Which is better, Shyam Steel or SRMB?

Author: Tata Nexarc | Published on: 21 August 2024 | 5 min read

Table of contents:

Selecting the right TMT bars is critical to the success of any construction project. TMT bars (Thermo-Mechanically Treated bars) are essential for providing the structural strength needed in reinforced concrete structures, be it residential buildings, commercial spaces, or large infrastructure projects. In India, two leading brands in this sector are Shyam Steel and SRMB. Both are well-known for their quality and reliability, but each has unique characteristics that may make one more suitable than the other depending on specific construction needs. This article will compare these two brands, with a particular focus on SRMB TMT bars, to determine which is better suited for your project.

Material Composition

Manufacturing Process: Shyam Steel vs. SRMB TMT Bars

Tempcore Process Overview:

1. Quenching Stage: The hot-rolled steel bars are rapidly cooled using water jets, forming a hard martensitic layer on the surface. This strengthens the TMT bars by preventing the formation of softer phases like pearlite.

• Scientific Insight: Cooling at 500°C per second creates a martensitic layer (0.5 to 2 mm deep) that provides high surface strength.

1. Self-Tempering Stage: The residual heat from the core tempers the outer martensitic layer, reducing brittleness. The core transforms into a softer ferrite-pearlite structure, balancing strength and flexibility.

• Scientific Insight: This process occurs at around 600°C, allowing carbon diffusion and softening the martensite.

1. Atmospheric Cooling Stage: The bars cool gradually in ambient air, stabilizing their mechanical properties.

• Scientific Insight: This ensures a final microstructure of strong martensitic outer layers and a ductile core with yield strength of 450-500 MPa and elongation of 16-18%.

Key Benefits:

• Dual-Phase Structure: The strong surface and ductile core make Shyam Steel TMT bars versatile for various construction needs.
• Uniform Mechanical Properties: Consistency throughout the bar length minimizes failure risks.

SRMB TMT Bars: Advanced German Technology

German Technology Overview:

1. X-Pattern Rib Design: Achieved through precision rolling, this rib pattern enhances the bond strength between the bars and concrete, making the structure more resistant to slippage.
• Scientific Insight: Optimized rib patterns improve bond strength by 15-20%, crucial for earthquake-resistant structures.
2. Precise Water-Cooling System: A more advanced system ensures uniform cooling, preventing micro-cracks and ensuring consistent mechanical properties throughout the bar.
• Scientific Insight: Controlled high-pressure water cooling (around 10 bar) prevents thermal gradients, reducing residual stresses and micro-cracks.
3. Thermo-Mechanical Treatment: Combines precise cooling and micro-alloyed steel, resulting in finer grain structure and superior mechanical properties compared to conventional TMT bars.
• Scientific Insight: Micro-alloying with Vanadium and Niobium refines the grain structure, enhancing tensile strength and ductility (550-600 MPa and elongation of 18-20%).

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Bond Strength: The X-Pattern rib design is ideal for earthquake-resistant structures.
• Uniform Mechanical Properties: Precise cooling ensures consistency across the bars, reducing the risk of failure.
• Superior Strength and Ductility: The refined grain structure and micro-alloying make SRMB TMT bars suitable for high-stress applications.

Strength and Durability

Shyam Steel TMT Bars

• High Tensile Strength: Shyam Steel TMT bars are designed to withstand significant stress without breaking, making them suitable for standard construction projects.
• Load-Bearing Capacity: Their tensile strength ensures reliable performance in projects where load-bearing capacity is critical.
• Suitable for Standard Projects: Ideal for general construction where high stress or extreme conditions are not primary concerns.

SRMB TMT Bars

• Superior Tensile Strength: SRMB TMT bars, with their micro-alloyed composition and advanced manufacturing techniques, offer higher tensile strength than conventional bars.
• Excellent Ductility: These bars can bend and deform under stress without fracturing, which is vital in earthquake-prone areas.
• Seismic Energy Absorption: The ductility of SRMB TMT bars allows structures to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, reducing the risk of collapse.
• Enhanced Durability: The micro-alloy composition and controlled cooling process reduce rust formation, even in harsh environments like coastal areas.
• Long-Term Integrity: The corrosion resistance of SRMB TMT bars helps maintain their structural integrity over time, reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of the structure.

Corrosion Resistance

Shyam Steel TMT Bars

• Protective Oxide Layer: Shyam Steel TMT bars develop a protective oxide layer during the quenching process, which acts as a barrier against moisture.
• Decent Corrosion Resistance: This oxide layer helps slow down the corrosion process, providing reasonable protection in environments with moderate exposure to moisture and chemicals.
• Suitable for General Environments: While effective in standard conditions, Shyam Steel TMT bars may not be the best option for highly corrosive environments.

SRMB TMT Bars

• Designed for Superior Corrosion Resistance: SRMB TMT bars are specifically engineered to excel in corrosion resistance, making them ideal for challenging environments.
• Micro-Alloyed Steel Composition: The use of micro-alloyed steel reduces the formation of coarse carbides, which are more prone to corrosion.
• Fine and Uniform Microstructure: The controlled cooling process in SRMB TMT bars ensures a fine and uniform microstructure, reducing susceptibility to rust.
• Ideal for Harsh Environments: SRMB TMT bars are preferred for projects in coastal areas, industrial zones, and other environments where exposure to moisture and chemicals is high. Their enhanced corrosion resistance ensures long-term durability.

