MATERIAL SCIENCES AND

ENGINEERING FOR M.E. LABORATORY

Module 4:
A.Testing of Steel Bars
B.Testing of Welded Steel Bars
 MATERIAL SCIENCES AND
ENGINEERING FOR M.E.
LABORATORY
RENE D. RUBIO PhD, PME, OSH
Consultant

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.2

 Table of Content
Module 4A: Testing of Steel Bars

Gospel Reading
Course Learning Outcomes
Objectives & Safety Measures
Procedures
Specimen Dimension
Tension Test

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.3

 Gospel Reading
Let us put ourselves in the presence of God..
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit..
1 Peter 1:16 (01/05/20): “Be holy, because I am holy.”
St. John the Baptist De La Salle..Pray for
us..Live Jesus in our hearts..Forever.

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.4

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.5
 Experiment No. 7
Testings of Steel Bars

OBJECTIVES:
1. To determine the compressive strength of steel bars
SAFETY MEASURES:
1. The instructor must orient the students in proper handling
of tools prior to actual processing to avoid accidents.
2. Do’s and don’ts must be fully emphasized.
 Experiment No. 7
Testings of Steel Bars

INFORMATION:
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon in which the carbon
content does not exceed 1.7%. It is produce form pig
iron. Steel containing only iron and carbon together with
small amount of impurities are classed as plain carbon
steel while those containing certain elements
intentionally added are classed as alloy steels.
In general, plain carbon steel are classified according to
carbon content, the method of manufacture and the uses
of which their properties fit them. Steel classified
according to carbon content are:
 Experiment No. 7
Testings of Steel Bars

0.05 - 0.15 % carbon – very low carbon steel

0.15 – 0.30 % carbon – low carbon steel
0.30 – 0.60 % carbon – medium carbon steel
0.60 – 0.90 % carbon – high carbon steel
0.90 – 1.50 % carbon – very high carbon steel
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

Steel is high strength material and one of the most widely

used among the engineering materials. It. Combine such
characteristics as strength and availability. A very
important engineering use of steel in the form of bars is
concrete reinforcement. The most common type of
reinforcement steel is the form of round bars available in a
large range of diameter from about one-fourth (1/4) inch to
about one and three-eigth (1 3/8) inches for ordinary
application and in two heavy bars of about one and three-
fourth (1 ¾) and two and one-fourth (2 ¼) inches.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
These bars with the exception of the one fourth (1/4) inch
size, are furnished with surface deformation with the
purpose of increasing the bond. Strength between steel
and concrete prestressing steel is used in three forms –
wire strands, single wire and high strength in which a
certain wire is enclose tightly by six helically place outer
wire with a pitch.
The classes of steel bars that are commonly used are
plain and deformed. These are further classified into three
grades – structural, intermediate, and hard.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
The three important tests for billet steel bars are chemical
test for deformation of phosphorous content and the cold
bending and tension, to check the mechanical properties.
Too much amount of phosphorous in steel will make the
steel brittle and decreases the resistant to impact. The
values of the yield and the tensile strength are used to
classify the bars into grades. After the grade is
determined, the percent of elongation is computed and
compared with the requirements. Reinforcing steel; bars
are often bent when used, a cold bent test is necessary to
check the ductile properties. Ductile materials will not
break or crack on the outside of the bent portion.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
COMPRESSION
When a cylindrical piece of material is compress with a
testing machine, the relation between the stress and strain
are found to be similar to those that are determined in the
tensile test. There is an elastic range in which the stress is
directly proportional to strain a proportional limit and a
yield strength. If the material is relatively soft, it will exhibit
appreciable plastic yielding. However, in the case of
compression, the cross sectional area of the specimen
increases instead of decreases as in the tension test. This
increase in cross sectional area produces an engineering
stress-strain curve that continually rises.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
COMPRESSION
The rising portion of the curve will depend upon the ration
length to the diameter of the specimen is long with respect
to the diameter. Fracture may occur in short specimens or
in brittle materials by shearing on a plane approximately
45 degrees to the normal stress. Fig. (a) shows a piece of
steel of cylindrical form which has failed by buckling . Fig.
(b) shows another piece of steel which has failed by
shearing on a plane approximately 45 degrees to the
normal stress.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
APPARATUS:

1. Compression testing machine

2. Steel bars specimen , ¾ by 10 inches
3. Vernier caliper
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the actual length and diameter of the
specimen;
2. Carefully set the specimen in the testing machine. It
should be placed at the center of the RAM;
3. Begin pumping and take note every gauge reading;
4. Record the total maximum load indicated by the
testing machine and calculate the compressive strength
in PSI or MPA using the equation “O = P/A”.
Where: O = compressive strength
P = max compression load
A = cross section area
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

