ADVISORY NOTE

NUMBER: 008

JANUARY, 1991

REINFORCING STEEL

ADVISORY NOTE
ON
REINFORCING STEEL

NOTE NUMBER 008

JANUARY 1991

CONTENTS
PAGE

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
TABLES
1
2
3
4
5
6

INTRODUCTION
REINFORCING STEEL
SPECIFICATIONS
DEFINITIONS
SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS
GRADES
SIZES AND TOLERANCES
STEEL MAKING PROCESS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
WELDING
REQUIREMENTS FOR
DEFORMATIONS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
QUALITY CONTROL

1
1
2
3
4
5
5
7
7
9
10

PREFERRED NOMINAL SIZES

CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA AND
MASS
TOLERANCE ON MASS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF
STEEL
TENSILE PROPERTIES
REQUIREMENT FOR DEGREE OF
BENDING AND SIZES OF PINS

6
6

10
16

7
9
14
15

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

ADVISORY NOTE
ON
REINFORCING STEEL

1.

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY
NOTE NUMBER 008
JANUARY 1991

INTRODUCTION

Steel is used in two different ways in concrete structures: as reinforcing steel and as
prestressing steel. Reinforcing steel is placed in the forms prior to casting of concrete.
They resist all load stress resultants in co-operation with the surrounding concrete.
Stresses in the reinforcing steel, as in the hardened concrete, are caused only by the loads
on the structure, except for possible parasitic stresses from shrinkage or similar causes.
In contrast, in prestressed-concrete structures large tension forces are applied prior to
letting it act jointly with the concrete in resisting external loads. The prestressing steel is
hence referred as an active reinforcement. The term "active" describes the prestressing
system constantly applying a force to the structural element regardless of the external
loads on that element. In comparison, reinforced concrete is a passive reinforcing
system. The steels for these usages are very different.
This ADVISORY NOTE describes in general terms those essential properties of steel that
form the basis of quality requirements and strength properties necessary to conform with
compliance criteria of modern reinforced concrete design codes. The recommendations
contained in major international standards which are of interest to local practices have
been adopted.

2.

REINFORCING STEEL

The most common type of reinforcing steel (as distinct from prestressing steel) is in the
form of bars/wires. These are classified according to methods of production (hot rolled
or cold reduced or cold worked), surface characteristics (plain or deformed), strength
grades (mild steel, or medium-tensile or high- tensile), and weldability.

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

3.

SPECIFICATIONS

Steel reinforcing bars which are normally used in reinforced concrete construction in the
Emirate comply to the following BS or ASTM specifications.
BS 4449 'Carbon steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete'. This British Standard
specifies requirements for weldable steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete. It covers
plain round steel bars in grade 250 and deformed high yield steel bars in grade 460. The
standard applies equally to hot rolled and cold worked steel bars.
ASTM A 706M 'Low-Alloy steel deformed bars for concrete reinforcement'. This
specification covers low-alloy steel deformed bars for concrete reinforcement intended
for special applications where welding or bending, or both are of importance.
ASTM A 615M 'Deformed and plain Billet-Steel bars for concrete reinforcement'.
Deformed bars complying to this specification are normally used in reinforced concrete
construction in the Emirates.
It is to be noted that the specification does not include weldability as part of the
specification. However, if there is a necessity for welding this material, the specification
shall be supplemented to require a report of material properties necessary to conform to
the provisions of welding procedures.
BS 4482: 'Cold reduced steel wire for the reinforcement of concrete'. This British
Standard specifies requirements for cold reduced plain and deformed steel wire used for
the reinforcement of concrete and for the manufacture of steel fabric. All reinforcing
steels supplied in accordance with this standard are readily weldable.

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

4.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply.

4.1

Bar: A steel product of plain round or deformed profile, produced by hot rolling.

4.2

Wire: A steel product of any form of cross section produced by cold reduction of
an as-rolled rod.

4.3

Deformed bar or wire: Bar or wire with surface characteristics designed to

increase its bond with concrete, the degree of deformation being as defined in the
relevant standards.

4.4

Rib: A protrusion on the outside of the bar/wire designed to increase its bond with
concrete.

