As the demand for sustainability in construction materials increases, the steel industry needs to outdo mere recyclability of products and set new trends in the field of sustainable construction and ecological innovation. In recognition of this need, Qatar Steel aims to develop products that provide its customers with eco-efficiency gains along with increased profitability. Our consideration of ecological progressiveness and business development drives us forward to our overall goal of increased production sustainability.
At Qatar Steel, we develop value-added products, working alongside our customers to meet their needs and anticipate future trends. Our Research & Development department, established in 2012, focuses its efforts on the development of high-strength rebar tailored for markets in GCC region, an area in which we have successfully developed cutting-edge solutions. This adds value in a number of different ways: it strengthens our business potential for market access and sales, it bolsters our contributions to the Qatari economy, and it provides our construction clients with more environmentally friendly and profitable solutions.
‘At Qatar Steel, we see operations’ efficiency as an integral part of our pursuit of sustainable steel. We invest in developing and enhancing products that are not only efficient in their material consumption, but also help us in creating products that reduce the environmental footprint of our customers.’ Yousef Abdulla Al-Emadi Production Division Manager
Development of High-Strength Rebar
Qatar Steel has focused its recent efforts on the development of a new high-strength rebar with yield strength >600Mpa.
In the past, Qatar Steel has produced rebar with yield strengths of 420MPa, 460MPa, and 500MPa, complying with BS 4449/ASTM A 615 specifications. Eager for innovation and improvement, however, and in acknowledgment of the benefits of higher yield-strength rebar, Qatar Steel has managed to successfully develop a new high-strength rebar with a yield strength of 600MPa, conforming to ASTM Gr. 80 and above.
This new high-strength rebar is considered to be a cost-efficient product. By leading to reduction in column size of heavily loaded structures, its use will relieve rebar congestion and further reduce steel consumption in construction by approximately 20-25%, in addition to lowering the overall cost. Thus the product provides savings to our clients by reducing both the amount of rebar needed and the amount of construction materials (e.g. concrete) required to support the rebar. In addition, the reduction in column size frees up greater floor space for use by building developers, resulting in greater overall profitability.
Wire Rod for Stick Welding Electrode Application
In 2014, Qatar Steel successfully developed wire rod (EWNR/DIN 17145 S1) in 5.5mm sections for stick welding to serve potential customers in Qatar and the GCC region. Qatar Steel developed this product for the first time to cater to customers who were previously importing this grade of steel from China, India, and other countries. Our customers now benefit both from this higher quality of steel and from our commitment to on-time delivery at competitive prices.
Epoxy-Coated Rebar – The Perfect Solution for Corrosion in Qatar and the GCC Region
Epoxy-coated rebar (ECR) is designed for use in concrete subjected to corrosive conditions, such as de-icing salts or marine environments. ECR is utilised in the following structures:
- Buildings
- Bridges
- Parking
- Pavement
- Marine
- Repair work
ECR is particularly suitable for projects in the GCC region subject to high temperature & humidity. Our subsidiary Q-Coat started producing ECR in 1990, and since then it has supplied ECR for the Ras Laffan Common Cooling Project, the Museum for Islamic Art in Doha, the Kahramaa Awareness Park, and the new Kahramaa Water Reservoir Project. The latter project ntails construction of five potable water mega-reservoir sites and an interconnecting network of large-diameter water pipes.