Physical and Geometrical Characteristics of Reinforcing Steel Bars in the Construction Industry of Ghana
Published: 2023-02-07
Page: 40-53
Issue: 2023 - Volume 6 [Issue 1]
Sampson Assiamah *
Department of Building Technology, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana.
Charles K. Kankam
Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Emmanuel K. Banini
Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
Kwadwo Adinkrah Appiah
Department of Civil Engineering, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Steel milling companies are taking advantage of readily available scrap metals as raw materials to produce reinforcing bars. Major steel importers also continue to import reinforcing bars into the country to fill the gap between production and demand for steel reinforcing bars in Ghana. The question of whether these bars meet internationally accepted standards remains unanswered. This research generally sought to evaluate the geometrical and physical characteristics of reinforcing bars available in the Ghanaian market. These three specific objectives were achieved: identification of specific types of reinforcing bars in the market, examination of the physical properties and surface geometry and comparing these properties of the rebars with recognized standards. The samples collected were manufactured by four steel reinforcing bars milling companies in the country and one imported source. Physical and geometrical evaluation of the reinforcing bars showed that actual diameters of mild steel reinforcing bars traded in Ghana deviated significantly from the designated diameters. However, high yield reinforcing bars traded in the country were not significantly smaller in diameter compared to their designated nominal diameters. Mild steel bars should be labeled with bar size and the name of the milling company to prevent the sale of under-sized steel bars to consumers. This will also promote traceability. Strict enforcement of standards should be encouraged to ensure adherence to local and international standards for producing and importing reinforcing bars.
Keywords: Steel bars, physical properties, surface geometry, high yield, mild steel
How to Cite
Downloads
References
Jackson N, Dhir RK. Civil engineering materials, Fifth edition, Published by Palgrave New York; 1996.
Rahman FU. Practical guide to steel reinforcement types and grades. Publication of “The Constructor” Civil Engineering Journal; 2016. Available:https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/steelreinforcement-types-grades/24730/
Access on 25/01/2020
Aydin F. Experimental investigation of thermal expansion and concrete strength effects on FRP bars behavior embedded in concrete. Journal of construction and materials. 2018;163:1-8.
Taylor GD. Materials in construction; An introduction, 3rd Edition, Person Education Limited, London; 2000.
Prabir PC, Shylamani P, Roshan AD. Characterization of steel reinforcement for reinforced concrete structure. An overview and related issues. The Indian Journal. 2004;78:19-30.
Basson E. World steel in figures 2019, World Steel Association; 2019.
Access on 14/07/2020
Kankam CK, Adom-Asamoah M. Strength and ductility characteristics of reinforcing steel bars milled from scrap metals. Journal Materials and Design, Elsevier Science Ltd. 2002;23(6).
Kankam CK, Adom-Asamoah M. Shear strength of concrete beams reinforced with steel bars milled from scrap metals. Journal of Materials and Design, Elsevier Science Ltd. 2006;27.
Kankam CK. Bond strength of reinforcing steel bars milled from scrap metals. Journal Materials and Design, Elsevier Science Ltd. 2004;25(3).
Adom-Asamoah M, Kankam CK. Behaviour of reinforced concrete two-way slabs using bars milled from scrap metals. ELSEVIER Materials and Design. 2008;29;(6):1125–1130.
Adom-Asamoah M, Kankam CK. Flexural behaviour of one-way concrete slabs reinforced with steel bars moiled from scrap metals. ELSEVIER Materials and Design. 2009;30(5):1737–1742.
Banini EK, Kankam CK. Strength, ductility and chemical properties reinforcing steel bars in Ghana’s building construction industry. Journal of Materials Science Research and Reviews. 2022; 9(4):1-18.
Kareem B. Tensile and chemical analysis of selected steel bars produced in Algeria. Australian Journal of Technology. 2009;13 (1):29-33.
Ndiaye MB, Bee S, Coquillet B, Cisse IK. Evaluation and improvement of the quality of Senegalese reinforcing steel bars produced from scrap metals. Materials and Design. 2009;30(3):804- 809.
Ponle EA, Olatunde O, Awotunde OW. Mechanical properties of reinforcing steel rods produced from recycled scraps. Journal of Engineering Science. 2014;3(2): 44-52.
Awofadeju AS, Akanni A, Adejimo B. Evaluation of locally produced and imported reinforcing steel rods for structural purposes in Nigerian market. Int. Journal of Recent Development in Engineering and Technology. 2014;3(8): 81-84.
Alabi AGF, Onyeji LI. Analysis and comparative assessment of locally produced reinforcing steel bars for structural purposes. Journal of Research Information in Civil Engineering. 2014;7(2): 49-60.
Rehm G. The fundamentals of bond between steel reinforcement and concrete. Deutscher Ausschuss fur Stahlbeton Heft 138. Berlin: Wilhelm Ernst and Sohn. 1961:59.
Goto Y. Cracks in concrete formed in concrete around deformed tension bars. J Am Concrete Institute. 1971;68(4):244-251.
Leramo RO, Adekoya LO, Loto CA. Evaluation of surface geometries and physical properties of concrete reinforcement steel rods rolled in Nigeria. Article of case studies in construction materials. Elsevier Science Direct. 2018;8: 150-159.
Access on 12/03/2020
ASTM A615: 1972, Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement.
BS 4449: 2005+A2:2009; Steel for reinforcement of concrete-weldable reinforcing steel bar-Bar, coil and de-coiled product-Specification British Standard Institution.