Reinforcing steel is an essential element in concrete construction today, providing structural strength and durability. To ensure the quality of these materials, ISO 15630-1, ASTM E488 and BS 4449 define standard methods for testing their mechanical properties. This article will explore the different tests performed on rebars, illustrating how Cermac’s testing machines can guarantee reliable results that comply with international standards.
Reference standards for testing reinforcing steel
ISO 15630-1, ASTM E488 and BS 4449: what do they regulate?
The above-mentioned standards set out the requirements for testing the mechanical properties of structural steel. In particular:
- ISO 15630-1 describes the test methods for rebars, wires and coils.
- ASTM E488 regulates tensile tests on metallic materials.
- BS 4449 specifies requirements for steel reinforcing bars, including dimensional tolerances and mechanical properties.
Types of mechanical tests
Tensile test
The tensile test is essential to assess the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of reinforcing steel. This test is conducted according to ISO 15630-1 and ASTM E488, using universal testing machines capable of exerting loads of up to 2,000 kN.
Instruments used
- Cermac universal testing machines (UTM-H and UTM-E series).
- Video extensometers
Test method
The test specimen is placed in the hydraulic jaws of the testing machine.
An increasing load is applied until the specimen breaks.
Tensile strength (Rm), yield strength (Re) and percentage elongation (Agt) are recorded.
Acceptable results according to ISO 15630-1:
| Steel | Yield StrengthMpa | Tensile StrngthMPa | Agt% |
| FeB450C | 450 | 540 | 7.5 |
| FeB450A | 450 | 540 | 3.0 |
| FeB500 | 500 | 550 | 5.0 |
| FeB500C | 500 | 550 | 7.0 |
Bend and rebend tests
3-point bend tests and rebend tests investigate the ductility of reinforcing steel. These tests consist of bending the specimen to a certain angle and then returning it to its original position.
Main parameters
- The bending angle is usually 90° or 180° and 20° rebend
- The specimen must not show any cracks or breaks after the test.
Required equipment:
- Cermac universal testing machines
- Bending supports for rebend testing.
Fatigue tests
The durability of steel is tested with fatigue tests that reproduce the cyclic loads to which the material will be subjected during its service life. The use of vibrophores allows tests with alternating loads of up to 600 kN.
Procedure
- The specimen is subjected to a high number of load cycles (e.g. 2 or 5 million cycles).
- The test verifies the fatigue strength and structural stability of the material.
Test specimen specifications according to ISO 15630-1
The standard requires specimens to be considered as uniform weighting and define the correct specific weight to be related with a nominal diameter
Methods for determining the cross-section
- Direct measurement with precision gauges and balance.
- Mathematical calculation based on weight and length.
Cermac testing machines for rebars
Cermac offers advanced solutions for structural steel testing, with high-capacity testing machines and high-performance data acquisition software.
| Model | Type | Capacity | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTM-E | Electromechanical | 50 – 600 kN | Class 1 (ISO 7500-1) |
| UTM-H | Hydraulic | 600 – 2000 kN | Class 1 (ISO 7500-1) |
Cermac testing machines are equipped with video extensometers and Testing XE software, which allow non-contact strain measurement.
Compliance with International Standards
Cermac machines comply with the most important testing standards:
- ASTM E8, ASTM E488 (tensile tests on metallic materials).
- ISO 15630-1, ISO 6892 (tests on reinforcing steel).
- EN 10080, BS 4449 (specifications for rebars).
FAQ
1. Which machines are suitable for testing reinforcing steel?
Cermac’s UTM-H and UTM-E universal machines are ideal for tensile, compression and flexural testing.
2. How is strain measured during the tensile test?
A video extensometer can be used
3. What is the importance of fatigue tests?
Fatigue tests verify resistance to cyclic loads, which is essential for structures subjected to repeated vibration and stress.
4. Do Cermac testing machines comply with international standards?
Yes, all machines comply with ISO 15630-1, ASTM E8/E488 and BS 4449 standards.
Conclusions
Testing of reinforcing steel is essential to ensure safety and quality in construction. Cermac offers a complete range of universal testing machines, extensometers and advanced software to perform reliable tests that comply with international standards. Contact us to discover the ideal solution for steel testing.
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