DATA SHEET:

For Maximum Load Computation:

Max. Load = (Final reading – initial reading) Area

Area of the RAM

 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
COMPUTATION
OBSERVATION
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 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
TEST QUESTION:
1. Define steel, how many steel be classified?
2. Explain the fundamental chemistry involved in the
production of steel.
3. Give the important chemical reactions that take place
in the acid and the basic properties of producing steel.
4. What are the functions of slag in the production of
steel?
5. What are ferromanganese and spiegeleisen? What
are the functions of these in the manufacturing of steel?
6. What are blow holes? Why they may be detrimental
to steel?
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

PROCEDURE OVERVIEW
This FSEL test standard is used to determine the tensile
properties of reinforcing bars. The testing is in general
conformance with ASTM A370-15 Standard Test Methods
and Definition for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
(Ref 7.1) and ASTM A615-16 Standard Specification for
Deformed and Plain
Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement (Ref. 7.2).
Appendix 9 to ASTM A370 specifically addresses tensile
testing or reinforcing bars.
The procedure below uses the MTS C64.206 test machine
along with a pre-programmed test procedure. The pre-
programmed test procedure should be adequate for most
reinforcing bar testing.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

PROCEDURE OVERVIEW
Should any alteration be needed, consult with FSEL staff
beforehand.
Based on the original calibration records for this test
machine, the peak error in force output was 1.30 kN (290
lb). An error of this magnitude could affect calculation of
stresses for smaller diameter bars. If precise test results
are needed for small diameter bars, a test frame with less
force capacity
may be preferable.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS ▪ MTS C64.206
Test Machine ▪ MTS 634.25F-24F
Extensometer ▪ Grips ▪ Ladder ▪ Rubber
Bands or Springs ▪ USB drive ▪ Shimming
Materials Small Bars
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS ▪ MTS C64.206 Test Machine ▪

MTS 634.25F-24F Extensometer ▪ Grips ▪ Ladder ▪ Rubber
Bands or Springs ▪ USB drive ▪ Shimming Materials Small
Bars
MATERIALS ▪ Steel Samples ▪ Grease
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
▪ Safety Glasses ▪ Safety Shoes ▪ Hardhat ▪ Hearing
Protection
▪ Disposable Rubber Gloves
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

DETAILED PROCEDURE
5.1. Identify the reinforcing bars to be tested and cut them
to a length of approximately 30 in.
The number of samples is to be determined by the research
team. Typically, three samples are tested for each bar size
used in the test program.
The grips for the test machine are 7 in. long and ASTM
A370 requires an 8 in. or 200 mm minimum gage length.
Using a specimen of a length different from 30 in. could
affect the loading rate for the specimen. Remove any burs
or sharp edges that may result from cutting the bars.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

DETAILED PROCEDURE
5.2. Obtain the keys to the control cabinet and the cabinet
containing the MTS test accessories.
The key to the control cabinet is located in the gray storage
cabinet in the lab manager’s office.
All FSEL staff members have a key to the accessories
cabinet.
. Prepare the extensometer for testing.
The extensometer and its accessories are contained in two
black plastic cases locked in the gray cabinet near the test
machine. The larger case contains the extensometer, a user
manual, a plastic bag with drawings, and a small plastic
case that contains spare parts, tools, rubber bands, and
springs.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

DETAILED PROCEDURE
The smaller case contains three extension bars and a small
plastic case with additional parts and tools.
5.3.1. Place the set pin in the extensometer.
The set pin is used to hold the extensometer at a fixed
opening distance prior to attaching the extensometer to
the specimen. This pin prevents over-extending or
overcompressing the instrument during setup.
5.3.2 Add the gage length extender to the extensometer.
The default gage length of the extensometer is 50 mm
(1.969 in.). This gage length can be extended to 200 mm
(7.874 in.) by inserting a gage length extender. Note that
the standard gage length per ASTM A370 is either 8 in. or
200 mm.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

DETAILED PROCEDURE
5.3.2 Add the gage length extender to the extensometer.
The default gage length of the extensometer is 50 mm
(1.969 in.). This gage length can be extended to 200 mm
(7.874 in.) by inserting a gage length extender. Note that
the standard gage length per ASTM A370 is either 8 in. or
200 mm. A technical drawing showing the installed
extender bar is inside the extender case (Reference 7.3).
Note that the gage length extender has a correct and an
incorrect orientation. Ensure that all parts are installed on
the extensometer as shown in the drawing.
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

DETAILED PROCEDURE
Install the knife edges appropriate for the specimen being
tested.
For round specimens, the straight knife edges should be
used. Drawings of the knife edges are provided at left in
Figure 1.

