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When it comes to construction, the quality of reinforcement steel bars, also known as rebars plays a crucial role in the structural stability and durability of a building. They ensure safety and save money by avoiding any future damages. Therefore, ensuring the integrity of these rebars through rigorous testing is not just a regulatory requirement but a mandate to guarantee safety and longevity in construction projects.

Here, in this article, we’ll help you better understand the essential tests that rebars undergo, including tensile, bend, and rebend, chemical analysis, torsion, tensile tests, etc. Further, you’ll learn the difference between laboratory and field testing as well. But first, let’s explore more about reinforcement steel bars and why their testing is so vital.

What are reinforcement steel bars?

Reinforcement steel bars, commonly known as rebars, are indispensable materials used to enhance the tensile strength of concrete structures. These steel bars come in various types including, but not limited to, Thermo Mechanically Treated (TMT) bars, and High Yield Strength Deformed (HYSD) bars. Each type brings its own set of properties to a structure, effectively bearing the tensile forces, and thus, making it less likely to break.

Different types of steel bar tests

According to a 2022 report by the Indian Bureau of Steel, the total production of steel bars in India was 108.6 million tonnes. Of this, 85.5 million tonnes were hot-rolled deformed bars (rebars). And the average tensile strength of rebars produced in India was 500 MPa. The specific tests that are required for steel bars are specified in the Indian Standard (IS) 1786:2016. This standard applies to all hot-rolled deformed bars (rebars) used in reinforced concrete construction. The standard specifies the following tests:

  • Tensile test
  • Yield stress test
  • Elongation test
  • Bend test
  • Chemical analysis test
  • Ultrasonic testing

Additionally, the results of these tests are used to determine the grade of the rebar. The grades of rebar in India are classified as Fe 415, Fe 500, Fe 550, and Fe 600. The grade of the rebar indicates its minimum tensile strength. For example, a Fe 415 rebar has a minimum tensile strength of 415 MPa.

Here are the different types of steel bar tests in India:

  • Tensile test: It is the most common type of test for steel bars. It measures the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the bar. In India, the tensile strength of steel bars is typically required to be at least 415 MPa.
    • strength of steel bars is typically required to be at least 415 MPa.
    1. The tensile strength is the maximum stress that the bar can withstand before it breaks.
    2. The yield strength is the stress at which the bar begins to deform plastically.
    3. The elongation is the amount of stretch that the bar can undergo before it breaks.
  • Compression test: It measures the compressive strength of the bar, which is the maximum amount of compressive stress it can withstand before breaking. The compression test is not as commonly used as the tensile test, but it can be helpful for determining the suitability of a steel bar for certain applications.
  • Bending test: It measures the bending strength of the bar, which is the ability of the bar to withstand bending without breaking. For instance, the bending test is often used for steel bars that will be used in applications where they will be subjected to bending forces, such as steel beams and columns.
  • Hardness test: This test measures the hardness of the bar. Hardness is the resistance of a material to being scratched or indented. There are many different hardness tests, but the most common ones for steel bars are the Brinell hardness test and the Rockwell hardness test. This test is helpful for determining the suitability of a steel bar for certain applications.
  • Chemical analysis test: This test measures the chemical composition of the bar. The chemical composition of the bar affects its properties, such as its strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. And the chemical analysis test is important for ensuring that the bar meets the required specifications.
  • Ultrasonic testing: This test uses ultrasonic waves to detect defects in the bar. Defects can include cracks, voids, and inclusions.
  • Impact test: It measures the impact toughness of the bar. Further, impact toughness is the ability of the bar to absorb energy without breaking.

Different tests for reinforcement steel bars/rebars, TMT bars, HYSD bars

Following are the different tests for the different types of steel bars, including rebars, TMT bars, and HYSD bars:

Test Rebars TMT Bars

HYSD Bars

Tensile test

Yes Yes

Yes

Yield stress test Yes Yes Yes
Elongation test Yes Yes Yes
Bend test Yes Yes Yes
Chemical analysis test Yes Yes Yes
Ultrasonic testing Yes Yes Yes
Fatigue test May be performed May be performed May be performed
Torsion test May be performed May be performed May be performed
Impact bending test May be performed May be performed May be performed
Corrosion test May be performed May be performed May be performed
Hardness test May be performed May be performed May be performed
Flexural test May be performed Yes Yes
Twist test May be performed Yes Yes

How to test steel bars

There are two primary environments where steel bar testing takes place. These include the laboratory and the field testing. Here’s a comparative analysis of both:

Aspect

Laboratory testing

Field testing

Environment Controlled, with specialised equipment On-site, potentially less controlled
Personnel Trained technicians and engineers Construction workers, field engineers
Equipment Sophisticated, high-precision instruments Portable, sometimes less precise
Tests conducted Tensile, chemical analysis, etc. Bend, rebend tests, etc.
Accuracy Generally, more accurate due to controlled conditions Might be slightly less accurate due to environmental variables
Time Can be time-consuming due to the detailed nature of tests Generally quicker as they are conducted on-site
Cost Potentially higher due to the sophisticated equipment used Potentially lower as it involves less sophisticated apparatus
Purpose Deep analysis to ensure compliance with defined standards Quick verifications and on-site quality control

Further, understanding the differences between laboratory and field testing will help in choosing the right approach depending on the specific requirements of your construction project. Thus, ensuring both safety and efficacy in your undertakings.

Importance of steel bar test

Following are the key reasons why testing reinforcement steel bars is important:

  • Ensure structural integrity, safety, and meeting regulatory standards.
  • Facilitate cost savings through early detection of material defects and enhancing the lifespan of structures.
  • Support optimised design and encourage innovation in construction.
  • Aid in the development and sustainable use of better construction materials.
  • Reduce legal liabilities and meet insurance requirements through stringent testing protocols.

Charul Nalwaya

Charul is a content marketing professional and seasoned content writer who loves writing on various topics with 3 years of experience. At Tata nexarc, it has been 2 years since she is helping business to understand jargon better and deeper to make strategical decisions. While not writing, she loves listing pop music.