Stålstengene

Stålstengene is a term used in Norwegian and Danish to refer to long, slender bars made of steel, commonly used as structural elements in construction. They are typically produced as round bars or deformed bars for reinforced concrete. They can be made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steels, depending on strength, ductility, durability, and corrosion resistance requirements.

In reinforced concrete, stålstenger act as reinforcement, providing tensile strength as concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. They are embedded in concrete, often with surface deformations (ribbed or deformed bars) to improve bonding. Diameters range from small gauge to several inches; standard lengths often 6 meters or multiples, though factory-cut to project requirements.

Manufacturing: hot-rolled or cold-finished; hot-rolled deformed bars for reinforcement; finishing processes such as coating (galvanized) for corrosion resistance in aggressive environments. Stainless steel versions are used in chemical plants, coastal structures, or where corrosion is a concern.

Standards: production complies with national and international standards, e.g., EN 10080 for steel for reinforcement, ASTM A615/A615M and A706 in the US, or EN 1992 design codes (Eurocode). Quality controls include tensile testing, bend tests, and inspection for straightness and surface defects.

Applications: building frames, bridges, slabs, foundations, rail tracks, and industrial structures; they can be combined with electrical conduits or used as anchor bolts.

Safety and handling: proper storage to avoid corrosion, protection from bending or kinking, and compatibility with concrete mix to ensure proper bonding.

See also: rebar, reinforced concrete, steel grades, structural steel.