Not long ago, the world witnessed in shock a severe seismic activity on 25 April 2015, when a devastating earthquake sent shock-waves across one of India’s neighboring countries, Nepal.

The widespread destruction not only brought more than 6 lakh structures down to the dust, but it also claimed over 9 thousand precious lives in and around Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu.

Interestingly, research shows that the impact of the 2015 tremor, in terms of lives lost, was significantly less in the Indian states, which share borders with Nepal. According to researchers, the loss of life due to the falling of structural debris was much lower on the Indian side, because in India, most buildings use TMT bars.
 
This clearly brings to light the tremendous significance of utilizing high-grade, earthquake-resistant TMT bars in major constructions. Industry experts agree that TMT bars are the gold standard for earthquake-proof buildings. But what role do these extraordinary steel bars play in making constructions earthquake-resistant? Let us see.

Outstanding Seismic Performance

Some of the key qualities that top-class TMT steel bars feature include ductility, elongation, workability, and strength. Ductility and elongation are two prime properties of TMT bars, which retain the structural integrity in the event of an earthquake, by absorbing the shock without breaking.
 
TMT bars have a flexible ferrite-pearlite core and a robust martensite external surface. During a quake, the TMT bar’s soft-core allows a slight tilting action, while the steel bar’s strong exterior brings the structure back to the original position. The elongation and ductility characteristics ensure a better adjustment to tensile stress, or inelastic strains, during seismic activities and its aftershocks.

What to Consider While Selecting Earthquake Resistant TMT Bars?

The best TMT bars, such as GK TMT Rebars incorporate mechanical properties like high elongation percentage and top yield strength, which are crucial for determining the bar’s flexural capacity.
 
Real Ispat & Power Ltd deploys the cutting-edge Tempcore Process Technology in producing the most advanced TMT Bars that are well-suited for India’s earthquake zones. The leading TMT bar manufacturing company also uses high-tech block mills, which safeguard against faults, guaranteeing complete peace of mind.

How to Know Whether a TMT Bar Is Truly Earthquake-Proof?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has specified certain grades for TMT bars, such as Fe-600, Fe-550, Fe-500D, FE-500, Fe-415D, and Fe-415. According to various studies, Fe-415 and Fe-500 have the proper mix of tensile strength and ductility, which makes it a top pick for constructions in regions that are seismic prone. Besides other BIS approvals, GK TMT bars have also acquired the certification for Fe-415 and Fe-500.
 
The NCS (National Centre of Seismology), in a report, stated that India’s plate is rotating anticlockwise, and it is shifting at the rate of around 45 mm per year. India, as reported by the NCS, is a High Seismic Zone, with over 56 percent of its land prone to low-to-severe tremors. Hence, when it comes to ensuring the safety of your loved ones, choose the right TMT bars for your home.