RCC with its advantages and disadvantages

RCC (Reinforced cement concrete)

Simple concrete i.e. Plain cement concrete has very low tensile strength. So, for improving the tensile strength of concrete, some sort of reinforcement is provided which will bear the tensile stresses produced in the structure. Mostly, Steel bars are used as tensile reinforcement because, it is strong in tension and the thermal expansion of concrete and steel is quite similar resulting in good bond between them.

Preparation of RCC

For preparing RCC, Steel bars are placed in forms (moulds) and then the concrete is poured. When the concrete poured attains required strength we get Reinforced concrete structure.

Definition of RCC

Reinforced cement concrete abbreviated as RCC, is a composite consisting of concrete and reinforcement (Steel bars).

Placement of Steel reinforcement

Steel reinforcement are generally placed at the tensile zone of a structure. Also, these reinforcement are provided at the shear zone of a structure.
In case of Doubly Reinforced beams, Steel reinforcement are also provided at the compressive zone of a structure.

Purpose

Steel reinforcement are provided to bear tensile and shear stresses produced in the structure.

Plus points of using RCC

  • RCC is strong in both, compression and tension.
  • RCC consists of reinforcement, that helps to prevent temperature and shrinkage stresses.
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Strength of RCC

Strength of RCC generally depends on the following factors:
  • Bond between steel and concrete.
  • Prevention of corrosion of Steel bars, embedded in the concrete.
  • Thermal expansion of both concrete and steel.
  • Quality of concrete and steel used to prepare RCC.

Uses of reinforced cement concrete.

There are various uses of RCC in the field of construction, some of them are:-
RCC is used in buildings, flyovers, tanks (massive), Dams, bridges (Road or rail), retaining walls and breast walls, canals, bunkers, sleepers, foundations, etc.
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Advantages and disadvantages of RCC

RCC has too many advantages when compared with its disadvantages.

Advantages of RCC over other construction materials

1. Strength
In the price range of RCC, it gives very good strength in both, compression and tension.
2. Durability
RCC structures are enough durable, if they are laid and used properly, they can last upto 100 years.
3. Economy
RCC is cheaper when compared with other construction materials like Steel and prestressed concrete. In future, the maintenance cost of RCC is also very low. So in all aspects, we can say that RCC is an economical construction material.
4. Convenience
RCC can be prepared and moulded easily, at the site of construction. Also, the materials required for preparing RCC can be transported easily.
5. Availability
Raw materials required for preparing RCC (like cement, sand, aggregates, admixtures and steel bars) are easily available everywhere at a fair cost.
6. Mouldability
RCC structures can be moulded at any shape and size as per architectural requirement. For this, it needs good formwork and architectural design.
7. Fire Resistance
RCC structures are more fire resistant comparatively to other construction materials like wood, Steel, etc.
8. Permeability
RCC structures are impermeable to moisture if some major attempts have been made during its building.
9. Sesmic resistance
Properly designed and executed RCC structures are resistant to major vibrations like earthquake or vibration produced due to other factors like moving train etc.
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Disadvantages of RCC

Although RCC has various advantages, it has some disadvantages too.
  1. RCC sections are heavier comparatively to the sections made with other construction materials like Steel, wood, etc.
  2. RCC sections consume more space than other sections made with construction materials like Steel.
  3. It requires lots of formwork, centring and shuttering to be fixed. Hence it requires more site space and skilled labour with perfect designing and execution.
  4. RCC takes time to gain its full strength, because cement gains strength very slowly. Thus, it can't be used immediately in the structures. Also, the time taken by the structure for its complete construction is more.
  5. RCC needs too much maintenance during its construction, like proper curing, checking of cracks, prevention from direct sunlight, etc.




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