SAIL Bhilai supplied 21,420 Tonnes special grade steel to armed forces

New Delhi: Special grade structural steel produced by SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant are being used by armed forces for bailey bridges and other similar applications. More than 21,420 Tonnes of special grade structural steel channels meant for use by armed forces for assembling bailey bridges in hilly terrains has so far been supplied by SAIL-Bhilai’s Merchant Mill since 2016-17.

The special grade steel channels are provided for ensuring troop movement in difficult areas in high altitudes or carrying out rescue activities, the armed forces are required to quickly assemble what are called bailey bridges to cross over to the other side wherever required. 

SAIL- Bhilai Steel Plant has been rolling and supplying this defence grade structural steel in both 100x50 and 75x40 dimensions to meet the requirements of building Bailey bridges, fencing and bridge support structures. The special grade structural steel channels produced in two grades, namely IS2062E410 SAILMA Gr A and IS2062E410 SAILMA Gr C are being used as supporting structures for bridges to facilitate troop movement in high altitude areas with sub-zero climatic conditions.

It is worth mentioning that SAIL-Bhilai that has been supplying defence grade steel for different applications including naval grade steel plates for use in construction of warships had rolled out SAILMA Grade C of Channel for the first time in 2017 to suit the specific requirement of building Bailey bridges used by the armed forces for troop movement in high altitude areas with sub-zero climatic conditions. Special treatment is done during heating process in Merchant Mill and the steel of this grade is alloyed to give it more yield strength.

Another Grade SAILMA – IS 2062 E410A, also been produced since 2017 is also used by armed forces for building Bailey bridges in lower altitude areas. Both these grades of steel channels are being produced in two dimensions – Channel 100 x 50 and Channel 75x40.

Out of the total volume of 21,420 Tonnes supplied since 2016-17, more than 13,620 Tonnes is of IS2062E 410 SAILMA Gr A and the remaining 7802 Tonnes is of IS2062E 410 SAILMA Gr C grade.