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If you are confused about what is the term ‘Fe 500’ used in all the TMT bar advertisements, you see it simply means the grade of steel used. Fe 500 steel is a grade of steel used in various industries, especially the construction industry. It is used to make steel bars and wires and has quality variable as stipulated by the IS code.
As per the IS Code these are the grades of steel used in the construction of steel bars and wires:
- Fe 415, Fe 415D, Fe 415S
- Fe 500, Fe 500D, Fe 500S
- Fe 550, Fe 550D
- Fe 600
According to the IS Code: “The figures following the symbol Fe indicate the specified 0.2% proof stress or yield stress in N/mm2 .
The point of pressure at which a 0.2% elongation takes place on the steel put under tensile stress. “The stress at which a non-proportional elongation equal to 0.2 percent of the original gauge length takes place,” according to IS Code.
These grades define the quality standards to be followed by the manufacturers during the steel manufacturing process. These standards can be defined as specific measurements assigned to different mechanical properties of steel being manufactured.
What is Fe 500 steel?
Fe 500 is a grade designated by the IS code for making steel bars and other products. Fe means Iron and 500 denotes the yield strength of the steel in Megapascal (MPa). As mentioned above, there are certain standard properties that Fe 500 steel must be manufactured in.
Here are the mechanical properties of Fe 500 steel according to IS code 1786:2008 for high strength deformed steel wires and bars for concrete reinforcement. This IS Code published measurements of grades of steel after using a test piece which measures 1591.1mm2.
| Property | How much should Fe 500 measure? |
| Yield stress | 500 N/mm2 |
| Tensile strength to yield strength ratio | ≥ 1.08 |
| Elongation (minimum on
gauge length 5.65√ A, where A is cross-sectional area of the test piece) |
12% |
Have a look at the definitions of the terms given in the table above:
Tensile strength —
The load capacity of the test piece that was measures during the tensile test divided by the cross sectional area of the test piece
“The maximum load reached in a tensile test divided by the effective cross-sectional area of the gauge length portion of the test piece,” as per IS Code.
Yield stress —
The point of stress at which the steel test piece begins to stretch is called yield stress. Yield stress is denoted by Fy.
“Stress (load per unit cross sectional area) at which elongation first occurs in the test piece without increasing the load during the tensile test,” as per IS Code.
Elongation –
“The increase in length of a tensile test piece under stress,” according to IS Code
Chemical composition of Fe 500 steel
Given below is the chemical composition of Fe 500 steel as per IS code 1786:2008. The steel wires and bars you are using for concrete reinforcement should adhere to the percentage composition given in the IS Code:
| Component | Percentage of composition |
| Carbon | 0.30 |
| Sulphur | 0.055 |
| Phosphorous | 0.055 |
| Sulphur and phosphorous | 0.105 |
Fe 500 TMT bars
TMT bars made of Fe 500 steel are commonly used rebars for construction. Fe 500 TMT bars are popular due to their increased strength compared to other grades of steel.
Here are the features of Fe 500 TMT bars which makes them one of the most preferred raw materials for the construction industry:
- These bars have higher yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation.
- Owing to its low carbon content, these bars highlight a balance of strength and flexibility.
- It is highly weldable, making it an ideal construction material.
- Fe 500 TMT bars have less sulfur content which helps the structures stay resistant to fire.
- They are the most preferred steel bars for construction in earthquake zones as they can effectively withstand seismic and dynamic loading.
Fe 500 vs Fe 500D
Fe500D is a new addition of deformed steel introduced in the IS Code. Have a look at the differences between Fe 500 and Fe 500 D.
- Fe 500D contains 0.25% carbon, lower compared to 0.30% in Fe 500. Also, the percentage of sulphur and phosphorus is lower in Fe 500D.
- Fe 500D contains the same specified 0.2 percent proof stress but with an improved minimum percentage elongation unlike Fe 500 which has a 12% elongation.
- The tensile strength of Fe 500 is 545MPa and while Fe 500D measures 565MPa.
Fe 500 grade of steel is used to mainly construct steel bars and wires used in the construction industry. Durability and strength coupled with its ability to withstand natural calamities makes it an ideal material for the construction industry.
If you are looking to source Fe 500 TMT steel bars visit Tata nexarc. We have quick steel procurement solutions that can satisfy all your steel requirements. Buy quality steel from trusted suppliers at reasonable prices. Try now.
Also read: How TMT steel bars provide safety against natural disasters
Priyanka is a seasoned content marketing professional with more than 6 years of experience crafting various forms of business and technology sector content. Her insightful writing tackles critical issues faced by small-scale manufacturing businesses. Priyanka’s clear and concise communication empowers businesses to make informed decisions and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.