Earthquake Resistance

Shyam Steel TMT Bars

• Good Earthquake Resistance: Shyam Steel TMT bars offer reliable earthquake resistance due to their balanced strength and flexibility.
• Dual-Phase Structure: The Tempcore process creates a dual-phase structure, enabling the bars to absorb and dissipate seismic energy effectively.
• Reduced Risk of Structural Failure: This structure helps lower the risk of structural failure during an earthquake, making them suitable for regions with moderate seismic activity.

SRMB TMT Bars

• Engineered for Superior Earthquake Resistance: SRMB TMT bars are specifically designed to excel in earthquake resistance, making them ideal for high-seismic areas.
• X-Pattern Rib Design: The unique rib design enhances the bond between the bars and concrete, preventing slippage during seismic events.
• High Ductility: The superior ductility of SRMB TMT bars allows them to bend and deform under seismic forces without breaking, ensuring the structure's integrity during strong earthquakes.
• Preferred for High-Seismic Regions: SRMB TMT bars are a top choice for earthquake-prone areas due to their ability to maintain structural stability even under intense seismic activity.

Cost and Value for Money

Shyam Steel TMT Bars

• Competitive Pricing: Shyam Steel TMT bars are priced affordably, making them a go-to option for builders who are conscious of their budget. For example, the price of Shyam Steel 12mm TMT bars is around ₹857 per piece, and larger sizes like 25mm are priced at approximately ₹3,712 per piece.
• Wide Availability: Shyam Steel TMT bars are easily accessible across various regions in India, ensuring a consistent supply for construction projects.
• Reliable Quality: Known for consistent quality, Shyam Steel TMT bars are widely used in different types of construction, ranging from residential to commercial projects.

SRMB TMT Bars

• Higher Upfront Cost: SRMB TMT bars typically have a slightly higher initial cost compared to Shyam Steel. For instance, a 12mm SRMB TMT bar costs around ₹802 to ₹817 per piece, while larger sizes like 25mm are priced between ₹3,492 and ₹3,670 per piece, depending on the region.
• Long-Term Value: The higher upfront cost of SRMB TMT bars is offset by their superior durability, corrosion resistance, and earthquake-resistant features. This translates to lower maintenance costs and fewer repairs over the lifespan of a structure.
• Cost-Efficiency in Challenging Environments: For large infrastructure projects or construction in harsh environments like coastal areas, the long-term savings and structural benefits of SRMB TMT bars often outweigh the initial cost difference. Their resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand seismic forces make them a sound investment for such projects.

Unique Selling Points (USP)

Shyam Steel TMT Bars

• Consistency in Quality: Shyam Steel is renowned for delivering consistent quality across its TMT bars.
• Wide Availability: Shyam Steel TMT bars are widely available across India, ensuring accessibility for various construction projects.
• Balanced Strength and Flexibility: The Tempcore process used by Shyam Steel ensures a reliable balance of strength and flexibility, making their bars suitable for diverse construction needs.

Unique Selling Points: SRMB TMT Bars

• Advanced German Technology: SRMB TMT bars are manufactured using cutting-edge German technology, enhancing their overall performance.
• X-Pattern Rib Design: The unique X-Pattern rib design provides superior bonding with concrete, improving structural stability.
• Micro-Alloy Composition: SRMB TMT bars incorporate micro-alloyed steel, offering enhanced strength and durability.
• Resistance to Corrosion and Seismic Forces: These bars excel in harsh environments, providing excellent corrosion resistance and superior earthquake resistance.
• Preferred for High-Stakes Projects: SRMB’s focus on innovation and quality makes their TMT bars a top choice for large infrastructure projects and high-rise buildings.

Availability and Distribution

Both Shyam Steel and SRMB have extensive distribution networks, ensuring that their TMT bars are accessible across India. Shyam Steel has a well-established network of dealers and distributors, making their products readily available in most regions.

SRMB, on the other hand, has been rapidly expanding its distribution network to meet the growing demand for its TMT bars. Their focus on providing consistent supply and timely delivery has made them a reliable partner for large construction projects. Additionally, SRMB’s dealer network offers competitive pricing and support services, ensuring that builders have access to the materials they need, when they need them.

Steel Plants of SRMB and Shyam Steel

SRMB Steel: operates state-of-the-art steel plants that incorporate advanced German technology, focusing on producing high-strength TMT bars. Their facilities are equipped with cutting-edge machinery and adhere to strict quality control measures, ensuring the production of steel that meets international standards. These plants are strategically located to cater to high-demand areas across India, particularly in regions with significant infrastructural development.

Shyam Steel: on the other hand, has multiple steel manufacturing plants across India, including their flagship facility in Durgapur, West Bengal. These plants utilize the Tempcore process and are known for producing high-quality steel products, including TMT bars. Shyam Steel’s plants are ISO certified, ensuring consistent production quality and a strong supply chain across the country.

Conclusion

When comparing Shyam Steel and SRMB TMT bars, both offer reliable quality, but SRMB excels in durability, corrosion resistance, and earthquake protection, making it ideal for high-stakes projects and challenging environments. Shyam Steel, with its competitive pricing and consistent quality, is a solid choice for standard construction needs. Ultimately, the choice depends on specific project requirements and budget constraints.

For builders seeking top-quality materials at competitive prices, Tata nexarc provides a trusted platform to source SRMB TMT bars and other construction essentials from verified suppliers, ensuring you make informed procurement decisions while benefiting from easy credit options and excellent customer service.