The Pomranky family has trusted Helix Micro Rebar in their ICF projects throughout the Inland Northwest, helping to build one of the largest ICF product supply centers in the region.

“We are a one-stop shop for all things related to ICF,” says ICF Specialties owner Ed Pomranky. “But our real value lies in building relationships with our customers. They tell us that they feel like family when working with ICF Specialties.”

A family-owned business since 1999, ICF Specialties is an Inland Northwest (Washington, Oregon, and Idaho) supplier that provides multiple products lines and exceptional service in its retail and wholesale facilities. It has contributed to the construction of hundreds of homes throughout the Pacific Northwest.

With two generations now managing the operations, with decades of experience in ICF, ICF Specialties is the go-to for customer education on design, training, supplies and installation guidance.

ICF Specialties is the Regional Must-Stop for Helix Micro Rebar

The Northwest is another region where Helix Micro Rebar has really caught on with local builders. “It’s amazing how many people are receptive when they learn how Helix Micro Rebar can save on time and labor,” says Pomranky. “We have been involved in a multitude of projects and currently include Helix Micro Rebar in all our quotes and designs every time. I would say at least 85% of the projects we have supported in the last five years are done with Helix.”

Helix Micro Rebar is an innovative concrete reinforcement unlike any other. It’s a one-inch twisted piece of steel combined with thousands of others to build a composite concrete element. By replacing rebar with this product, concrete durability increases and cracks decrease in a wide range of applications, from footings to slabs to ICF.

Not having to spend time and energy on rebar installation means significant time savings. For ICF projects like those that ICF Specialties supplies, Pomranky estimates that it reduces labor time by up to 25%!

Builders Trust the Concrete Reinforcement that Saves Times and Money

Homebuilders here are increasingly trusting Helix Micro Rebar and ICF construction. “We actually just had a customer who called ICF Specialties about Helix Micro Rebar,” says Pomranky. “This was because the inspector was insisting on #6 rebar for a standard concrete form board (non-ICF) concrete wall. The owner remembered when I was talking to him about Helix Micro Rebar and how it can either replace rebar or be used congruently with rebar. We were able to get him hooked up with our engineer and with the correct dose to satisfy the inspector’s request. He was extremely satisfied with the solution to his issue.”

Helix Micro Rebar Takes ICF to New Heights

Pomranky recalls one special project that would have been very challenging were it not for Helix Micro Rebar. “It was on a hillside with two huge homes above it,” he says. “The original engineering called for #5 12” of vertical and #5 16” of horizontal. With 9lbs per yard of Helix Micro Rebar, we were able to reduce the conventional rebar to #5 24” of vertical and 16” of horizontal. It also allowed us to increase the height of the wall from 9’6” tall to 14’2” and remove most of the rebar.”

It was the one simple change to Helix Micro Rebar that made the build much more cost-effective in both materials and labor, while giving the homeowner the opportunity to enjoy taller walls and more spacious interiors.

ICF Stops Wildfire in the Inland Northwest

Pomranky says that their customers “absolutely love” Helix Micro Rebar in ICF construction and that it has always stood the test of time—even when disaster strikes.

Last year, Pomranky’s own installers helped a homeowner build his own ICF home using Helix Micro Rebar. Unfortunately, two weeks after his concrete walls were poured and the center peak roof beam was put up for his roof rafters, a fire swept through the neighborhood and engulfed nearly all of the homes in the area. His home only had a roof beam and upstairs floor framing, which caught fire immediately. 

Unfortunately, the ICF home was fully burned, including the foam that melted off the walls, but the concrete walls themselves were still standing. Though highly compromised, this strong concrete structure had single-handedly stopped the fire from spreading to the home adjacent to it, resulting in five homes left fully intact!

The home was rebuilt and the homeowner is a firm believer that ICF and Helix Micro Rebar are the best duo for new home construction.

A Better Way to Build New Homes

Insulated concrete forms using Helix Micro Rebar save time and money while resulting in homes that greatly improve energy efficiency.

If you’re in the Inland Northwest, drop by ICF Specialties in Spokane and learn more about the many reasons why the Pomranky family’s “one-stop shop for ICF” is your go-to for new home construction.

Would you like to learn how you can build smarter with ICF and Helix Micro Rebar? Reach out!

