UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN

REINFORCED STEEL BARS

PRESENTOR:
JERIC R. ADUNA
 OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this chapter is to:

Understand the use of universal testing machine in tensile
strength test, and rockwell hardness machine in rockwell hard-
ness test;

Discuss the proper step and procedure of tensile strength test

and rockwell hardness test;

Determine the application and uses of metal base on rockwell

hardness result;

Measure and discuss the correct dimension of reinforced steel

bar;
 OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this chapter is to:

Analyze and Interpret the correct result of stress-strain dia-
gram; and

Develop their practical skills by performing the test.

 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

INSPECTION / FIELD TEST

 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

INSPECTION / FIELD TEST

There are Three (3) – way in determining if the reinforced steel bar is
standard or substandard in terms of its physical appearance and texture.
1. By means of its Color
2. By its Size
3. By its Weight
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

INSPECTION / FIELD TEST

There are Three (3) – way in determining if the reinforced steel bar is
standard or substandard in terms of its physical appearance and texture.
1. By means of its Color
2. By its Size
3. By its Weight

•Figure 5.0: Markings of RSB

 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

INSPECTION / FIELD TEST

•Table A: Strength of Steel Base on it Grade (Base on Steel Work Guide)

YIELD ULTIMATE
GRADE COLOR CODE
STRENGTH STRENGTH

33 230 - White

40 276 483 Yellow

60 (4) 419 621 Green

75 (5) 517 689 Blue or Green

 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

LABORATORY TEST IN RE-

INFORCED STEEL BAR
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST

 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

Testing objectives:
The tensile strength test measures the resistance of a reinforced steel bar
under tension force. It can determine steel bars yield strength at yield state,
ultimate tensile strength at breaking point, its elongation and ruptured area
by means of stress-strain diagram with accordance to ASTM A615.

Scope:
This test is limited only for 600mm length reinforced steel bar in any
diameter of 10mm, 12mm 16mm and 20mm. The rate of application of load
should not exceed 5 mm/min to ensure no shack resistance will occur. Spec-
imen shall be tested inside the laboratory area having room temperature not
greater than 38ºC.
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

Apparatus Required:
1.Universal Testing Machine
2.Reinforced Steel Bar
3.Digital Weighing Scale (10kg. capac-
ity-sensitive to the extent of 0.1% of to-
tal sample)
4.Measuring Tape and Vernier Caliper
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

•Safety and Precautions:
1.Before conducting test, use safety gloves, safety
shoes & apron at the time of test;
2.After test switch off the machine;
3.Keep all the exposed metal parts greased;
4.Keep the guide rods firmly fixed to the base & top
plate;
5.Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before test-
ing & after testing; and
6.Before conducting the test, make sure that no one is
around (1-meter radius from testing machine)
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

The following procedure was adopted in ensuring that the data to be

record from tensile strength test specimens was taken in an organized and
consistent manner.
1.Prepare three any diameter of reinforced steel bar specimens are subject
for tensile strength test;
2.Check the color, length, weight and diameter of the sample then record it;
3.Make sure that the length of the specimen should not be greater than
600mm to avoid stacking in clamp while operating;
4.Check if Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is clean before using it and
take a look on the joint arm part if it is greased;
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

5. Remove any unnecessary material in the clamp surface;

6. Hold the reinforced steel bar specimen (vertically) at the middle
part and align the upper part of specimen to the upper clamp of
the UTM before pressing the upper clamp remote;
7. Then align also the lower part of the specimen to the lower
clamp of the UTM before pressing the lower clamp remote;
8. Check the upper and lower clump surface if its properly molded
to the specimen;
9. After checking, set-up the computer system to stress-strain dia-
gram or stress-displacement diagram to determine the output;
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

11. When specimen breaks, stop the operation of the machine and
remove the unnecessary debris under break specimen; and
12. Take a photo on the break specimen and record all the data in the
monitor.
(Note: When steel bar breaks, there is a sound produce. Do not
panic, this is normal when doing tensile strength test, just make
sure that the observer will not be shock after breaking it)
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

Tabulation of Data:
Table 8.0 are example data gathered from commercial specimen subject
for tensile strength test. The material and equipment used in this test is based
on the present apparatus available in CE Laboratory and commercial product
that conforms with the ASTM Specification.
Table 8.0: Example of Tensile Strength Test Result

MAXIMUM
TYPE OF REBAR BAR DIAME- WEIGHT
LENGTH TENSILE ELONGATION Remarks
SAMP. REPRESENT TER PER LENGTH
STRENGTH
NO.
   
mm mm Kgs. MPa mm.

1 Column 12 600 0.437 265 25 Failed

2 Beam1 12 600 .887 295 23 Passed

3 C1F1 12 600 0.319 258 20 Failed

4 C2F2 12 600 0.954 281 22 Passed

5 Roof Beam 12 600 0.626 334 32 Passed

6 Beam2 12 600 0.545 327 30 Passed

 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

Figure 8.0 represent the stress-strain diagram of the given sample. It will show you
how young modulus can be determine in terms of value of stress and strain, where the
yield point starts, and where is the ultimate strength end. The figure also shows how
durable and ductile enough your specimen is, using its own stress and strain.
• 
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS
TEST
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST (ASTM E18)

Testing objectives:
This Rockwell hardness test tends to determine the information about
metallic materials that may correlate to tensile strength, ductility and charac-
teristic of material.

