Why Builders Are Opting for Higher-Grade TMT Bars?

Almost​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ every builder is considering switching to Higher-Grade TMT Bars. The change is quite obvious as we have been visiting the same sites over the last few years. Initially, the majority of people were satisfied with Fe 415 or Fe 500; however, the trend now is that most people opt for the first choice of Fe 550, Fe 550D, and even Fe 600. This is not just a mere trend – these changes are backed by solid reasons.

What are Stronger TMT bars?

These bars are the same steel rods that go inside the concrete, but with a better raw material and a more controlled factory process. The steel is heated to a very high temperature, rolled, and later it is cooled rapidly with water. This process gives a hardened outer skin and a softer inner part. The figure that follows “Fe” refers to the minimum strength in megapascals. As such, Fe 550 can bear 10% more load than Fe 500 before it starts to bend. “D” denotes ductility – the bar can be lengthened and bent a lot more before it breaks.

Real reasons why builders are making the switch

1. Buildings are getting taller and heavier

Once upon a time, a 12-floor building was considered tall. Today, 30–50 floors is the norm in almost every city. The increase in the number of floors means that the load on each pillar becomes heavier. With Fe 550 or Fe 600, the same pillar can be thinner and yet carry the load safely.

2. You actually use less steel

Fe 550 bar is about 10% stronger than Fe 500. Hence, the same work requires 8-10% less steel by weight. Less steel results in lower costs of the material, crane charges, and labour for bending and tying – the savings accumulate very fast. 

3. Earthquakes don’t wait for anyone

No one wants to take the risk after the major earthquakes that we have seen in the last ten years and in various parts of the world. Fe 500D and Fe 550D bars like these will stretch and deflect rather than break suddenly with a snap. There are videos I have watched where buildings made with ductile bars behave like a tree in strong wind, and still they are standing after the shaking stops.

4. Rust and sea air are serious issues

For cities along the coast such as Mumbai, Chennai or Vizag, regular bars rust within approximately 8-10 years. Higher-grade bars have better chemical composition and quality control that is more tightly regulated, which results in longer periods of rust for a standard-grade bar than for a normal one. A builder in Mumbai told me that his old building used to need repairs every 5 years; the new one with Fe 550D has not had a single rust patch even after 12 years.

5. New rules only leave one choice

The BIS and local municipal rules are very strict now. In zones 3, 4 and 5 of earthquake areas, the majority of projects must use a minimum of Fe 500D or Fe 550D. If a lower grade is used, the drawing gets rejected at the very first stage. Builders don’t want to waste time, so they simply place an order for the higher grade.

6. Less steel = less damage to nature

By using 10-12% less steel for the same building, you conserve thousands of tonnes of iron ore, coal and electricity. There are quite a few good factories that now make use of scrap in electric furnaces – this helps in a great reduction of pollution. Builders who are in pursuit of green building certificates find it more convenient with higher-grade ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌bars.

Which grade should you pick?

• Fe 500 – still fine for individual houses, small apartments up to G+8 or G+10, schools and shops.
• Fe 550 / Fe 550D – the new favourite for anything above 15 floors, coastal areas and earthquake zones.
• Fe 600 – big bridges, metro pillars, heavy factories, very tall towers.

Final Thought

Good quality steel is very much like a good foundation – it is not something you see every day, however, it is what determines the lifespan of the building and the safety of the people living inside it. By simply spending a little more on stronger TMT Bars Today, you can save crores later on in the course of repairs, retrofitting, or even if it is something bad. The future is for safer, smarter, and stronger constructions – and it is the stronger TMT bars that are enabling this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are higher-grade bars better than the old ones?

They are more robust, they can be bent to a greater extent without breaking, and they are also less prone to rust. Thus, they are ideal for skyscrapers and are safe in case of earthquakes.

Are these bars really of help during earthquakes?

Yes. The additional ductility is what takes in the shaking energy. Buildings become deformed but do not collapse abruptly.

Which projects require them the most?

The examples of skyscrapers can be a coastal development, a bridge project, a factory, or anything that is located in a seismic zone, such as a high-rise ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌building.