep the bars in an upper area, you can also check them easily for any sign of damage.
However, take care not to stack the bars too high. Otherwise, the bars can distort or bend under their own bulk.
- Stack them properly
It makes sense to arrange the TMT bars in a proper way, and stack them neatly. You should try to leave enough space between bundles, so that there is sufficient flow of air between them.
- Cover them well
It is also necessary to keep TMT bars protected from sunlight, water etc. You can use waterproof tarpaulins or plastic sheets to do this, so that environmental factors cannot damage your supplies in any way. With effective protection, you can prevent rusting of your bars and maintain their quality until you use them.
- Inspect often
You should not forget to inspect the stored TMT bars often, even if you source your supplies from a top TMT brand in West Bengal. Look for signs of damage, such as corrosion, rusting or bending. If you want to keep your structure stable, use only undamaged TMT bars and replace any cracked or damaged bars from the site.
- Ensure proper identification of TMT bar bundles
Make sure that the bundles can be identified easily during construction. This can help you to trace the supplies more easily. Write all the necessary details, such as the size, grade and batch number, on each TMT bar bundle label.
- Make sure there is no contamination
You should also try to keep your TMT steel bars away from chemicals, grease, oil or any other source of contamination. This will prevent any weakening of the steel, and make sure that the integrity of the steel stays intact. Clean up any leaks or spills from the storage spot, so that the bars kept beside are not damaged in any way.
- Keep the bars in an area with proper temperature conditions
Try not to subject your TMT bars to any extremes of temperature, either too much heat or excessive cold. Otherwise, their mechanical qualities can get impaired. Store the steel bars in a space where there is proper temperature, away from generators, welding machines and other appliances or equipments that generate too much heat.
How to Handle TMT Bars Properly?
When it comes to handling TMT bars properly, workers should wear protective gear – such as gloves and safety shoes. They should not lift too many bars at one time, and use suitable equipments in case of excessive weight.
Workers need to use forklifts, cranes or other effective handling equipment for lifting and moving TMT steel bars in a safe way. They should take care not to drop or drag the bars, as it may cause abrasion of the surface or lead to structural damage.
Also, the bars should not be bent, twisted or handled in any way that can damage their structural integrity. If they are bent, it should be done according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Bottom Line
With effective handling and proper storage, you can ensure the propriety of the TMT bars that you use for your construction activities. Look for supplies from the best TMT bar brands in West Bengal and be assured of safe, high-quality construction structures.