Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/396142
Raising The Rebar Reinforcing steel carries the heavy load by Peter Caulfield A n uptick in the residential and commercial sector and advances in technology have led to increas- ing activity being seen in the rein- forcing steel (rebar) sector. While rebar has been used in con- struction for at least 500 years, recent construction techniques have been updated by embedding steel bars in con- crete and by introducing deformed bars to improve bonding. This reinforced concrete is now considered to be the most effective and efficient construc- tion method as it allows for quicker start-up times, reduced total construc- tion times and in turn, cost savings. One recent innovation in reinforc- ing steel is post-tensioning, which rein- forces concrete with high-strength steel strands or bars. Due to its versatility, post-tensioning allows construction that would otherwise be impossible due to challenges such as site contraints and architectural requirements, and this in turn has captured the imagination of architects across Canada. One company specializing in rein- forcing steel, post-tensioning, wire mesh, scaffolding and access, and adapt- ing innovative new construction tech- niques, is AGF Group. Founded more than 60 years ago, the company has grown and expanded its operations by merging with companies that offer similar products and services. Today, AGF Group employs more than 2,000 people, with more than 36 busi- ness units in Canada, the U.S., Europe, the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and Africa. AGF Steel, which is part of AGF Group, offers a wide array of rein- forcing products, including deformed reinforcing steel bars. AGF's couplers, or mechanical joints, connect two rein- forcing bars together and end-to-end, so that they act like a single continuous bar, avoiding any overlapping. The company also provides a num- ber of post-tensioning products includ- ing unbonded mono-strand systems; grout-injected mono-strand systems; grout-injected multi-strand systems; and post-tensioning bar systems. Early Adaptors Dowco Technology Services Ltd. has specialized in steel det ailing and related services since the company was founded 44 years ago. Its customers consist mainly of architects, engineers, steel and concrete manufacturers, con- tractors, building owners and struc- tural detailers. "Our rich history in steel detailing has allowed us to expand into construction markets where software solutions are required," says Arvin Eugenio, sales and marketing manager at Dowco. "As early adopters, we have an edge over our competition, because we have used the products at their early stages and have developed considerable expertise in them." The company's products include Building Information Modeling ( BIM) software, such as ArchiCAD and Tekla Structures, FabTrol steel fabrication management software, Panzura enter- prise solutions for global multi-office organizations and Bluebeam for paper- less work flow. Services include BIM consulting, training, customization, help desk and support services, pre-construction and structural detailing. Corrosion Control One company that has undergone sig- nificant expansion as a result of the increasing demand for rebar is Harris Rebar – a leading fabricator, installer and distributor of concrete reinforcing steel and related products. Since it was founded 60 years ago, Harris Rebar has grown to over 70 fabri- cation shops across the U.S. and Canada. 48/ october 2014 reinforcing Steel Proud members of: Strengthening North America's Construction Industry OUR PRODUC TS Black and Epoxy Coated Rebar Post Tensioning Post Tensioning Post Tensioning Post Tensioning Threaded Rebar Welded Wire Mesh Round Bar Round Bar Round Bar Couplers Couplers Couplers Couplers Couplers Couplers Anchor Bolts Anchor Bolts Placing Accessories OUR SERVICES Estimating Detailing Det Fabrication Fabrication Installation Abbotsford 604.864.8656 Vancouver 604.946.1231 Kelowna 250.766.0608 Nanaimo 250.722.3378 Prince George 250.562.0065 Rebar.indd 1 14-09-18 3:32 PM Fostering Quality, Value, Trust…Our Heritage 3 0 y e a r s o f s e r v i c e Heritage Steel Sales.indd 1 14-09-26 10:18 AM