4.5

Longitudinal rib: A uniform continuous protrusion parallel to the axis of the

bar/wire.

4.6

Transverse rib: Any rib on the surface of the bar/wire other than a longitudinal
rib.

4.7

Cold worked deformed bar: A deformed bar which is produced by cold-working

of an as-rolled bar to improve its yield strength property.

4.8

Size (nominal size, d): The diameter of a circle with an area equal to the effective
cross-sectional area of the bar, rod or wire.

4.9

Nominal Density: The value of 0.00785 kg/mm2, per metre run taken for the
purpose of converting a length and cross-sectional area of a wire to its mass.

4.10

Yield point: The stress at the point reached during the test when plastic
deformation occurs without any increase in the force, in material exhibiting a
yield phenomenon.

4.11

Yield stress: The stress measured during the tensile test when the extension is a
specified percentage increase in the gauge length.

4.12

Yield Strength: The yield strength is either the yield point or the yield stress
whichever is lower.

4.13

Characteristic strength: That value of the yield stress below which fall not more
than 5% of the test results.

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

4.14

Tensile strength: The stress corresponding to the maximum force sustained during
a tension test of steel product.

4.15

Percentage total elongation at fracture: The total elongation (elastic elongation

plus plastic elongation) of the gauge length at the moment of fracture, expressed
as a percentage of the original gauge length.

4.16

Batch: Any quantity of bars or wires of one size and grade, produced by one
manufacturer or supplier, presented for examination at any one time.

5.

SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

5.1

Deformed Bars

In reinforced concrete a long-time trend is evident toward the use of higher-strength

materials, both steel and concrete. Hot-rolled plain reinforcing bars with 33-ksi (228
MPa) yield points, which were widespread not too long ago, are no longer made. Hotrolled deformed steel bars with 410-460 MPa yield by stress, referred to as high-yield
steel bars, are the commonly used reinforcements nowadays.
For most effective reinforcing action, it is essential that steel and concrete deform
together, i.e., that there be a sufficiently strong bond between the two materials. This
bond is provided by the relatively large chemical adhesion which develops at the steelconcrete interface, and by the natural roughness of the mill scale of hot-rolled
reinforcing bars. But the extent of bond thus developed is found to be inadequate when
high-yield steel bars are used.
To increase the bond with concrete, the surface of the bar is provided with lugs or ribshaped protrusions, termed as deformations, in order to provide a high degree of
interlocking

of the two materials. Minimum requirements for these deformations

(spacing, projection, etc.) have been developed in lengthy experimental research and are
specified in the standards. Different bar producers use different patterns, all of which
should satisfy these requirements.

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

5.2

Plain bars

Plain smooth round bars are produced as hot-rolled possessing a yield point stress of 250
MPa. They can be readily bent, so they are often used where small radius bends are
necessary. The design codes permit the use of plain bars and smooth wire only for spiral
reinforcement either as lateral reinforcement for compression members, for torsion
members, or for confining reinforcement for splices.

5.3

Cold Worked Bars

Cold worked steel bars are recognizable by their twisted configuration of ribs. These
types of bars are more or less obsolete locally and are not recommended; when compared
with hot rolled bars they exhibit inferior bond characteristic. Cold worked steels are
normally readily weldable but they tend to loose strength after heating.

6.

GRADES

The specifications mentioned above cover bars of different minimum yield strength
levels: namely, 250 Mpa, 300 MPa, 400 MPa, 460 MPa, and 500 Mpa, designated as
Grades 250, 300, 400, 460, & 500, respectively.

7.

SIZES AND TOLERANCES

7.1

Sizes

The range of nominal sizes of bars/wires are given in table 1.The nominal dimensions (
nominal diameter and cross-sectional area) of a deformed bar are equivalent to those of a
plain round bar having the same mass per metre as the deformed bar.

In ASTM

specifications, the size of bars are designated by numbers. The designated numbers
approximate the numbers of millimetre.