Give Helix a Listen

Listen to Helix Steel’s Senior Account Executive Erica Marr talk about the power of Helix Micro Rebar in ICF in this “Build With ICF” podcast.

Engineers at EPC/Design-Build firms have plenty on their minds. Think of all the regulations, potential project delays, cost overruns, contractual disputes, and the constant need to satisfy ever-demanding clients.

It’s about time suppliers come around to make their work lives easier. Enter Helix Steel, which is helping to make things better and easier for EPC/Design-Build firms.

Reinforcement for Duct Banks and Pipe Encasements

You’ve already made the decision to build smarter by encasing your pipes in concrete, which makes new cable installation faster and less expensive. Now it’s time to take the next step.

Our patented micro reinforcement is the perfect concrete reinforcement for below-grade applications. Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch twisted piece of steel mixed with concrete in a mixer before placement. This innovation can remove up to 100% of your rebar from duct banks, pipe encasements, and many other concrete structures, saving you time, reducing steel, and lowering your project costs..

Why Do Duct Banks and Pipe Encasements Need Reinforced Concrete?

In most cases, concrete provides the most stable and durable environment for keeping pipes and the fragile cables within them safe.

Not only does concrete help prevent extreme cold and hot temperatures from damaging the contents, but it also provides additional strength to the PVC pipes and corrosion resistance.

What does that mean for owners? It results in less maintenance, higher durability and reduced downtime.

How to Install Duct Banks and Pipe Encasements with Concrete (Infused With Helix Micro Rebar)

This task involves surrounding your underground utilities with a layer of concrete, forming a protective barrier that increases the contents’ durability and longevity.

1. Dig the trench
2. Install the PVC pipes and necessary spacers or racks
3. Build the concrete forms
4. Mix Helix Micro Rebar with your concrete (as per the instructions Helix Steel provides)
5. Place the concrete (with the concrete reinforcement)
6. Allow to set
7. Remove the concrete forms
8. Cover the trench

Sure, it’s more complex than this simplified list, but we hope this will help you determine the steps to properly install these systems and ways you can reduce the time it takes to make it happen.

Learn More About Encasing Your Duct Banks and Pipe Encasements

This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to understanding more effective ways to install your below-grade concrete.

And keep in mind that Helix Micro Rebar can be used in these and many more applications, such as slabs, slabs on metal decks, ICF walls, and more. Reach out to our team right now and we’ll help answer any questions you may have.

Before you submit a bid proposal, you need to spend considerable time making your submission as thorough as possible, with details that will help you win the work.

Suppliers and subcontractors like your own need to balance cost efficiency, quality, speed, innovation, environmental consciousness, and much more. Even a small adjustment on one line item can make or break the entire submission.

Having worked with thousands of North America’s leading developers, engineers, and contractors over an endless list of projects, Helix Steel has developed a comprehensive list of ways to make your submission stand out from your competitors.

Here are some recommendations:

1. Understand the Project Requirements

The most important thing is to carefully review all of the documentation to ensure that you’re not missing important details for the project. Understanding the project requirements is crucial to ensuring that you put together the best submission possible.

If you have questions about the project, don’t be afraid to ask! A project built on ambiguities can make a simple task into a never-ending nightmare.

2. Include Accurate Cost Control Measures

Although pencil and paper still have their place in the world, using estimating software helps to ensure accuracy in costs and timing related to materials, labor and equipment.

Use data from past projects and rely on data given to you by your suppliers. A time-saving addition like Helix Micro Rebar can help reduce shipping costs and labor requirements and condense your construction timeline, reducing costs on your bottom line. 

Although Helix Micro Rebar is often ready to ship in just a matter of days, many other project supplies may not be. For that reason, it’s still important to make a contingency plan and cover potential cost overruns in other areas of the project.

3. Competitive Pricing Strategies

The most challenging part of any construction bid submission, whether it is a construction tender, bid, RFP, RFQ or pre-qualification documentation, you need to break down your costs to show the value that the developer is getting, while also ensuring you make money on the project. 

For this reason, every estimator should consider alternative materials or methods to reduce costs without compromising quality. In the case of concrete projects, Helix Micro Rebar can not only reduce costs and shrink your timeline, but it can also help give your concrete more strength than if you were to use only rebar. 

