Stirrups are an essential element in the manufacture of reinforced concrete. These are closed loops of steel surrounding the main reinforcement bars, commonly called TMTs. They help resist the shear forces, prevent concrete cracking, and distortion. All these types of stirrups are for different purposes and loads in the structure.
In this blog post, let us see some of the various kinds of stirrups and their applications in construction.
1. Single-Legged Stirrups
Single-legged stirrups are the lightest type of stirrups. They are used in low-intensity construction works. They basically comprise one bar bent in a U-shape which is then tied to the primary reinforcement bar. These stirrups are primarily used in buildings that have less shear stress. However, they rarely can be seen these days because of their minimal strength and use.
Applications:
- Low load-bearing columns.
- light structural element.
2. Double-Legged Stirrups
The most commonly used stirrups in construction are the double-legged stirrups. These generally encase the primary reinforcement bar with two bends, hence providing better strength and stability to structures made from reinforced concrete. This type of stirrup is usually utilized for column construction as well as for beam construction because they have excellent shear resistance.
Applications:
- Commercial building as well as residential buildings.
- Beams and columns in medium to large structures.
3. Four-Legged Stirrups
The name itself suggests that four-lag stirrups consist of four bends that give additional strength and resistance to shear forces. These stirrups are mainly used in heavy constructions like high-rise buildings and bridges, where loads are significantly higher.
Applications:
- Heavy columns and beams in high-rise buildings.
- Flyovers and bridges.
4. Circular Stirrups
Circular stirrups are designed for circular or spiral columns used in foundations, bridges, and generally on cylindrical structures. Since the cross-section is circular, loads are uniformly distributed, providing resistance to both axial as well as shear forces.
Applications:
- Circular columns of buildings.
- Piles and Bridge Piers.
- Chimneys and other cylindrical structures.
5. Helical Stirrups
Helical stirrups are also known as spiral stirrups. They are similar to circular stirrups but not, since they are in the continuous form. They encircle the main TMT bars in the form of a helix. These stirrups will add ultimate strength and better confinement of the concrete, providing flexibility and load-carrying capacity to the columns.
Applications:
- Earthquake-resistant structures.
- Higher load-bearing columns on bridge and flyover.
- Circular tanks and silos.
6. Torsion Stirrups
Torsional stirrups are designed to resist torsion forces in structural members. The use of the stirrup is usually applied in structures that tend to have heavy torsional loads, such as beams and slabs in industrial building.
Applications:
- Beams in industrial structure.
- Torsional load-exposed slabs.
- Precast concrete elements.
7. Combined Stirrups
Combined stirrups are the hybrid versions of some stirrup designs and are provided in the structures which may involve multiple forces like shear, torsion, and other axial forces that occur simultaneously. They deliver maximum reinforcement and are as such tailored according to the respective design needs.
Applications:
- Structural Designs at Complex Architectural Designs.
- Structures with variant loads.
- Industrial and infrastructural projects.
Importance Of High-Quality TMT Bars in Stirrups
The quality of stirrups is definitely going to affect the durability and strength of the structure. High-quality TMT bars, from a well-known TMT Bar Manufacturer, are essential in the production of stirrups that can endure great shear as well as torsional forces. The tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion set value of TMT bars as the best material to be used for stirrups.
Metcon TMT Bars, which are supplied by the best TMT Bar Company in Kerala, should be considered and which have fulfilled the requirement of the regulations and industrial standards set. In this regard, the companies ensure that there is an accurate supply of their TMT Bars complying with the requisites of construction so that safety and strength are not compromised while constructing the building.
Conclusion
A proper kind of stirrup can make all the difference in having structural integrity. Single-legged stirrups are used for light construction, while complex torsional and combined have been applied in industrial projects. Each has its specific use, planned inside the reinforcement of concrete structures.
Its stirrups can utilize quality TMT Steel materials from a reputed TMT Steel Company, such as the best provided by top TMT bar suppliers. Thus, you can be guaranteed that the stirrups in your construction project will deliver the maximum amount of strength, durability, and resistance to shear and torsional forces. Besides providing maximum load-bearing capacity, the proper choice of stirrups will also contribute to an overall increase in the safety and life span of the structure.