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

TABLE 1 PREFERRED NOMINAL SIZES

Spec
BS 4449
BS 4449
BS 4482
ASTM A 706M

Grade
250
460
460
400

Type
Plain
Deformed
Plain/ Deformed
Deformed

Nominal Sizes Dia. mm

8, 10, 12, 16
8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12
Nominal
Sizes
Dia. mm
11.3
16.0
19.5
25.2
29.9
35.7
43.7

ASTM A 615M

300

400

Designation
No
10
15
20
25
30
35
45

Plain / Designation
numbers and
corresponding
diametres
Deformed are as in
above ASTM A 706M

500

7.2

Cross-Sectional Area and Mass

The cross-sectional area and the mass of the bars/wires shall be calculated on the basis
that these steels have a mass of 0.00785 kg/mm2 per metre run. The values shall be as
given in Table 2.

TABLE 2 CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA AND MASS

Bars/Wires to BS Specifications
Nominal
Mass per
Cross
Size
Metre
Sectional
mm
Run, Kg
Area, mm2
5
19.6
0.154
6
28.3
0.022
7
38.5
0.302
8
50.3
0.395
9
63.6
0.499
10
78.5
0.616
12
113.1
0.888
16
201.1
1.579
20
314.2
2.466
25
490.9
3.854
32
804.2
6.313
40
1256.6
9.864

Bar Desig
Nation
No

10
15
20
25
30
35
45

Bars to ASTM Specifications

Mass per
Diameter
Cross
mm
Metre
Section
Area mm2

11.3
16.0
19.5
25.2
29.9
35.7
43.7

100
200
300
500
700
1000
1500

0.785
1.570
2.355
3.925
5.495
7.850
11.775

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

7.3

Tolerances

British Standards specifies tolerances both for cross-sectional dimension and mass while
ASTM to mass only.
The deviation of any cross-sectional dimension, other than those of ribs, from its nominal
size, shall not exceed 8%. Tolerance on mass shall be as given in Table 3.
TABLE 3. TOLERANCE ON MASS
Specifications

Nominal Size mm

BS 4449

6
8 & 10
12 & Above
Under 12
12
All Sizes

BS 4482
ASTM A 706 M &

Tolerance on Mass
Per Metre Run %
9
6.5
4.5
6.5
4.5
- 6 and over-mass of any bar be the
cause of rejection.

ASTM A 615 M
8.

STEEL MAKING PROCESS

The steel is made by refining molten iron in a top-blown basic oxygen converter or by
melting in a basic lined electric furnace. The bars are processed from properly identified
heat moldcast or strand cast steel.

9.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

The metallurgical phases of steel are ferrite, pearlite and cementite. The presence and
extent of these phases are governed mainly by the carbon content in the steel. Below
about 0.8% carbon, there would be both ferrite and pearlite phases. With increasing
carbon content, from near 0%, the ferrite phase decreases with a corresponding increase
in pearlite phase and at about 0.8% carbon, there would be pearlite phase alone. It has
been established that with the increase of pearlite phase, tensile strength of steel increases
while elongation property i.e ductility reduces. The maximum tensile strength is attained
at about 100 % pearlite phase but the ductility will then be near zero i.e the steel would
be brittle.

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

Thus, the mechanical properties of steel are related to the carbon content. To have a steel
of desirable properties the carbon content is to be controlled which is found to lie in a
narrow range of 0.25% to 0.35%.
Alloying elements used in the manufacture of steel modify the phase diagram so that the
point at which the maximum pearlite phase forms is at a different percentage of carbon.
Therefore, an index called 'Carbon equivalent' (CE) has been introduced which converts
the amount of these alloying elements into equivalent percentage of carbon. Elements
commonly used include : Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni),
Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), Vanadium (V), Columbium (Co), Titanium (Ti),
and Zirconium (Zi).
Elements, Sulphur(S), Phosphorus(P), Nitrogen are impurities and they have to be kept
low and maximum limits for these are specified in the standards.
Choice and use of alloying elements, combined with carbon, phosphorus, and sulphur to
give the mechanical properties prescribed in the standards is made by the manufacturer.
The heat analysis shall be such as to provide a carbon equivalent value (CEV) not
exceeding the values specified in the Standards. The formulae to be used to calculate
carbon equivalent value are given in the specifications. BS 4449 gives the following
formula, where the individual values are calculated as percentages.