4. Include Relationships with Like-Minded Subcontractors

You have likely worked in this industry for a long time. Highlight your past and current relationships with suppliers, other subcontractors, developers and engineers who appreciate your business and work with you to make projects exceptional experiences.

5. Emphasize Project Efficiency

In today’s construction industry, which is focused on working smarter than ever before, it’s important to incorporate lean construction practices to reduce waste and help the project last longer. 

You can also include how modern technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project management apps can be used by your team. However, as these technologies become more common, it’s becoming more important to focus on truly unique technologies that make your submission stand out.

6. Focus on Safety

The most important part of any job site is safety, so including how you plan to make job sites safer with safety protocols to minimize accidents and ensure a safe working environment will only help your case.

Focusing on safety also makes business sense. It will reduce lost-time incidents, reduce insurance costs and help to promote productivity.

7. Stand Out With Innovative Practices & Products

Take a look around you. Your competitors are doing things that were not possible just a few years ago. That means you too need to stay on top of innovation in the construction industry and dig deep into new practices and products that are tried, tested and true. 

Helix Steel’s innovative concrete reinforcements have been around, and have been used in some amazing structures. Not only do some of the world’s biggest brands trust Helix Micro Rebar, but it helps to make buildings stronger and more durable while reducing our dependent on steel. 

Stay updated with the latest construction technologies by joining webinars, subscribing to e-newsletters (at the bottom of our home page), visiting our LinkedIn page and talking with like-minded professionals.

Trust Helix Steel to Help You Stand Out With Your Construction Bid

Whether you’re responding to construction tenders, bids, RFPs, RFQs or pre-qualification documentation, trust Helix Micro Rebar and the team at Helix Steel to improve your chances of getting the work that helps to grow your business and build smarter than ever before.

Reach out to our project team members to help you understand much more about the Helix Micro Rebar difference.

If you want concrete to perform its duties to the fullest, you must not only specify correctly, but you have to follow the specifications exactly as presented.

While using rebar as a reinforcement is a familiar method, there are significant short—and long-term issues when modern alternatives are not chosen. Mistakes can happen and depending on the job site they can be far too frequent.

Here are just a few common mistakes to avoid when specifying concrete reinforcement to ensure its 100% effectiveness for many years to come.

Incorrect Structural Design

An engineer’s structural design must take into account the absolute maximum load, including dead loads, live loads, wind loads and seismic loads. The best concrete designs ensure that a structure can handle high stress without failure, which is why trusting a qualified structural engineer to develop a comprehensive design (meeting all codes and standards) is essential.

For those seeking the convenience and knowledge found in pre-approved structural reinforcement designs, trust the engineering team at Helix Steel. We have decades of experience in designing Helix Micro Rebar for a wide range of concrete applications.

Wrong Concrete Reinforcement Materials Specified

Using the incorrect rebar or mesh can compromise the integrity of the entire concrete structure. As you know, rebar comes in various grades, each with different yield strengths. Added to this complexity is that rebar is often stored outdoors and subjected to harsh elements over long periods of time, resulting in corrosion, which is one of the leading causes of deterioration in concrete.

If you are seeking an alternative, let Helix Steel help with its screw-shaped reinforcement that’s coated to reduce corrosion. Helix Micro Rebar can increase fatigue resistance by up to 300% and flexural strength by up to 33%

Improper Rebar Placement

Designs are essential, but if rebar or mesh is placed incorrectly, the concrete will not perform as intended. Whether there is not enough time built into the schedule, an inexperienced crew, or distractions, the reasons for placement errors are endless. Common errors include incorrect horizontal/vertical placement, insecure rebar ties and misalignment, and are seemingly always issues that need to be addressed when using mesh and rebar.

Take time to review specifications and communicate effectively to ensure placement errors are minimized.

Inadequate Concrete Cover

Concrete cover protects mesh and rebar from environmental factors that can cause deterioration. Without the right cover, your concrete will have issues

You can follow the minimum cover requirements specified in the design codes and hope things turn out in your favour or you could trust a tiny twisted reinforcement that is mixed with concrete to create a composite concrete solution. With the second option, you don’t need to worry about the concrete cover as the reinforcement is evenly dispersed throughout the concrete.

