Experiment No.

23: Tensile Strength of Steel Bar

Introduction

Steel possesses several key qualities, including ductility, elongation, elasticity, and

plasticity. Elongation refers to the stretching of steel when tension forces are applied. The yield

strength of steel is crucial, representing its ability to return to its original shape after stress is

released. The plastic limit, indicated by the ultimate tensile strength, is the point where steel

may stretch to the extent that it does not recover its original shape after stress relief. Tensile

testing is essential for understanding how materials behave under loads, causing either elastic

or plastic deformation. Elastic deformation exhibits a linear relationship between the applied

load and extension.

This experiment aimed to explore the mechanical properties of a steel bar, providing

insights into its behavior under tensile forces. The experiment also served as an introduction to

operating a universal testing machine, a tool commonly used to measure the tensile strength of

various technical materials.

Discussion

Commercial specifications for metals often include requirements for physical properties

determined by tensile strength testing. These properties encompass ultimate strength, yield

strength or yield point, elongation, character of fracture, and reduction of area. To obtain

comprehensive information about a metal's tensile properties, an experimental determination of

the stress-strain curve is essential, typically measured with an extensometer.

For metals lacking a well-defined yield point, the yield strength is typically determined.

Ductile carbon steel, however, exhibits a well-defined yield point. The tension test of steel
provides valuable insights into mechanical properties, offering clear force-deformation diagrams

that indicate the material's ductility or brittleness. Ductile materials undergo significant

deformation before fracture, while brittle materials experience minimal deformation before

failing.

Furthermore, knowing the gage length and original cross-sectional area allows for the

calculation of strain and stresses from force-deformation diagrams. The yield stress, marking

the onset of large plastic deformation with a slight increase in stress, is a crucial characteristic

for concrete reinforcing steel. Another significant stress is the ultimate stress, representing the

maximum stress the material can endure without failure.

In tension tests, percent elongation and percent reduction of area serve as quantitative

measures of ductility. Factors such as temperature, loading rate, and loading type influence

tension test results.

Laboratory tests indicate that an increase in yield strength correlates with higher tensile

strength and hardness, albeit the increase in tensile strength is moderate. Conversely, strain

hardening reduces ductility.

Objective: To obtain the force-deformation diagram (stress-strain diagrams) of a plain bar and

a deformed bar of concrete reinforcing steel and compare some of their mechanical properties

in tension.

Referenced Documents: ASTM (A6/A6M, A36/A36M, E8-69)

Apparatus:
Universal Testing Machine

Extensometer

Vernier caliper

AASHTO (T 68-74)

Procedure:

1. Measure total length (L) and weight (W) of the deformed bar, marking the gage length.

2. Attach the specimen to a 100-ton universal testing machine.

3. Apply tensile load per standard requirements.

4. Record force-deformation diagram until specimen fractures, including reloading to

ultimate load (Pu).

5. Measure post-fracture gage length (L) and final diameter (d) with vernier.

6. Perform necessary calculations for stress and strain using standard formulas.

7. Analyze data for insights into the mechanical properties of the deformed bar specimen.

Data Obtained

Weight of the Steel Bar 1.50 kg

Gauge Initial Length of the Steel Bar 1.12 m

Gauge Final Length of the Steel Bar 1.13 m

Final Diameter of the Steel Bar 10.2 mm

Load 7.15 tons

Ultimate Load 8.20 tons

Nominal diameter = 12.860.5

Nominal diameter = 12.86(1.50kg x 1.12 m)0.5

Nominal diameter = 15.55 mm

Yield strength = 1805.55 lb/in2

Ultimate strength = 8.20 tons (2000 lbs)7.92 in

Ultimate strength = 2070.71 lb/in2

Modulus Elasticity = 2070.71 - 1805.55 (16400/7.51) - (14300/7.51)

Modulus Elasticity = 577140.340 MPa

Reduction Area = 7.92 in - 0.39 in

Reduction Area = 7.51 in2

Elongation = 1.13 m - 1.12 m

Elongation = 1%
Test Results

Nominal Diameter 15.55 mm

Yield Strength 1805.55 lb/in2

Ultimate Strength 2070.71 lb.in2

Modulus of elasticity 577140.340 MPa

% Reduction in Area 7.51 in2

% Elongation 1%

Discussion of Results

The steel bar weighs 1.50 kg, with an initial gauge length of 1.12 m. The final gauge

length slightly increased to 1.13 m, suggesting deformation due to applied force. The initial

diameter was 16 mm, while the end diameter reduced to 10.2 mm, indicating a decrease in the

bar's cross-sectional area caused by the applied force.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The purpose of this experiment is to determine stress and characteristics acquired

during testing. The student concludes that the stress-strain diagram for a concrete reinforcing

steel bar illustrates the relationship between applied force and resulting deformation. Initially,
the bar undergoes elastic deformation, reaching its yield strength before failing at its ultimate

strength. The diagram indicates that the applied force causes a decrease in the bar's cross-

sectional area and an increase in its length. These findings highlight the bar's robust mechanical

properties, making it capable of withstanding heavy loads without breaking.

The student recommends using this type of steel for high-force applications,

emphasizing its ability to undergo plastic deformation without breaking. This property allows it to

disperse loads, preventing cracks and damage, making it an ideal reinforcing material for

concrete structures. Overall, the inclusion of rebar enhances the toughness and durability of

concrete structures, making them more resilient to external and various types of loads.

Appendices