Dongkuk Steel, Develops Korea's Strongest 'Giga Rebar'

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Dongkuk Steel has succeeded in developing the first 1GPa-class rebar (Giga Rebar) in Korea.

The Giga Rebar developed by Dongkuk Steel has a yield strength of 1,014MPa, making it the highest strength rebar developed domestically.

The Giga Rebar is a high-strength rebar capable of withstanding a load of 12.2 tons per 1㎠ (equivalent to 7.6 mid-sized cars), which is more than twice the strength of conventional rebar (SD400) that can withstand 5.3 tons (3.3 mid-sized cars).

Dongkuk Steel expects the Giga Rebar to be used as prestressing material in construction sites requiring high strength, such as long-span bridges, super high-rise buildings, and containment structures. Prestressing material refers to steel used inside or outside concrete structures during construction to prevent cracks in the concrete when subjected to heavy loads.

While Giga-class strength rebar is commonly used in large reinforced concrete structures overseas in regions such as Europe and Japan, in Korea, where Giga Rebar has not been developed, relatively expensive materials like high-strength wire rods are used as substitutes. The development of Giga Rebar by Dongkuk Steel is expected to contribute to reducing construction costs, shortening construction periods, and improving the structural performance of concrete structures.

Dongkuk Steel has been producing rebar since 1961 and is the most competitive rebar manufacturer in Korea, pioneering the era of ultra-high-strength rebar in the 2000s. Since 2010, it has led the market by developing Korea’s first seismic rebar, commercializing the longest coil rebar domestically, and developing the first seismic coil rebar. With the recent success in developing the first Giga Rebar in Korea, it has proven itself as a leader in the domestic rebar sector.

Having succeeded in developing the ‘Giga Rebar,’ Dongkuk Steel plans to continue additional research and development to commercialize the product and lead the market. It also intends to make continuous efforts to improve the quality of steel materials for building structures, which are directly linked to enhancing residential safety.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.