CEV = C +

Mn Cr + Mo + V Ni + Cu
+
+
6
5
15

The chemical composition of the steel based on cast analysis and that of finished bars
representing each heat of steel shall be in accordance with Table 4.

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

TABLE 4. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF STEEL

Specification

Grade

Cast /
Product

BS 4449
BS 4449
BS 4449
BS 4449
BS 4482
ASTM A 706 M
ASTM A 706 M
ASTM A 615 M

250
250
460
460
460
400
400
300
400
500
300
400
500

Cast
Bar
Cast
Bar
Cast
Cast
Bar
Cast

ASTM A 615 M

10.

Carbon
Equivalent
Maximum
Value, %

Elements, % Maximum
C
0.250
0.270
0.250
0.270
0.250
0.300
0.330

Bar

S
0.060
0.065
0.050
0.055
0.060
0.045
0.053

P
0.060
0.065
0.050
0.055
0.060
0.035
0.043

Mn

1.50
1.56

Si

0.50
0.55
0.060

0.42
0.45
0.51
0.54
0.42
0.55

0.075

WELDING

Reinforcing bars should not be welded without regard to steel weldability and proper
welding procedures. Standards specify requirements for material intended for welding in
terms of carbon equivalent value (CEV) and chemical composition restrictions. Welding
technique is of fundamental importance and welding procedures and consumables
appropriate to the particular grade and quality should be used. The steel chemistry is to
be restricted to a given range to suit a specified procedure. The important consideration is
that the specified welding procedure and steel weldability be compatible. American
Welding Society Standard, AWS D1.4: Structural Welding Code - Reinforcing Steel and
BS 7123 Metal arc welding of Steel for concrete reinforcement, give recommended
welding practices, including pre-heat and interpass temperatures based on the carbon
equivalent value, and the procedure prescribed therein is mandatory. The execution of
welding provisions should be entrusted
people

to appropriately qualified and experienced

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

11.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFORMATIONS

Deformed bars shall have surface shape as specified in the relevant specifications. Bars
are normally produced to these requirements. When bars do not comply with such
requirements or when in doubt, the performance tests as described in appendix B of BS
4449, shall be conducted by a competent laboratory. The findings of the laboratory shall
be regarded as final.
The principle of the test is to show that deformed bars,for the grade of steel from which
the bars are made, will hold for 2 minutes the specified characteristic strength in a pullout test with a free end slip not greater than 0.2mm.

12.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Although the tensile strength of the steel bar is regarded as the most important specified
property, it is only one in an array of properties that determine the ability of the steel to
be used effectively and safely under all conditions. The important properties can be
summarised as follows:
Tensile Strength: To impart strength to the reinforced concrete structure.
Tensile Ductility: To provide structural integrity in the presence of cracking.
Bond Performance: To enable the concrete unit to possess tensile properties.
Fatigue Resistance: To enable the structure to endure cyclical loading from causes such
as tide and wave movements, wind and traffic.
Formability: To enable the steel to be bent on small radii with a precise response.
Weldability: To permit joining of bars as splices or in the pre- fabrication of complex
units under non-ideal conditions.
Consistency: To ensure that the above requirements are met with the same response on
every occasion.
The array of properties is met by a combination of chemical composition and rolling mill
practice but there is frequently a tendency for individual requirements to be incompatible.
For example, tensile strength and ductility, as discussed in para 9 above, are inversely

10

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

related and therefore the ability

with which high values of both can be achieved

simultaneously is limited.
Further, the work of the reinforcement fabricator which is aimed at providing accurate
cut and bent pieces, improve the above properties but may have a detrimental effect by
damaging the steel. Bad bending operations cause considerable amount of damage to the
ribs of deformed bar which can create premature failure.

NOTE: All bars should be free from defects, e.g. seams, porosity, segregation, nonmetallic inclusions etc., which can be shown to adversely affect the mechanical
properties.

12.1

Condition of Test Specimens

The tensile, bend and rebend tests shall be carried out on straight bars/wires in the
delivery or accelerated aged condition. At the option of the manufacturer or supplier and
in order to simulate natural ageing, test specimens may be subjected to a temperature of
100 degrees celsius for a period of not more than 2 hours.

