The civil engineering and construction world is diverse, extensive and always evolving. The architects and engineers use a variety of techniques and materials to create reliable and durable structures. RCC is a construction material made up of small concrete pieces, embedded in a steel rebar mesh, often less than 6 square inch. This mesh acts as a reinforcing agent to make the concrete stronger and more resistant to damage.
See also: What is sunk slab in construction?
RCC: Full form
RCC’s full form is Reinforced Cement Concrete. It is a composite material made from steel and concrete reinforcement. This is a central element in modern construction due to its lightweight and easy-to-work features, particularly for infrastructure, buildings and bridges.
In addition, the RCC fibers are woven into the concrete before it is poured. They also help to spread stress and pressure uniformly throughout the material. This makes the RCC less likely to shatter or crack under stress and more resistant to compressive loading. It is even more durable than traditional concrete, making it long-lasting without requiring replacement or repairs.
How does RCC work?
Reinforced Cement Concrete is a construction material mainly consisting of Portland cement, reinforcing steel and rebar. The mixture of RCC is poured into a mold and heated at a high temperature. This process helps expand the cement and create a strong bond between the individual particles. Therefore, the resulting material is strong and can resist damage and decay.
It is one of the construction industry’s significant developments of the last decades. The RCC structure is designed so that the two components can easily withstand the forces applied together. The steel’s tensile strength and the concrete’s compressive strength in RCC create a solid bond to resist and endure the stresses caused by wind, vibration or other forces.
Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC): Types
Some of the most commonly used RCC types are explained below:
Polymer concrete
This type of RCC is made by completely replacing the cement hydrate binders of conventional cement concrete binders with polymer binders. It offers abrasion resistance, better strength, chemical, and adhesion than ordinary cement concrete. The hardening of this concrete mainly occurs due to the polymerization of binders at medium temperature.
Fibre reinforced concrete
These concrete are mainly used overlays in the pavement and modern-day buildings. The fibers utilised in this type of RCC are steel fibers, organic fibre and minerals. All concrete sections are highly built with FRC and have equivalent tensile strength. Moreover, using steel or alternative fibre instead of steel rods for reinforcement reduces the overall cost.
Ferrocement concrete
Ferrocement concrete is made by combining cement mortar with wire meshes. It is lightweight and highly versatile reinforced concrete that can be fabricated into any desired shape. It is one of the preferred choices due to its longevity, material cost, ease of construction and better resistance to earthquakes.
RCC: Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| RCC has better tensile and compressive strength when compared to other building materials. | The tensile strength of RCC is only about 1/10th of the compressive strength. |
| The buildings constructed with RCC are more durable than other buildings. | Several steps are involved in constructing an RCC building, such as casting, mixing, and curing. However, if these steps are not followed properly, the RCC’s final strength may be altered. |
| RCC can be easily molded into any shape before hardening its mix. | Installing and removing RCC formwork before and after pouring concrete is an additional cost. |
| RCC buildings have better fire resistance than steel structures only. | After hardening, shrinkage in RCC buildings may cause strength loss or crack development. |
| RCC buildings offer long life and low maintenance costs. | |
| The RCC building construction requires fewer skilled workers than traditional construction. |
RCC construction vs traditional construction
Traditional construction
Traditional construction has been a standard method for a long time that mainly relies on natural materials such as clay, stone, and wood. The structures constructed using traditional techniques may vary in shape and size and can last several years. It is a more time-consuming construction method and creates a substantial deal of disruption for encircling areas.
RCC construction
RCC construction has experienced excellent advancements in the past few years that offer higher durability and enhanced design. It proves to provide better sound insulation and cost-effective methods of construction. It even incorporates advanced materials such as concrete, steel, and glass. This method is also considered as one of the eco-friendly construction options.
Some of the project types of RCC Construction are well-suited include:
- Dams & bridges
- Multi-story buildings
- Retaining walls and more
Innovation and rends of RCC Constructions includes:
- 3D printing in construction helps in creating RCC structures more efficiently and quickly.
- High-Performance Concrete (HPC)
- Automation and robotics are highly used in RCC construction to reduce manpower demands and enhance efficiency.
The RCC structures are perfectly crafted by engineers prioritising factors like seismic stability, wind resistance, weight-bearing capacity and more. The engineers highly incorporate the best safety features in the construction process with the help of RCC to ensure that the structures are safely supported and withstand all the effects of nature.
FAQs
What is RCC full form?
RCC full form is Reinforcement Cement Concrete. It is a construction material made from reinforcement and cement, typically concrete or steel.
What is RCC full form in civil engineering?
RCC is a type of concrete that is reinforced with wire mesh and fibers to improve durability and strength. It is being used in a variety of applications including civil engineering projects.
Where is the RCC full form used?
It is widely used to build skyscrapers, bridges, multi-story buildings, and other large structures.
What is RCC full-form structure in construction?
RCC structure is a type of construction that uses precast concrete columns and beams to create a durable and robust building.
What is the main advantage of using RCC full form in construction?
The main advantage of using RCC is its ability to resist earthquakes and other natural disasters with low maintenance.
Which type of RCC full form is most preferred by engineers?
Ferrocement Concrete is one of the preferred choices of engineers due to its longevity, material cost, ease of construction, and better resistance to earthquakes.
Why is RCC full form more durable than traditional concrete?
RCC is more durable than traditional concrete due to the following reasons: ● It is more resistant to decay and corrosion. ● It is stronger than conventional concrete. ● It is easier to work with as it can be assembled quickly and with less labor. ● It is less likely to break or crack in cold climatic conditions.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |