Equipment and Setup for Determining Tensile Strength and Yield Strength of Rebar

Here's a breakdown of the key equipment, setups, and their properties used to determine the tensile
and yield strength of reinforcing steel bars (rebar):

Main Equipment:

“Universal Testing Machines”

 Universal Testing Machine (UTM):

➢ Are design to test the mechanical properties of materials,

components, and products.

➢ They can be powered by either electromechanical or

hydraulic means to perform different types of testing
such as tensile, compression, bend, peel and tear
testing.
➢ Used to evaluate materials like:
Plastics Metals

Elastomers Composites
 Test Specimen:

❖ Rebar Sample:

➢ Rebar short for Reinforcing bar.

➢ A steel bar used as a tension device in

reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry
structures to strengthen and aid the concrete
under tension.
Gripping Devices:

Grips: These are specialized attachments that firmly hold

the ends of the rebar specimen within the UTM.

Different grip types exist, such as:

Wedge grips are a type of Hydraulic grips are a type

gripping device used in of gripping device that uses
tensile testing machines to hydraulic pressure to hold a
hold specimens securely specimen securely.
during a pull test.
 Optional Equipment (Depending on Test Requirements):

Extensometer: This instrument measures the Data Acquisition System: Modern

elongation (strain) of the rebar specimen UTMs often come with a built-in data
during the test. It's particularly useful when a acquisition system that records the
distinct yield point isn't readily visible. load applied and the corresponding
strain throughout the test.
Properties of Importance:

• Capacity: The capacity of the UTM (load it can handle)

should be sufficient for the expected tensile strength of
the rebar being tested.

• Accuracy: Both the UTM and extensometer (if used)

need to be properly calibrated to ensure accurate
measurements of load and strain.

• Alignment: The entire setup, including the rebar

specimen and grips, needs to be precisely aligned to
ensure axial tensile stress is applied during the test.
Additional Notes:

➢ The specific test procedures and equipment

configurations may vary depending on the relevant
standards being followed, such as ASTM A370 or ISO
standards.
❖ ASTM A370 is a testing standard that covers the
mechanical testing definitions and procedures of steel
products such as wrought and cast steels, stainless
steels, and related alloys. This standard covers tension,
bend, hardness, and impact tests.
❖ ISO is a global standards for trusted goods and services.

➢ It's important to consult the user manuals for the

specific UTM and extensometer being used for proper
setup and operation procedures.
Rebar Size Chart
 Common uses for each of the steel rebar sizes:

#3 — This thin and cost-effective mild steel rebar material adds strength to concrete roads,
driveways, or patios. It’s also common in poured concrete swimming pools to provide the pool
walls with shape and strength.

#4 — Slightly thicker, #4 rebar is perfect for adding strength to highways and can give columns
and slabs added strength.

#5 — This type of rebar is commonly used for bridges and highways.

#6 — Commonly found in foundations, retaining walls, and roads or highways.

#7 — This rebar size can provide support for structures like multi-story parking garages and
bridges.

#8 — #8 rebar is perfect for medium to heavy commercial applications. It can be used for slabs,
sea walls, columns, and
beams.
 Common uses for each of the steel rebar sizes:

#9 — This thick and durable material is the go-to rebar for high-rise construction projects, sea
walls, and retaining walls.

#10 — Perfect for medium to heavy commercial-use projects, this size provides structural support
in beams, columns, and more.

#11 — This heavy-duty rebar is thick and strong, so it is often used for load-bearing structures.

#14 — One of the heaviest and thickest rebars available in standard sizes, the #14 rebar size is
well suited for bridges, parking structures, tall buildings, and docks.

#18 — This large, strong rebar size is used for large buildings, industrial facilities, and other large-
scale buildings.
Grade color bars:
Rebar grades are set by ASTM. The grade designation is equal to minimal yield strength in
kilo pounds per square inch (KSI). Common grades are 40, 60, 75, 80, and 100. The
nomenclature for the grades represents how much yield the rebar has.
Yield strength is the maximum stress that can be applied to a material, such as steel
before it changes shape permanently and will not bounce back. This is testing the
‘ductile’ nature of the material.

Tensile strength is measured by the maximum stress (or ‘elongation’) that the material
can withstand while being stretched or pulled before actually breaking

Elongation is the percentage of stretch from the original length of the steel to the point
of failure, showing how ductile the steel is.
Pass Result:

If the reinforcing steel bars meet the required

specifications and pass the tests, you can
proceed with confidence knowing that the
material is suitable for its intended use.
However, it is still essential to document and
record the results for future reference.

*Documentation

*Compliance Check
Failed Result:

If the reinforcing steel bars fail to meet the specified requirements during the tensile
strength or yield strength tests, it indicates that the material may not be suitable or safe for
the intended application.

*Investigate the Cause

*Rejection or Remediation
THANK YOU!!!