12.2

Tensile Properties

12.2.1 Stress-strain curves.

The two chief numerical characteristics which determine the character of reinforcement
are its yield point (generally identical in tension and in compression) and its modulus of
elasticity E. The latter is practically the same for all reinforcing steels and is taken as E =
200 kN/mm2.
In addition, however, the shape of the stress-strain curve of tensile test of steel, and
particularly of its initial portion, has significant influence on
reinforced- concrete members.

11

the performance of

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

Low-carbon steels, typified by the 250 MPa steel tensile test stress-strain curve, show an
elastic portion followed by a "yield plateau," i.e. by a horizontal portion of the curve
where strain continues to increase at constant stress. For such steels the yield point is that
stress at which the yield plateau establishes itself. With further strains the stress begins
to increase again, though at a slower rate, a process which is known as strain- hardening.
The curve flattens out when the tensile strength is reached; it then turns down until
fracture occurs.
Higher-strength carbon steels, such as those with 400 - 500 MPa yield points, either have
a yield plateau of much shorter length or enter strain-hardening immediately without any
continued yielding at constant stress.
While, low-alloy, high-strength reinforcing steels rarely show any yield plateau and
usually enter strain-hardening immediately upon beginning to yield. In such cases the
yield point is defined as the stress at which the total strain under load is 0.45 to 0.55
percent.
Depending upon properties of the steel and manufacturing process, the specifications
prescribe the strain (as shown in Table 5, column 3) for determination of yield strengths
that result in more practical controls on production. But the design Codes (BS 8110:
Structural Use of Concrete and ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Reinforced
Concrete) define yield strengths somewhat differently from corresponding steel
specifications. These Codes limit the yield strength over 400 MPa to a stress
corresponding to a maximum extension under load strain of 0.35 percent. The purpose is
to provide a basis for standard structural computations in accordance with generally
accepted theoretical equations. The 0.35 strain requirement is not applied to reinforcing
bars having yield strength of 400 MPa or less, because of elasto-plastic stress-strain
behavior of such steel. It should be noted that 0.35 percent strain is the ultimate strain in
concrete assumed in design Codes and for compatibility of strain between steel and
concrete, the yield strength of steel is also set to correspond to this value.

12

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

12.2.2 Requirements of Tensile Properties

The steel, as represented by the test specimens, shall conform to the requirements for
tensile properties-tensile strength, yield stress and elongation-prescribed in Table 5. The
tests on bars/wires to British specifications shall be carried out in accordance with
Appendix C of BS 4449, while bars to ASTM specifications shall be to ASTM A 370
'Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products.'
The yield point or yield stress shall be determined by one of the following methods:
a)

The yield point shall be determined by drop of the beam or halt in the
gauge of the testing machine.

b)

Where the steel does not have a well-defined yield point, the yield stress
shall be determined at a specified extension under load using an
autographic diagram method or an extensometer. The specified extension
under load i.e. the total strain under load shall be that prescribed in Table
5, appropriate to steel grade and specification.

The yield strength shall be either the yield point or the yield stress whichever is lower.
The Ductility i.e. the percentage elongation shall be as prescribed in Table 5. Ductility is
an important parameter in flexural members or columns with significant bending and can
be critical only if the percentage of reinforcing steel is very low so that there is
possibility of steel rupture before concrete crushing. Rupture of longitudinal steel has
generally been precluded in bending members by using steel with ductilities as defined
by standard specifications and by imposing lower limits on steel percentage. Ductility is
obviously important in members subjected to membrane tension. However, it is important
in any inelastic analysis to realize that the "useful" ductility is limited to the strain
corresponding to the greatest stress on the engineering stress-strain curve, which may be
less than half of the ultimate ductility.