Skipping Detailing Requirements

If your detailing is not precise and completed by a qualified engineer, you could have specifications that do not fully describe instructions on the size and placement of rebar or mesh.

Helix Micro Rebar has pre-approved specifications for many standard applications, including slabs and walls, that can be accessed through Helix Steel’s own online Specification Tool. This helps to reduce the threat of mistakes since these exact specifications have been used countless times before. Simply following the instructions will reduce construction errors and structural deficiencies.

Another bonus when using Helix Micro Rebar is that we have a team of project managers and in-house engineers who work with you to ensure every step of the concrete placement process goes smoothly.

Improper Rebar Support During Concrete Placement

Reinforcement bars and mesh require support to maintain their position and alignment during concrete placement. Adequate bar supports, such as chairs and spacers, must be used to hold the rebar in the correct position, or the longevity of the concrete will be greatly reduced. (Unless you use Helix Micro Rebar of course.)

Improper Rebar Support During Concrete Placement

Helix Steel is always striving to make changes when it comes to code – to move the industry forward. More people than ever are realizing that ICF is the future, with some American school districts choosing to exclusively build with ICF. And Helix Micro Rebar is playing a big role in making this happen.

Lack of Placement Coordination

Communication is a key unsung hero in any concrete placement project. Being able to confirm information quickly and efficiently with designers, contractors and construction workers is vital to every project’s success.

Coordination issues often lead to mistakes and delays, and create an unhealthy work environment. Be sure to have frequent meetings and clear communication on specifications, approvals, site safety, trade coordination, concrete placement and finishing.

Reduce Placement Errors & Make Concrete Better With Helix Micro Rebar

Together, let’s do what we can to avoid mistakes. Many of those you just read can be avoided simply by changing a key material in your project: concrete reinforcement.

Helix Micro Rebar’s pre-specified designs and team to assist you throughout the process certainly help to reduce errors and create a better end product. It starts with better specifications, created by Helix Steel and code-approved in many structural applications throughout North America.

Reach out to our project management teams to learn more about Helix Micro Rebar and how our team of professionals is passionate about moving the concrete industry forward.

 

Thousands of pounds of highly fragile equipment essential to powering our world require a strong foundation built to last in practically every scenario.

Building professionals are realizing that if they want a truly high-strength and more durable solution, they need to use Helix Micro Rebar instead of rebar or mesh.

Helix Micro Rebar is a twisted one-inch piece of steel mixed with concrete prior to placement. This twisted design reduces cracks, improves concrete’s tensile strength, and distributes loads better than traditional rebar or mesh.

But before we tell you more about that, we have some questions and answers for you.

What are Generator Pads?

Heavy generators – installed for use in a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial settings – require solid foundations to support their important role.

A reinforced concrete base (also known as a “generator slab” or “generator pad”) protects generators from the elements, including ground currents, while providing level and stable foundations. The pad also distributes the massive weight evenly across the concrete foundation.

What are Transformer Pads?

These are the strong and sturdy concrete foundations for transformers, which are used to change (“transform”) the voltage flowing through a power grid.

Concrete pads help to protect generators from water and other ground-level elements, which can damage the highly sensitive electrical equipment inside. Being elevated on concrete also helps to insulate the transformer from ground currents and reduces electrical hazards.

Since transformers can be incredibly heavy, weighing many thousands of pounds, it’s crucial for the concrete foundation to be reinforced. Choosing the right reinforcement and using the right design will help to ensure the concrete’s strength, durability and resistance to environmental factors.

How Does Helix Micro Rebar Make Better Generator Pads and Transformer Pads?

Helix Steel’s innovative concrete reinforcement does it all without the inconveniences of rebar. You will no longer need to store rusty rebar, cut rebar, tie rebar, or place the bars on rebar chairs. Helix Micro Rebar is simply mixed in with your concrete and poured directly into the form. It’s as easy as that.

Its even disbursement through the concrete mix also makes it stronger than rebar and longer lasting.

Don’t believe us or want to learn more? We’re here to help! Give our sales/engineering team a shout, schedule aLunch & Learn (with the cost of lunch on us) or submit your project details.

There’s no need to continue using rebar in applications that can go further with a simple switch to a better concrete reinforcement that gives concrete so much more.

