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MIRANDA, Adam Jon Feliz C. Group No. 5

CE152P-2 - A72 January 29, 2024

Experiment No. 10

TESTING OF REINFORCING STEEL BARS

I. INTRODUCTION

Reinforcing steel bars, commonly known as rebars, stand as an essential material in

construction, fortifying concrete structures against tensile forces—a vulnerability inherent in

concrete. Although concrete performs exceptionally well in compression, it performs far less

well in tension. According to TEVEMA Marketing (2023) when concrete is subjected to tensile

forces, such as pulling or stretching, it tends to crack and exhibit significant deformation. This

is mostly because concrete is brittle and cannot stretch or elongate like ductile materials can.

It is critical to determine the mechanical characteristics of these steel rebars in order to

ensure that they meet the grade classification requirements necessary for the planned

structural use.

The primary focus of this laboratory experiment is to determine whether a steel bar

sample, specifically a 0.50-meter steel bar, is suitable for concrete reinforcement. By

applying a tensile load to a steel bar sample, this test will show the important characteristics

of a steel rebar such as its yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, fracture point, and

ductility. The class discussion prior to the experimental procedures served as the starting

point, wherein it the standard measured strengths of steel bars according to its diameter are

indicated. The comparison of these measured strengths to the standards outlined in PNS

49:2020, with ASTM equivalents ASTM A615 and ASTM A706, will aid in classifying the steel

bar into grades 230, 275, or 415.

Each grade classification has a distinctive yield and tensile strength. Hence, suitable rebar

grade specifications have a direct impact on the capacity of the construction.

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 II. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

The lists of the materials and equipment used in the experiment are as follows:

Apparatus:

➢ Weighing Scale

➢ Measuring Tape

➢ Hack Saw

➢ Machine Circular Saw

➢ Universal Testing Machine (UTM)

Materials:

➢ Reinforcing Steel Bar

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 The main apparatus and materials utilized in this experiment, especially the

Universal Testing Machine and steel bar all adhere to the ASTM A615: Standard

Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

and ASTM A706: Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Low-Alloy Steel Bars

for Concrete Reinforcement

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III. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

In this experiment of determining the suitability of a steel bar sample for concrete

reinforcement, the group followed a meticulous procedure that assures accurate and

credible results. The experiment will use a universal testing machine (UTM) to apply

an axial tensile force to a steel reinforcing bar specimen, observing yield and fracture

characteristics. The experiment was conducted with the proper guidance from our

professor and is in line with the ASTM C615 and ASTM 706 standard test methods.

The processes done by the group are divided as follows:

Preparation of steel rebar sample

➢ Cut a 50 cm length of steel bar for it to be tested.

➢ Measure the weight of the steel bar sample to find its unit weight.

➢ Cut the steel bar sample with a hacksaw 15 cm and 35 cm from one end. This

shall provide an exact 10cm space from the center of the steel bar.

Figure 3.1: The 50 cm steel bar sample

Universal Testing Machine utilization

➢ Place the steel bar specimen into the grips of the Universal Testing Machine

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 ➢ Start the Universal Testing machine and tensile force should be applied to pull

the steel bar specimen apart into two separate pieces.

➢ Record the data shown by the Universal Testing Machine

Figure 3.2: Placement of steel bar

specimen to the UTM

Determination of elongation

➢ After the testing, reconnect the two broken ends of the fractured steel bar

together at the fracture point

➢ From the gauge marks, measure its distance near the fracture point and then

record its elongation.

➢ By using the data obtained through the test, the yield strength, ultimate tensile

➢ strength, elongation percentage, and grade classification were determined by

referring to the given standards.

Figure 3.3: Fractured steel bar specimen

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Calculation and Computation process

In order to determine the key quantities in this experiment, a few formulas shall

be used and applied. The formulas are listed as follows:

𝒌𝒈 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕
➢ 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 ( ) =
𝒎 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉
𝒚𝟐 −𝒚𝟏
➢ 𝑵𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 (𝒎𝒎) = 𝒚𝟏 + (𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏 )
𝒙𝟐 −𝒙𝟏

𝝅𝒅𝟐
➢ 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 (𝒎𝒎𝟐 ) =
𝟒
𝑵 𝒀𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕
➢ 𝒀𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 ( )=
𝒎𝒎𝟐 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂
𝑵 𝑴𝒂𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎 𝑷𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕
➢ 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 ( )=
𝒎𝒎𝟐 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂
𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉−𝑮𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉
➢ 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑬𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 (%) =
𝑮𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉

