News | December 11, 2013

MMFX Launches Cost-Effective, High-Strength Steel Solution For Large Construction Projects

MMFX Steel Corporation of America is proud to introduce their latest line of high-strength reinforcing steel, featuring a 100 ksi yield strength: ChromX 4100. This product is ideal for large construction projects in need of high-yield strength at a reasonable material cost.

ChromX 4100 has the same mechanical properties of high-strength ASTM A1035 reinforcing steel, and is based on the unique technology used to manufacture the uncoated high-strength and corrosion-resistant MMFX2 reinforcing steel. Through the modified chemistry of ChromX 4100, MMFX can offer reinforcing steel optimized to fulfill the needs of high-strength steel applications when high corrosion resistance is not required.

“ChromX 4100 is a cost-effective high-strength steel solution for engineers and project managers,” said Tom Russo, MMFX Steel Corporation of America CEO. “By introducing a reduced cost, high-strength 100 ksi steel, a project can see up-front construction cost savings by using less steel as well as other cost reductions associated with rebar fabrication and placing.”

By specifying high-strength steels, designers can solve costly rebar congestion problems and developers can complete structures more quickly, resulting in substantial savings. Grade 100 ChromX 4100 high-strength rebar allows structures to be designed and built with up to 40 percent less steel. Additional cost reductions of up to 60 percent can be achieved through lower steel fabrication and placement labor costs.

The unique steel technology used in the manufacture of ChromX 4100 results in a low-carbon martensitic steel microstructure with high ductility. Unlike common carbon steel rebar, which loses ductility as strength is increased, ChromX 4100 maintains excellent ductility and can be fabricated like conventional reinforcing steel.

Acceptance and application of Grade 100 steel rebar, conforming to ASTM A1035, has been on the rise in recent years.

In 2010, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Innovative Task Group report, ITG-6R-10, outlined the use of ASTM A1035 Grade 100 steel in reinforced concrete structures. The report details considerations of using Grade 100 steel within the framework of ACI 318-08.

In January 2013 the ICC-ES evaluation report ESR-2107 was issued to support the use of ASTM A1035 Grade 100 steel and associated design requirements.

In 2013, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) approved the use of Grade 100 steel in their Interim 2013 LRFD Bridge Design Specification. Previously bridge designs were limited to using only 75 ksi reinforcing steel.

Design engineers can specify ChromX 4100 as ASTM A1035 with a modified chemistry. Grade 100 ChromX 4100 steel is available in various sizes of reinforcing steel (rebar), smooth rounds and flats. It is sold in North and South America by MMFX Steel Corporation of America and in the Middle East by MMFX Steel DMCC.

Source: MMFX Steel Corporation of America