 

There’s an innovative solution to conventional labor-intensive, time-consuming processes in ICF construction and it’s only produced by Helix Steel.

It’s called Helix Micro Rebar, a one-inch twisted piece of steel that is taking the ICF world by storm. Recently, Helix Steel’s Senior Account Executive Erica Marr was invited onto the popular “Build With ICF” podcast to share with listeners the value of building with this tiny, yet revolutionary reinforcement.

“Everyone’s talking about Helix,” started podcast co-host Trevor Brown. “When we talk about the future of the industry, it’s probably one of the first things that come up.”

Why Helix Micro Rebar?

“Helix Micro Rebar is a replacement for rebar and mesh in precast, ICF and slabs,” says Erica Marr. “Any application where you have concrete, there’s a place for Helix to make labor easier, and to speed up your time schedules. Helix is the solution.”

Marr explains in the podcast that the concrete reinforcement is the only code-approved replacement for rebar in vertical structures. By adding it into concrete instead of using rebar, there will be significant savings in time and labor.

Most veteran contractors are often left frustrated and overworked with having to deal with rebar. They dislike the installation processes and the current labor challenges.

“It really sells to the guys on the job site,” commented podcast co-host Heather Herring-Brown. “How would you like not to have to cut or bend rebar?” The result is less rebar, less less time waiting for inspections and less time installing rebar and concrete placement.

There’s also the issue of rebar rusting. Most contractors have rebar sitting outside in the elements rusting away. Helix Micro Rebar is galvanized, so it is more than able to withstand corrosion before it’s mixed with concrete.

Rebar and its frustrating installation method is one of the worst aspects of ICF construction commented Brown. “It’s the negative of installing…Most guys love two-pound blocks and slamming them together like Lego for big kids.”

Helix Micro Rebar is here to let contractors know that they don’t have to struggle with their challenges alone. There’s help in Helix!

Getting Started With Helix Micro Rebar

Brown wanted to know more about how contractors can switch to Helix Micro Rebar and said to Marr, “Let’s say a new customer wants to use it. Their engineer is not familiar with it. Their jurisdiction may or may not be familiar with it. How do they get started working with Helix and go through those approvals?”

Marr explained that the first step when someone contacts their team is often showing them Helix Steel’s ICC evaluation report. Marr added, “We’re really trying to make [Helix Micro Rebar] accessible. One of the things we’ve been focusing on is the ICC evaluation reports to make it easy…You can take it to a ready-mixer or engineer.”

This document covers information needed to understand common dosages and calculations for single-family houses, two-family houses (duplexes) and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units.

For unique projects that fit outside the tables, Helix Steel’s in-house engineering team works on a solution and can deliver a customized dosage calculation.

“We have a full structural engineering team,” Marr said. “If I don’t know something, I know someone who does.” She added that Helix Steel has connections with all of the major ICF distributors and can easily obtain all of the information for contractors to use any of them with Helix Micro Rebar.

“I do the legwork for you,” said Marr. “I’ll take calls from code officials. I’ll field calls from an engineer with questions. I go out and call DOTs. I get approvals for my customers.”

Helix Steel is always striving to make changes when it comes to code – to move the industry forward. More people than ever are realizing that ICF is the future, with some American school districts choosing to exclusively build with ICF. And Helix Micro Rebar is playing a big role in making this happen.

Adding Helix Micro Rebar in Concrete for ICF Builds

Most of the time, Helix Micro Rebar is added at the batch plant. Often, Marr said in the podcast, the ready-mixer has a conveyor to add the Helix Micro Rebar in quickly and easily. The concrete arrives at the construction site ready to pour.

Is it difficult? Absolutely not. There’s no guessing since Helix Steel has its own batching, dosing and mixing instructions. Helix Steel’s team even walks ready-mixers through the process.

Take the Next Step to Better the World

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about one of Marr’s most memorable Helix Steel experiences, and continue your ICF journey with the many other interesting discussions regularly being updated by our friends at the “Build With ICF” podcast.

If you have a question about using Helix Micro Rebar in ICF construction, reach out to Erica Marr, Senior Account Executive at Helix Steel, at erica.marr@helixsteel.com or call 734-322-2114.

 

Whether you’re building below-grade or above-grade, the tiny twisted concrete reinforcement known as Helix Micro Rebar is taking the construction world in new directions.

