Microstructural analysis of some reinforcement steel rods used for concrete reinforcement and their effect on the mechanical properties, and carbon equivalent values of the reinforcement steel rods

The microstructural analysis of some reinforcement steel rods used for concrete reinforcement and their effect on the mechanical properties, and carbon equivalent values of the reinforcement steel rods have been studied. The work subjected the samples to test specimen preparation as required by standard specification for each test. Samples from five different mini mills were investigated for hardness, impact strength, composition, and microstructure. The result obtain from the work, has clearly shown that the microstructure of all the samples investigated reflected the hardness, impact strength, and the CEV of the samples. The microstructure of sample D with spheroidal pearlite dark areas, and a ferrite matrix had the highest hardness value of 34.61BHN, impact strength of 274.7J and CEV of 0.545. These values correlate with the microstructure. The work showed that as the CEV is increased the hardness and the impact strength of the material also increased. The work also show that as the total carbon (TC) % in the samples increased the microstructure becomes darker and the hardness and the impact strength also increased. In conclusion the microstructure of the reinforcement steel rods had effect on the hardness, impact strength properties, and carbon equivalent value of the reinforcement steel rods.