Background to Reinforced Concrete
Concrete has been used as a constructional material for centuries
because most of those parts of the world where early civilisations
were established had natural cement deposits. In Mediterranean
countries there are many remains of Roman concrete construction.
Early in the 19th century, the artificial cement, Portland Cement,
consisting chiefly of clay and limestone chalk, was invented. This
allowed for a more uniform and economic cement to be manufactured
almost anywhere in the world. Relying on the great strength of
concrete in compression, numerous splendid concrete structures were
build.
It was only in the latter half of the 19th century that the weakness
of concrete in tension was overcome. The tension areas were reinforced
by imbedding steel in the concrete to carry the tensile stresses.
The development of this technology has resulted in the construction
of all the wonderful sophisticated concrete structures, all over the
globe, that we take for granted today.
"Encyclopedia Britannica"
Our Goals
Established as a non-profit trade association, SARCEA exists to
preserve the good name of the industry; to promote the interests
of members; to encourage fair and equitable trading conditions;
to establish optimum standards of design, workmanship and service
and to ensure fair conditions of employment for all employed in the
industry.
Membership
is open to any company in the Republic of South Africa
involved in the design, supply and placing in position of reinforcing
steel for concrete structures. Associate menbership is also available
to companies in neighbouring countries.
History of SARCEA
In January 1934, four reinforcing firms were admitted to the
Witwatersrand Master Builders Association. At the time this was
considered by some as the setting up of a monopoly, and after a
legal battle a fifth member was admitted. In due course, however
the steel reinforcement firms, who were specialist engineering
contractors operating both in the building and civil engineering
industries, felt that their interests would best be served by
becoming affiliated to the Steel and Engineering Industries
Federation of South Africa (SEIFSA).
An Association was constituted on 15 October 1942 with a membership
of eight firms. This association was registered with the Industrial
Registrar in April 1944, re-registered with the Industrial Registrar
under the Labour Relations Act of 1956 and confirmed recently in
terms of the Labour Relations Act 1995 (Act 66 of 1995).
"Fifty Years in Construction", SARCEA 1992"
SARCEA Today
The reinforcing industry has advanced technologically, particularly
in the handling, quick and efficient cutting, bending and placing
in position of reinforcing bars. Members still face challenges
similar to those faced by previous generations. Today however,
the problems are of greater complexity and are solved at a greater
pace.
It is through affiliation to, and active participation in SEIFSA,
MBSA and SAFCEC, that the various SARCEA committees make their
contribution to our industry, the construction industry in general
and indeed to the whole country.
The Contractual committee is active in ensuring fair and equitable
conditions of contract. The Technical committee is involved in all
the technical matters affecting the industry, including SABS
specifications while the Steel Supply committee ensures the smooth
acquisition of materials. The Public Relations committee is charged
with the duty of enhancing our relationship with the rest of the
industry and encouraging participation from our members. The work
of the Training and Development committee, as well as that of the
Industrial Relationsa committee, is ever increasing in line with
the latest legislation and the desire to enhance the lives of all
who are employed in the industry