As Helix Micro Rebar continues to expand its presence across North America, more contractors are realizing its benefits not just in concrete slabs, but in concrete footings and Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) applications.

Those who have used Helix Micro Rebar know that although it is small, this alternative reinforcement is far superior to traditional rebar in both residential and commercial builds due to its strength, time savings and operational efficiency.

How-to Helix: Your Ultimate Concrete Helper

Boxes of Helix Micro Rebar are effortlessly mixed into concrete, often using a conveyer belt that leads into a concrete mixer at the batch plant, by following simple dosing and mixing instructions. Doing this offsite reduces the need for time-consuming onsite labor and accelerates the construction timeline.

Once it’s ready to go, the concrete can be delivered and poured with ease.

Below Grade: Using the Alternative Concrete Reinforcement in Footings

Whether you build foundations for homes or the footings of commercial warehouses, you need Helix Micro Rebar. If you have ever had to build concrete footings, you know that it’s not a task that is fondly looked forward to by anyone. Having to haul, bend and tie endless amounts of rebar is not only laborious, but time-consuming.

Since it is uniformly dispersed throughout the concrete, Helix Micro Rebar reinforces the entire structure with very little rebar needed. Not only does this mean you don’t need to order as much rebar, but it also simplifies the placement process, resists cracks and increases the concrete’s load-bearing capacity. Just pour it in as specified and never worry about rusty rebar cages again.

“I chose Helix Micro-Rebar reinforcement for my homes’ foundations to improve the overall quality of my homes and cost-effectiveness of my projects.”

— BOB YOST, DALE YOST CONSTRUCTION CO.

Above Grade: Building ICF With Helix Micro Rebar

Helix Micro Rebar is the only code-approved replacement for rebar in vertical structures. For that reason, it’s invaluable to contractors and developers who are building ICF homes and businesses.

As you likely know, ICF offers exceptional insulation properties and structural stability. Unfortunately, rebar has created many challenges: lugging heavy products, cutting to size, and working for days to get the job done.

Helix Micro Rebar addresses this issue head-on by mixing with the concrete to create a cohesive form while speeding up the concrete process. And perhaps most importantly you get a structure that is more durable than ever before.

Where to Build From Here? 

As the concrete construction industry continues to evolve, especially in the areas of footings and ICF construction, Helix Micro Rebar stands as the leading alternative to rusty rebar.

We know that you want to build your vertical walls and footings better than ever before, so how do you start? Trust Helix Steel. We’ve been progressing our alternative concrete reinforcement for 20 years, with decades of experience that has benefited countless ICF homes, industrial facilities, fulfillment centers and many other projects. 

We understand your needs and will work with you to make everything better. Consider moving your business forward in one of these three ways:

1. Log into our exclusive Specification Tool to learn more about the specific requirements behind using Helix Micro Rebar in footings, foundations and ICF applications. 
2. Submit your project specs and our team will review them with a no-cost quote to get the ball rolling.

If you would like to speak with a real person about your specific application or how Helix Micro Rebar can help, get in touch with us here. We are here to move the construction industry – and your business – forward!

 

If you’re in the construction industry to improve buildings, revolutionize processes and work smarter, it may be time to rethink your concrete reinforcement.

Sure, rebar still has a place in this world for certain applications, but for many, such as slabs, walls, roads and even precast structures, another solution is staking its place.

The concrete reinforcement you’ve been waiting for is Helix Micro Rebar™, a one-inch twisted piece of steel that gives people in the construction industry more reasons than ever to innovate.

Why Should You Care About A Better Concrete Reinforcement?

Rebar has had its day in the sun. Helix Micro Rebar can often do much of what rebar does and much more. Here are some highlights:

Stronger Concrete

Helix Micro Rebar™’s small, twisted design creates phenomenal strength in concrete. The pieces are evenly dispersed throughout the concrete to create a composite material that retains its composition better than concrete with rebar. This eliminates corrosion, reduces cracks, and can increase load capacity without rebar added.

Streamlined Concrete Placement

Unlike rebar, which requires complex placement, laborious tying and time-consuming inspections, Helix Micro Rebar™ is pre-mixed directly into the concrete, either at the batch plant or at the job site, eliminating the need for additional labor and equipment. This streamlined installation process accelerates construction timelines and reduces overall project costs.