Scope:
This test is limited only to rockwell hardness and superficial hardness of metal
having a thickness at least 10 times the depth of the indentation. Spacing between in-
dentations should be three to five times the diameter of the indentation and the rock-
well hardness test blocks are designed to be used only on one side and indents no
closer to the blocks edge than 0.040”. It also observes the proper procedure on how
to conduct with respect to ASTM E18.
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST (ASTM E18)

Apparatus Required:
1.Rockwell Hardness Machine
2.Specimen Material (Metal)
3.Different Indenters
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST (ASTM E18)

•Safety and Precautions:

1.Before conducting test, use safety gloves,
safety shoes & apron at the time of test;
2.After test switch off the machine;
3.The indenter and anvil should be clean and
well seated;
4.The surface should be flat and perpendicular
to the indenter;
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST (ASTM E18)

•Safety and Precautions:

5.The speed of application of the load should be stan-
dardized;
6.Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before testing
& after testing; and
7.Before conducting the test, make sure that no one is
around (1-meter radius from testing machine).
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST (ASTM E18)

The following procedure was adopted in ensuring that the data to

be record from Rockwell hardness test specimens was taken in an or-
ganized and consistent manner.
1.Prepare and clean the metal specimen. It should be free from any
unnecessary debris;
2.Check the loading and unloading lever. Make sure that the lever is
in unloading position;
3.From table 9.1, select the suitable indenter and weights according to
the scale;
4.Place the indenter in the Rockwell hardness machine;
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST (ASTM E18)

5. Switch ON the power supply of the machine and carefully

place the specimen on the bench;
6. Turn clockwise the handwheel until the tip of indenter and top
surface of the specimen touches;
7. Set-up the minor load, make sure that the small needle arm to
touch the left red dot and put the big needle arm to zero by simply
adjusting the scale ring;
8. The machine is hydraulic control, the lever of the major load is
located in the right side of the machine;
9. Apply major load by just pushing the lever down;
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST (ASTM E18)

10. Wait for the big needle arm to settle, and release the
load;
11. Read the hardness number value in the gauge and
record the data; and
12. Repeat it again in different point of location (same
specimen and indenters) at least three times and av-
erage to get the Rockwell Hardness Number of the
specimen.
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

Tabulation of Data:
• Table 9.0 and 9.1 are example data gathered from the commercial speci-
men subject for Rockwell hardness test. The material and equipment used in
this test is based on the present apparatus available in CE Laboratory and
commercial product that conforms with the ASTM Specification.
Base on the hardness value and types of indenter use in table 9.0, you can
determine what would be the application of the metal with the help of rockwell
hardness scale (table 9.1)
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

Table 9.0: Example of Rockwell Hardness Test Result

Hardness
Material Sample Type of Indenter Load (P)
Number (kgf)

1 A Diamond Cone 60 40
  B Diamond Cone 60 45
  C Diamond Cone 60 40
2 A 1/8 inch diameter steel ball 100 110
  B 1/8 inch diameter steel ball 100 120
  C 1/8 inch diameter steel ball 100 120
3 A 1/16 inch diameter steel ball 150 115
  B 1/16 inch diameter steel ball 150 120
  C 1/16 inch diameter steel ball 150 120
 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING
MINOR MAJOR LOAD TOTAL LOAD UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
SCALE INDENTER TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
REINFORCED STEEL BAR
LOAD (kgf) (kgf) (kgf)

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM A615)

Cemented carbides, thin steel and shal-
A Diamond cone 10 50 60
low case hardened steel

Copper alloys, soft steels, aluminium al-

B 1/16” Steel ball 10 90 100
loys, malleable irons

Steel, hard cast irons, pearlitic mal-

Table 9.1:List of Rockwell Hardness Scale

leable iron, titanium, deep case hard-

C Diamond cone 10 140 150
ened steel and other materials harder
than 100 HRB

Thin steel and medium case hardened

D Diamond cone 10 90 100
steel and pearlitic malleable iron

Cast iron, aluminium and magnesium al-

E 1/8” Steel ball 10 90 100
loys, bearing metals

Annealed copper alloys, thin soft sheet

F 1/16” Steel ball 10 50 60
metals

Phosphor bronze, beryllium copper,

G 1/16” Steel ball 10 140 150 malleable irons. Upper limit is HRG 92,
to avoid flattening of ball.
H 1/8” Steel ball 10 50 60 Aluminium, zinc, lead
K 1/8” Steel ball 10 140 150
L 1/4” Steel ball 10 50 60
M 1/4” Steel ball 10 90 100
Bearing metals, plastics and other very
P 1/4” Steel ball 10 140 150
soft or thin materials
R 1/2” Steel ball 10 50 60
S 1/2” Steel ball 10 90 100
V 1/2” Steel ball 10 140 150
 “The function of education is to teach one to think
intensively and to think critically.
Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true
education.
•– Martin Luther King, Jr.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING:
“UNIT VI: LABORATORY TEST IN
REINFORCED STEEL BAR”
Jeric R. Aduna
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING:
“UNIT VII: LABORATORY TEST IN
BITUMEN MATERIAL”
Jeric R. Aduna