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RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) is concrete strengthened with steel bars so it can resist both compression and tension in beams, slabs, columns and footings.
Structure & concrete · Also: Reinforced Cement Concrete, Reinforced Concrete
RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) is concrete strengthened with steel bars so it can resist both compression and tension in beams, slabs, columns and footings.
Plain-language explanations for planning and learning. Local codes, consultant advice and contract documents take precedence over glossary summaries.
Plain concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. Steel reinforcement (usually TMT bars) is placed where tensile and shear stresses occur. Together they form RCC members sized by a structural engineer. Grades such as M20 or M25 describe characteristic compressive strength. Site practice covers formwork, cover to reinforcement, compaction and curing. Varnarc RCC tools estimate volumes and materials for planning — they do not design member sizes or replace structural drawings.
Example: A residential floor slab might be specified as M20 RCC, 125–150 mm thick, with TMT mesh/bars as per the structural drawing — quantity is derived from area × thickness, not from carpet area alone.
| Unit | Notes |
|---|---|
| m³ | Concrete volume |
| kg / tonne | Reinforcement steel |
| MPa (grade) | e.g. M20 ≈ 20 MPa characteristic strength |
PCC
PCC (Plain Cement Concrete) is concrete without steel reinforcement, often used as a leveling or bedding layer under foundations and floors.
Reinforcement
Reinforcement is the steel (usually TMT bars) embedded in concrete to carry tensile and shear forces that plain concrete cannot resist alone.
TMT
TMT bars are thermo-mechanically treated reinforcement steel rods with a tough outer layer and ductile core, widely used in RCC buildings.
Formwork
Formwork (shuttering) is the temporary mould that holds wet concrete to the required shape until it gains enough strength to support itself.
BBS
A BBS (Bar Bending Schedule) is a table that lists each reinforcement bar’s mark, diameter, shape, cut length and quantity so steel can be cut and bent accurately.
Each Varnarc glossary term includes a simple definition, a technical explanation, a worked example, units where relevant, and links to calculators or materials so you can take the next action. Thin one-line dictionary stubs are not published.
Glossary 2026.08.1
No. PCC is plain cement concrete without steel reinforcement. RCC includes designed reinforcement.