With a simplified concrete placement process, overall project expenses are lower, making Helix Micro Rebar a better choice for developers seeking to maximize their ROI.

Reduced Environmental Impact

We all care about the environment and reducing unnecessary materials, which is yet another reason to consider Helix Micro Rebar™.

Its design creates stronger concrete yet requires less steel compared to traditional rebar, minimizing your environmental impact. Helix Micro Rebar™ also helps to extend the lifespan of your concrete structures, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements and ultimately conserving resources.

Tomorrow’s Concrete Needs Helix Micro Rebar™

It’s easy for contractors to continue using rebar. But for those who want to be innovative, think smarter and innovate to make their lives easier, Helix Micro Rebar™ must at least be a strong consideration.

If you’re intrigued, fill out our online form for a free lunch and learn. Our team of creative construction professionals will tell you more about this American-made innovation and introduce you to success stories related to your applications of interest.

If you have any questions, reach out to Helix Steel. We look forward to hearing from you!

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) are increasingly becoming essential for modern warehousing and distribution facilities, revolutionizing how materials and products are stored and retrieved.

These systems can increase space utilization by 90%, productivity levels by 90%, accuracy to 99.9%+ levels and throughput by 750 lines per hour/per operator or more depending on the configuration of the system. ¹

With countless benefits, these storage systems certainly are the way of the future, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t come with unique challenges—especially when it comes to the concrete slabs beneath them.

Concrete Slab Challenges in Facilities with ASRS

These high-rise structures are heavy and require a concrete slab that performs far better than the standard.

Challenge #1 – High Load Requirements

ASRSs need to be properly supported for the goods that they store as well as the hefty systems themselves. Traditional rebar reinforcement may struggle to meet the load capacity or require far more concrete to compensate for the difference.

Challenge #2 – Rebar Placement Issues

Thicker concrete, double rebar reinforcement, and ASRS anchor bolts often complicate the concrete process. This stage will incur added costs, but even more so when ASRS anchor bolts hit rebar—an entire installation project can come to a halt, resulting in expensive delays.

Challenge #3 – Flat Floor Requirements

With increased load at greater heights comes more need for a laser-accurate flat floor. Equipment like laser screeds need to perform at their very best to ensure the flattest surface.

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How Helix Micro Rebar™ Addresses ASRS Challenges

By incorporating Helix Steel’s twisted reinforcement directly into the concrete mix, Helix Micro Rebar™ is able to improve the structural integrity of concrete slabs. In doing so, they are able to overcome all three of ASRS facility challenges:

Challenge #1 – High Load Requirements

Helix Micro Rebar™ improves the flexural strength and ductility of concrete, allowing it to withstand higher loads with far less rebar. Choosing this super-strong one-inch reinforcement allows ASRS buildings to support heavy loads with the durability, speed and safety you need, reducing cracking and shrinkage due to high loads.

In many applications like warehouses with ASRS, Helix Micro Rebar is combined with Infinity Slab, which has been used in projects featuring world-class businesses like Ulitum Cells, DHL and Wal-Mart.

Challenge #2 – Rebar Placement Issues

Rebar requires complex installation and inspection processes, demanding labor that is experienced and knowledgeable in these complexities. Since Helix Micro Rebar™ is added to concrete at the batch plant, and pours very similarly, your construction costs will be reduced, and rebar placement errors will be a thing of the past. 

Testing of Helix Micro Rebar™ has shown that it has increased pull-out strength for ASRS anchor bolts.

Perhaps most valuably, Helix Steel’s team works alongside your rack supplier and contractor to create a design based on the rack layout and bolt locations.

Challenge #3 – Flat Floor Requirements

With practically no rebar in the way of your laser screed’s operations, you will quickly see the difference that a reinforcement upgrade can make. Your screed will be able to move faster with the same accuracy while minimizing the need for other equipment and tools.

What to Do When Your ASRS Facility Needs to Do More

Move forward and have a conversation with Helix Steel. There will always be challenges with placing structural concrete slabs with ASRS, but with Helix Micro Rebar™ along to help, you will have answers to many of your most pressing issues. 

Learn more about how Helix Micro Rebar™ is revolutionizing the way ASRS buildings are constructed.

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