In construction, the stirrups play an important role and are used with columns and beams. It is a simple element but is of utmost importance in the construction sites. A stirrup can be defined as a steel bar that is wrapped around beams and columns to reinforce the structure.
It is a closed loop of reinforcement that provides lateral support to the main structure. Stirrups are available in the market as Superlinks. These are high-strength ribbed TMT bars manufactured using automation. If stirrups are not used then two kinds of failures can occur in the construction beams: Shear failure and Flexural (bending) failure.
If a shear crack appears at an angle at the horizontal then it can begin in the mid-depth and can develop further to the top and the bottom. As a shear failure is considered brittle it has to be avoided. To withstand this shearing motion and to prevent outward bending of the longitudinal bars stirrups are used.
When a beam can sag due to increased loading it is called flexural failure. This can be prevented by using longitudinal bars to resist tension due to flexure.
There are ready-made stirrups available which can help to save time and space at the construction sites. When you use ready-made stirrups it ensures that the project is completed faster. You can manually bend stirrups but using the ready-made you can ensure high accuracy and lead to zero wastage. They are manufactured using strict quality control measures to ensure good quality, accurate dimensions and consistency.
Role of stirrups in construction
- The tops and bottoms in the beam are wrapped with a rectangular steel piece to form a stirrup. Stirrups help to hold the primary reinforcing bars in position. Stirrups can prevent the beams and columns from buckling.
- The designer has to determine the stirrup spacing along the beam. This makes it easier to produce stirrups properly. Stirrups are placed beneath the heavy loads and bearing points as they are at a higher risk of shearing.
- Stirrups are used to prevent shear failure and can be placed horizontally, vertically or both. When cracks appear in a beam or column the shear failure generally occurs diagonally. The tension due to the transverse, compression and vertical tension are the main reasons for diagonal shear. Concrete is stronger in deformation than tension still diagonal cracks appear over time. Stirrups can be used to reduce the tension.
- Steel bars can be put through the concrete to strengthen it. However, stirrups are required to maintain the bars in a straight line. The key points in the structure can become weak over time therefore stirrups are used to strengthen them.
- Stirrups are considered to be less durable when compared to steel rebars. However, Stirrups are used to support the rebars. If rebars are called the ‘Bones’ of the concrete structure then stirrups are used to keep the rebars straight.
- Stirrups are helpful when there is pressure on the column from above. Stirrups help in maintaining vital resistance. They help rebar and concrete to provide long-lasting stability under heavy loads.