Back A complete guide to reinforced concrete floors

Reinforced concrete is one of the world's most common building materials, and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly strong and resistant to damage, but it's also readily available and more cost-effective than most other materials. This is why it's such a popular choice for flooring.

With over 40 years' experience, Nationwide Concreting are one of the UK's leading suppliers of premium-quality concrete flooring. In this guide, we'll be exploring all there is to know about reinforced concrete floors: what they are, how they're made, and the key benefits that make them so widespread. Let's jump right in!

What is reinforced concrete?

Reinforced concrete is a type of concrete made by embedding steel rods, bars, or mesh within the concrete to enhance its already impressive strength.

Reinforcement is added because concrete, despite its many advantages as a construction material, has a comparatively low tensile strength. This means it's not very resistant to lengthwise pressure. By integrating steel (which has a high tensile strength), concrete becomes much more resistant to lateral forces.

How does reinforced concrete flooring work?

Reinforced concrete is made by pouring the raw concrete over pre-laid steel reinforcing bars or mesh. When the concrete solidifies around this metal, it gives the floor added strength to be able to cope with increased pressure.

This combination of materials creates a solid and resilient flooring system that can withstand heavy loads and resist deformation over time.

Why is reinforced concrete used? What are its benefits?

The widespread use of reinforced concrete around the world is a testament to its reliability and efficiency as a building material. Here are some of the reasons why it's so popular: 

• Low Cost and Readily Available: Reinforced concrete is a cost-effective option compared to materials like steel or wood. Its components, such as cement, aggregates, and reinforcing steel, are readily available in most regions, making it an accessible choice for construction projects.
• Improved Strength: By incorporating reinforcing steel bars or mesh within the concrete, the material's tensile and compressive strength is significantly improved. This means that reinforced concrete can bear heavier loads and provide better structural support than regular concrete.
• Crack Control: Concrete tends to crack due to factors like shrinkage, temperature changes, and loading conditions. However, the incorporation of reinforcement in concrete structures helps control and limit crack widths by providing additional strength and flexibility.
• Design Versatility: Reinforced concrete offers great design flexibility, allowing it to be moulded into various shapes and sizes to meet architectural requirements. It can be cast into intricate forms, curved surfaces, and complex geometries, allowing architects and engineers to bring their creative visions to life.
• Fire and Weather Resistance: Reinforced concrete exhibits excellent fire resistance properties since the concrete itself is non-combustible. The presence of reinforcement also helps maintain the structural integrity of the concrete even under high temperatures. On top of this, reinforced concrete structures are highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and corrosion.
• Temperature Fluctuation Resilience: Steel and concrete both react to thermal changes similarly, which prevents internal stress on concrete floors. The concrete and steel expand and contract together, making reinforced concrete resistant to temperature fluctuations.
• Low Maintenance: Reinforced concrete structures generally require minimal maintenance throughout their lifespan. The material's durability and resistance to degradation contribute to its longevity.

Where is reinforced concrete used?

As reinforced concrete is such a flexible material, it can be used in virtually any construction project. This includes:

• Industrial flooring
• Building footings or foundations
• Suspended floors and roof slabs
• Large scale projects such as multi-story buildings

Where are reinforced concrete floors used?

Reinforced concrete flooring is a popular choice for a wide range of building types. Its impressive compressive and tensile strength make it able to withstand the daily stresses of a busy workspace, such as foot and vehicle traffic, as well as endure high pressure and years of general wear and tear.

Multi-storey buildings are subjected to a great deal of pressure, which makes the added strength provided by reinforced concrete particularly useful. Reinforced concrete flooring is therefore a regular feature in office and residential blocks, as well as multi-level car parks.

The advantages of reinforced concrete floors extend to warehouses, factories, and manufacturing environments as well. They offer increased tolerance against heavy weights, making them a practical choice for such settings.

Premium reinforced concrete flooring from Nationwide Concreting

Nationwide Concreting are the UK's leading industrial concrete flooring contractors. With over four decades of experience, we take pride in installing and finishing reliable reinforced concrete floors of all shapes, sizes, and specifications.

Our team is made up of highly experienced professionals who excel in delivering high-quality reinforced concrete flooring installations. We've worked with businesses in countless industries, so whatever your sector, you can be confident your concrete floor is in capable hands.

Ready to kickstart your project? Getting a quote is quick and easy! Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call on 01590 676585. Our friendly team are here to answer any questions you may have and provide you with detailed information about our services. Don't hesitate to reach out -- we're here to help!