Disaster Resistance Using American-Made Concrete Reinforcement

With the increasing frequency and scale of natural disasters in America, they certainly are not making life easier for the construction industry or those who rely on well-built infrastructure. This is exactly why we need to rely on quality materials – and innovative solutions – more than ever before. 

One small piece taking the industry by storm is the one-inch concrete reinforcement called Helix Micro Rebar. It’s easier to use and faster to deliver to your job site, and for those in disaster-prone regions, it’s far more durable, helping to withstand the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it.

How to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters in America

Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch-long twisted steel piece of 100% steel that’s mixed directly into your concrete. This multidirectional reinforcement creates a composite solution that evenly distributes stress throughout the concrete, reducing the likelihood of failure during a wide range of intense events.

Like a screw in wood, Helix Micro Rebar’s twisted design requires a unique untwisting mechanism to pull out, providing superior anchorage compared to rebar and mesh reinforcement. ​

Five Disaster Emergencies in America and Helix Micro Rebar’s Role

Hurricanes

Hurricanes bring strong, unrelenting winds and heavy rainfall, posing threats to building envelopes and foundations. Helix Micro Rebar strengthens concrete elements – from concrete footings to concrete walls – improving their ability to withstand wind loads. ​

Fires

High temperatures during fires can weaken concrete and cause spalling. Helix Micro Rebar’s uniform distribution in concrete minimizes internal stresses while acting as a highly resistant wall to stop fire in its path.

Floods

Significant water pressure against a foundation wall can cause cracks or result in a devastating collapse, especially if drainage is poor. Helix Micro Rebar reinforces concrete structures, enhancing their resistance to water-induced erosion and maintaining stability during and after flooding events. ​

Earthquakes

Helix Micro Rebar enhances concrete’s ductility and energy absorption, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. This multidirectional reinforcement can distribute seismic forces more evenly, improving overall structural resilience. ​​

Tornadoes

Tornadoes exert extreme wind pressure on structures, whether they are built of wood, steel or concrete. Helix Micro Rebar enhances the tensile strength of concrete, allowing buildings to resist the incredible forces of tornadoes.

But How Can You Be Sure Helix Micro Rebar Works?

There are two distinct ways you can trust our micro reinforcement: validation and real-world success over 20+ years.

Validated Performance and Compliance

Helix Micro Rebar is backed by rigorous testing and compliance with industry standards. It holds certifications from the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) under ESR-3949 and from IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) under ER-279, confirming its ability to be used as an alternative to rebar in applications including slabs, walls, footings and foundations. ​

Real-World Applications of Helix Micro Rebar to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters

The practical benefits of Helix Micro Rebar are evident in real-world projects:​

Pier 57 Ferris Wheel, Seattle

In this infrastructure project, Helix Micro Rebar replaced traditional #6 rebar cages in 53 piles, showcasing its capability to handle significant structural loads. ​The concrete’s shear strength was increased by 111% and durability increased by 45%!

Indigo Green Residential Development, St. Maarten

When Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of St. Maarten with sustained winds of 185 mph (298 kph) on September 6, 2017, the devastation was incredible. Most buildings, including concrete structures, suffered extensive damage. Except one which used Helix Micro Rebar: Indigo Green!

“Using Helix Micro Rebar led to more durable concrete and provided much-needed hurricane resistance,” noted Rene Lepine, Managing Director at Indigo Green. “Helix technology was a key factor in the way our buildings survived Hurricane Irma’s destructive winds so well.  In addition, we were able to save considerable time during construction since much less steel work was required.” 

Learn more about hurricane-strength resistance by reading this article.

Don’t Wait Until After Disaster Strikes

Trust Helix Steel today to keep your investments safe with our superior alternative to traditional reinforcement methods.
Helix Micro Rebar’s proven performance in seismic, wind and fire conditions, coupled with code compliance and successful real-world applications, makes it the absolute best choice for developers, engineers and contractors.