"reinforced" typically refers to the use of reinforcement materials to enhance the strength and durability of construction elements, particularly concrete. This is most commonly achieved through the incorporation of steel reinforcement bars, also known as rebar, or mesh within concrete structures. The reinforcement helps the concrete withstand tensile stresses, which concrete alone is not particularly strong at resisting.
Reinforced concrete is a fundamental component in commercial construction due to its improved structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to cracking and environmental factors. The use of reinforcement is guided by Australian Standards, such as AS 3600 (Concrete Structures), which provide specifications for the design and construction of reinforced concrete structures to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with building codes.
Types of Reinforced Concrete in Australia
In Australia, there are various types of reinforced concrete used in commercial construction projects, including :
- Reinforced concrete with steel bars (rebars)
- Reinforced concrete with mesh
- Specialised concrete products, such as fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement
Role of Reinforcement in Construction
Reinforcement plays a crucial role in construction by providing additional strength and flexibility to concrete structures . Steel reinforcement, in particular, is widely used in Australian construction projects to improve the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure .
In Australia, construction work, including the use of reinforcement, is regulated by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations . The regulations define construction work as any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, or commissioning of a building or structure.
Professionals Involved in Reinforcement
In Australian commercial construction projects, steel fixers (also known as ironworkers or rodbusters) are responsible for positioning and securing reinforcing bars and mesh used to reinforce concrete . These tradespeople play a critical role in ensuring that reinforcement is installed correctly and safely.