For continuation…Reference:
https://fsel.engr.utexas.edu/
images/resources-pdfs/FSEL-
Rebar-Testing-Procedure-Rev-
02.pdf
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars
TENSION TEST: (Cont’n)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=D8U4G5kcpcM&t=373s

MEET 315LA -Module 1 – 1st

Assessment
 Experiment No. 7
Testing of Steel Bars

1. Seatwork – Multiple Choices

2.Problem solving
3.Exercises

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.29

 MATERIAL SCIENCES AND
ENGINEERING FOR M.E.
LABORATORY
Module 4B:
Testing of Welded Steel Bars

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.30

 Table of Content
Module 4B: Testing of Welded Steel Bars
Gospel Reading
Course Learning Outcomes
Objectives
Safety Measures
Procedures
Offset shear Strength
Shear Strength
Stress – Strain Diagram
Factors that affect the Shear Response

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.31

 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars

OBJECTIVES:
1. To determine the compressive strength of welded steel
bars.
SAFETY MEASURES:
1. The instructor must orient the students in proper handling
of tools prior to actual processing to avoid accidents.
2. Do’s and don’ts must be fully emphasized.
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
INFORMATION:
1. It has become common practice to shape and prepare
metal parts and then join them by welds to produce
engineering structures.
A weld is defined as a localized coalescence of metals
wherein coalescence is produced by heating to suitable
temperature, with or without the application of pressure
and with or without the use of filler metal. The welding heat
may be derived from a number of different sources; and
the processes of applying the heat are divided into two
general groups:
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars

1. Methods into which joint surfaces are heated to the

temperature range in which the metal becomes sufficiently
plastic and pressure is then applied;
2. Methods into which the joint surfaces are heated above
the melting temperature of the base metal and fusion
obtained without the application of pressure (fusion
welding).
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
2. STRESS RAISERS
Applied Stress First, the stress to be applied in service
must be evaluated, and this means not only the average
stress throughout the whole section of the part but also,
and most important, the highest local stress at the worst
point of stress concentration, as notches, nicks, scratches,
tool marks, sharp fillets, irregularities at welds, cracks,
keyways, and poor casting design.
Service Conditions Second, attention must be given to the
conditions of service. If static loading only is concerned,
very slight plastic flow may be able to redistribute the stress
without damage.
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
2. STRESS RAISERS
If the stress is repeated, however, the possibility of fatigue
failure starting from a stress raiser is imminent, as is
brought out in figure 1.
FIG. 1.
Welded specimen at right failed
under single static load of
33,000 psi. Specimen at left
failed in fatigue after 1,194,400
pulsations of load, 0 to 9,000
psi.
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars

Figure 2
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
Stress raisers that lead to fatigue failure under over stress:
(a) screw threads, (b) sharp fillets, (c) keyways, (d) nicks,
(e) holes, (f) sharp corners.

Figure 3
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
Stress concentrations around fillets

Figure 4

Stud with stress-relieving groove, left, avoids fatigue

failure which results with plain type, right. The fillet
should extend the first female thread.
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES:
1. Compressive testing machine
2. Vernier caliper / micrometer caliper
3. Round steel bar (not less than 3/4 inch)
PROCEDURE:
1. Cut the steel bar into two and join them by welding.
2. Measure the actual length and diameter of the specimen.
3. Carefully set the specimen in the testing machine
4. Start pumping and take note every gauge reading.
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
PROCEDURE:
5. Record the maximum load of the specimen (i.e. the gauge
reading before failure occurs) indicated at the gauge of
testing machines, and determine the compressive strength
in psi of mpa using the equation:
Q = compressive strength
P = maximum compressive load
A = cross sectional area of the
specimen
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars
DATA SHEET:

COMPUTATIONS: (Use extra sheet if necessary)

OBSERVATION:
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 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars

TEST QUESTION:
1. What are the four principal methods by which material
can be joined? Discuss each method.
2. By what three processes may joints may be formed by
soldering.
3. What is meant by weld?
4. What are the methods in the process of applying the
heat in welding?
5. Explain how the size of the material affects the
strength.
 Experiment No. 8
Testing of Welded Steel Bars

1. Seatwork – Multiple Choices

2.Problem solving
3.Exercises

ME 260: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1.44