13

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

TABLE 5. TENSILE PROPERTIES

Gauge

Ductility
Elongation
%
Minimum

5 d*

22

550

5d
5.65S**
200 mm

12
12
14 For bar Nos. 10,15,20
12 For bar Nos. 25,30,35
10 For bar Nos. 45,55

300

500

200 mm

0.50

400

600

200 mm

0.35

500

700

200 mm

11 For bar No. 10

12 For bar Nos. 15,20
9 For bar Nos. 10,15,20
8 For bar No. 25
7 For bar Nos.
30,35,45,55
6 For bar Nos. 35,45,5

Specification

Grade

Strain
%

Specified Yield
Strength, MPa

BS 4449

250

0.33

Min
250***

Max
275

BS 4449
BS 4482
ASTM A 706M

460
460
400

0.43
0.43
0.35

460***
460***
400

510

ASTM A 615M

300

0.50

ASTM A 615M

400

ASTM A 615M

500

540

Tensile
Strengt,
MPa
Min

Note:
*
**
***

d is the nominal size of the test piece.

S is the original cross-sectional area of the test piece
The figures shown for steels to BS specifications under yield strength heading are to be reckoned
ascharacteristic strength values.

12.2.3 Verification of Characteristic Strength (Cv).

Where the characteristic strength, Cv of the material is in doubt/ dispute, the British
Standards prescribe criteria for its verification. The bars/wires in a batch shall be
considered to comply with the specified Cv provided that actual yield stress test results of
specimens representing the batch satisfy the following conditions.

BS 4449 requires that :

a)

no test results in any three tests are less than Cv, alternatively

b)

all test results in any ten tests are equal to or greater than 0.93 Cv.

BS 4482 requires that :

a)

not more than two test results in any 40 consecutive tests are less than Cv,
and

b)

no test results are less than 0.93 Cv.

Note: From the above criterion, it follows that for grade 460 steel, the actual yield
stress can be 0.93 x 460 = 427.8 MPa, say 425 MPa. Even when all the ten test
results are 427.8 MPa, the steel, as per specifications, qualify it to be designated

14

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

as grade 460. But the common practice with the Design Engineers has been to
assume its yield strength to be 425 MPa. It is also to be noted that BS 8110
recommends that design may be based on the appropriate characteristic strength
or a lower value if necessary to reduce the deflection or control cracking.

12.3

Bending Properties

The test methods for evaluating bending properties of the metal shall be as given in
appendix C of BS 4449. The specimens shall be the full section of the bar/wire as
producedand be of sufficient length to ensure free bending. The requirements for degree
of bending and sizes of pins/formers are prescribed in Table 6.
The specimens shall withstand being bent around a pin/former without transverse
cracking on the outside of the bent portion. For the purpose of this test, the presence of
any mill scale is ignored. When rebend testing is specified, the specimens shall be
subjected to the prescribed sequence of operations and that they
show no sign of fracture or irregular bending.

TABLE 6 REQUIREMENT FOR DEGREE OF BENDING AND SIZES OF PINS

Specification

Grade

Bend Test

BS 4449
BS 4449
BS 4482
ASTM A 706M

250
460
460
400
180
180
180
300
180
400
180
180
90
500
90

180
180

ASTM A 615M
ASTM A 615M

ASTM A 615M

180

Angle of Bend Pin

Diameter
2 d*
3d
No requirement
3 d for Bar Nos 10,15
4 d for Bar Nos. 20,25
6 d for Bar Nos. 30,35
8 d for Bar Nos. 45,55

180

3.5 d for Bar Nos. 10,15

180

3.5 d for Bar Nos. 10,15

180

Rebend Test
45 back to 23
45 back to 23
45 back to 23

Angle of Bend
Pin Diameter
2d
5d
5d
No requirement

5 d for Bar Nos. 20

5 d for Bar Nos. 20,25
7 d for Bar Nos. 30,35
9 d for Bar Nos. 45, 55
7 d for Bar No. 35
9 d for Bar Nos. 45, 55

* d is the nominal diameter of specimen.

15

No requirement

No requirement

DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

12.4

Fatigue Properties of Deformed Bar

In practice, reinforcing steel has generally not been subject to fatigue failure. The ASTM
specifications do not include restrictions regarding fatigue, but BS 4449 requires that
fatigue properties for each defined bar shape and process route shall be established. The
method of test is described in appendix D. Bars shall be deemed defective or nondefective depending upon their ability to endure 5 million cycles of stress at the specified
stress range given for the relevant bar size.

