Speakers at an event in Dhaka have said that using high-strength rods such as 600-grade could reduce the number of rods required in large concrete structures, while increasing the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
They made the remarks at a technical seminar on 鈥榗ost-effective use of 600-grade rebar and customised solutions鈥� at the initiative of the Technical Division of Bangladesh Bridge Authority at its conference room, said a press release on Thursday.
The chief guest at the event was Mohammad Abdur Rouf, secretary of the Bridges Division and executive director of Bangladesh Bridges Authority.
The keynote speaker was M Shamim Z Basunia, former professor and structural engineering expert at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
In addition, Rakib Ahsan, professor of the department of civil engineering, BUET, has given a presentation titled 鈥楨nhancing Economy and Sustainability through High-Strength Reinforcement in Large-Scale Concrete Structures鈥� at the event.
Among the attendees were Quazi Mohammad Ferdous, chief engineer of the Technical Division of BBA, along with several project directors, engineers and officials.
Rakib Ahsan said that using high-strength rods, high-strength reinforcement, such as 600-grade reduced the number of rods required in large concrete structures, while increasing the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
鈥楢s a result, on the one hand, construction costs are reduced. On the other hand, an environmentally friendly solution is ensured because it is possible to build a sustainable structure using less steel,鈥� he said, adding that using 600-grade rods could save up to 10-25 per cent of steel compared to conventional rods, which helped reduce construction costs.
鈥楢t the same time, due to the high strength, the amount of concrete required is also relatively low, which has a positive impact on the environment,鈥� he mentioned.
Rakib Ahsan emphasised that the use of such high-strength rods in the construction of large infrastructure projects in Bangladesh in the future would ensure sustainable development, economic savings and long-term safety. 鈥楢t the same time, it will be a new horizon in the construction industry of Bangladesh.鈥�
Mentioning that the country鈥檚 bridge and infrastructure projects are expanding rapidly, Mohammad Abdur Rouf said, 鈥業t is very important to ensure sustainable solutions and safety in these projects. We need to use rebar that is not only cost-effective, but its high strength and durability will reduce maintenance costs in the long run.鈥�
M Shamim Z Basunia said, 鈥楤angladesh is now implementing one mega project after another. If international quality materials are not used in these projects, structural risks will remain. 600-grade rebar can ensure the sustainable strength of the structure through its advanced properties. This will increase the lifespan of the projects and make the country鈥檚 development activities more reliable.鈥�
An experienced steel industry professional with a metallurgy background, Engr Md Saiful Islam, in his presentation, highlighted that the first quantum electric arc furnace in Asia, installed by GPH Ispat Ltd, is among the most eco-friendly and advanced steelmaking technologies now being adopted by research-based countries and leading global steelmakers.
He explained, 鈥楧ue to its state-of-the-art quality control, producing high-strength rebars, including 600 MPa grade with consistent quality is remarkably easy.鈥�
He also noted that international rebar steelmaking standards of China, Canada, India and the United States recommend using electric arc furnace along with basic oxygen furnace or open-hearth furnace routes for rebar steel production, whereas induction furnaces were not endorsed.
鈥業n Bangladesh, however, most producers still rely on induction furnaces, which have not been endorsed by many countries for poor quality and sustainability concerns,鈥� he said.
Citing the example of Thailand, he mentioned that after the Bangkok earthquake and subsequent building collapses, the Industry Ministry of Thailand decided to shut down all induction furnace-based steelmaking units due to inconsistent quality and poor sustainability.
He also referred to a circular from India鈥檚 Roads and Highways Department requiring rebar certificates to include detailed information on the manufacturing process.