RESULTS

BAR TYPE DEFORMED

WEIGHT (kg) 1.18 kg STRENGTH

LENGTH (m) 0.50 m YELD STRENGTH 276.32 N/mm2

(N/mm2)

UNIT WEIGHT 2.36 kg/m TENSILE 409.45 N/mm2

(kg/m) STRENGTH

(N/mm2)

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 NOMINAL 19.54 mm GAGE LENGTH 200

DIAMETER (mm) (mm)

AREA (mm2) 299.87 mm2 FINAL LENGTH 250

(mm)

LOAD % ELONGATION 25%

YIELD POINT (N) 82859.4 N GRADE 230

CLASSIFICATION

MAXIMUM POINT 122781 N ELONGATION 20.11% > 16 %

(N) REQUIREMENT

(%)

IF SUITABLE AS CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT (YES/NO) YES

Table 3.1: Experiment 10 Observation and Data Sheet

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IV. DISCUSSION AND INTERPRETATION

In this experiment to determine the suitability of a steel bar sample for concrete

reinforcement, only one trial was conducted. This allowed the group to reveal and

obtain insightful information that puts theories learned from the class in real life

scenarios.

The tested specimen of the deformed steel reinforcing bar exhibited a nominal

diameter of 19.54mm and a length of 0.5m. Its unit weight was determined to be 2.36

kg/m, which is consistent with the anticipated density of steel. Following the

execution of a tensile test on the universal testing machine, the bar reached a

maximum load of 122,781 N at the point of fracture. Using this data, the yield strength

was calculated at 276.32 N/mm², indicating the stress level at which plastic

deformation initiated. The calculated tensile strength for the rebar stood at 409.45

N/mm², correlating with the stress observed at the fracture point.

In evaluating the yield strength and tensile strength against the grade

classifications specified by PNS 49:2020, the rebar specimen falls into grade 230

category. Additionally, the rebar's suitability for concrete reinforcement was assessed

by comparing its grade to elongation standards. Following this comparison, it was

concluded that the rebar met the criteria for effective concrete reinforcement.

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 Accurate identification of the rebar grade is critical for avoiding potential

structural failures. Therefore, a tension test of this nature becomes imperative to

guarantee that the steel rebar performs in accordance with the intended design

specifications. This approach safeguards against critical errors that could compromise

the structural integrity of the construction.

V. CONCLUSION

In conclusion to this, the experiment successfully attained its objective by

obtaining the suitability of a steel bar sample for concrete reinforcement. The

conducted experiment proved effective in determining the yield strength, ultimate

tensile strength, elongation, and the resulting grade classification of a steel

reinforcing bar using tensile testing to failure on a universal testing machine. This

experimental procedure offers valuable insights for material analysis within the realm

of civil engineering. Performing such tests enables the determination of critical

properties, including yield strength and tensile strength, without solely relying on

certifications provided by manufacturing facilities.

In essence, this experiment determines if steel reinforcing bars have the strength

and ductility required for safe use in concrete reinforcement. It eliminates the need

for manufacturer certifications, providing a direct and reliable means of determining

the material's suitability for use in building applications.

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VI. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the group's experimental findings, The following recommendation is

detailed below to enhance and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the

experimental procedures to achieve remarkable results and a better understanding.

➢ Conduct multiple tests of different samples from the same population: One

sample would be deemed insufficient to represent the whole population of

that sample. By conducting multiple tests from the same population, it

should show the variability of the results thus providing a more accurate,

credible, and reliable strength values and characteristics.

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VII. REFERENCES

❖ ASTM A615

❖ ASTM A706

❖ PNS 49: 2020 (Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement – Specification)

❖ Capitol Steel Co. (2022). Steel Bars - Technical Specifications. Capitol Steel

Corporation. https://capitolsteel.com.ph/steel-bars-tech-specs/

❖ TEVEMA Marketing. (2023, July 30). Is concrete good in tension or

compression? Tevema BV. https://www.tevema.com/is-concrete-good-in-

tension-or-compression/

❖ (2024, January 23). Standard Reinforcing Bar Class Lecture

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