13.

QUALITY CONTROL

13.1

Marking

In order for bars of various grades and sizes to be easily distinguished, which is necessary
to avoid accidental use of lower-strength or small-size bars than called for in the design,
all deformed bars to ASTM specifications are furnished with rolled-on legible marks on
the surface of the bars at intervals. These identify the producing mill (usually an initial),
the bar size designation, the type of steel (letter W for steels to ASTM A 706 and letter S
for steels to ASTM A 615 specifications), and minimum yield designation. Each
manufacturer shall identify the symbols of his marking system. Plain round bars are
tagged for grade only. BS 4449 requires that deformed bars to have rolled- on mark only
for the origin of manufacturer at intervals not greater than 1.5 m.
New notation letters for type and grade of reinforcement have been introduced in BS
specifications as follows:
R - grade 250 plain reinforcement to BS 4449.
T- grade 460 deformed to BS 4449 or BS 4482.
W - grade 460 plain reinforcement to BS 4482.
Note: The above notations supersedes the notation Y but some design offices still
use the Y notation in the schedules/drawings.

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DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

13.2

Internal Control

The manufacturer shall operate a quality control scheme which shall be available for
inspection by prospective purchaser and inspecting agency. The scope of internal control
to cover cast analysis, testing of specimens and recording keeping of test results, which
shall be maintained for a period of ten years. The rate of testing shall be.

13.3

a)

For casts up to 50 ton :3 tensile tests, 1 bend test and 1 rebend test;

b)

For each 15 ton cast beyond 100 tons additional tests, one of each type.

Third Party Product Certification Scheme.

The application of quality assurance (QA) scheme is directed towards product

conformity. This is achieved through Quality and Operations Assessment Schedules
which identify to the manufacturer those elements of his operations which will be given
special attention. The schedules lay down the sampling and testing procedures that will
be carried out for both the initial assessment leading to a certificate of approval and
subsequent surveillances carried out in the course of maintenance of the approval.
The Scheme requires strict traceability of material to the parent steel making unit. This
ensures that material is kept under control and that responsibility for performance is
maintained. The steel mills that hold the QA scheme approval are permitted to put the
scheme's identification rolling mark on the bars which, together with a system for
identifying the country of origin and the mill provides a unique form of identification.
Traceability is also applied to all technical documentation in that mill test certificates
carry an embossed QA schemes logo complete with approval number.

13.4

Certificate of Compliance

A certificate shall be issued by the supplier stating the following.

(a)

Works producing the reinforcing steel.

(b)

Nominal diameter and effective cross-sectional area.

(c)

Grade.

(d)

Marking system.

(e)

Cast number and cast analysis.

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DM NOTE NUMBER 008, JANUARY 1991

(f)

Carbon equivalent value.

(g)

Mass of the test unit and standard deviation of the population.

(h)

The individual test results of the tensile, bend and rebend tests.

(i)

Date of testing.

The certificate shall include the approval number, if any, issued by the Certifying
Authority.

13.5

Testing

Material not covered by a third party product Certification Scheme shall be assessed by
acceptance tests on each batch, even though the manufacturer has issued a Certificate of
Compliance. The testing shall be carried out as deemed necessary (refer clause 13.5.1) at
the Dubai Municipality Laboratory or at any approved laboratory in Dubai.

13.5.1 Extent of Sampling and Testing

For every 50 ton mass of the same steel grade and same nominal diameter from the same
cast, test specimens shall be taken from the different bars/wires for testing as follows:
a)

For cross sectional checks and tensile property tests 3 Nos.

b)

For verification of characteristic strength, refer clause 12.2.3 10 Nos.

c)

For bend test 3 Nos.

d)

For re-bend test 3 Nos.

e)

For bond test (optional) 6 Nos.

f)

For chemical composition analysis and carbon equivalent value

determination (Optional) 3 Nos.

The properties are to be determined in testing the above sampled test specimens for
checking compliance with the specifications. Should the results of the above tests show
that the steel does not meet all the specified requirements, the whole batch is rejected and
removed from the site.

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