Comparison of Yield and Tensile Strengths of Reinforcing Steel Bars Produced in Kabul with ASTM A615/A615M Requirements
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66546/aijs.v2i3.118Keywords:
Steel Industry, Reinforced Steel, Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, ASTM A615/A615MAbstract
Reinforcing steel is a critical material in concrete structures, and its mechanical properties directly affect structural performance and safety. This research compared the yield and tensile strengths of Grade 60 reinforcing steel bars produced by Khan, Meli, and Melat Steel Industries in Kabul, Afghanistan. This study used a quantitative, comparative research design based on laboratory test records collected in 2024 from Karkon Afghan, BAES, and Accurate Construction Materials Testing Laboratories. We analyzed 390 reinforcing steel test results from 188 laboratory reports, covering nominal bar diameters of 12, 14, and 16 mm. The results were organized and analyzed in Microsoft Excel and OriginPro 2024, and the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and comparative differences were compared with the minimum requirements of ASTM A615/A615M for Grade 60 steel. The findings showed that the mean yield and tensile strengths of all three manufacturers were generally above the ASTM minimum requirements of 420 MPa and 620 MPa, respectively. For 12 mm bars, Meli recorded the highest mean yield and tensile strengths, while Khan and Melat showed lower values. For 14 mm bars, Khan had the highest mean yield strength, whereas Melat had the highest mean tensile strength. For 16 mm bars, Melat recorded the highest mean yield and tensile strengths. Statistically significant differences among manufacturers were observed for some bar diameters, while other differences were not significant. Individual specimens below the specified minimum values were also observed, indicating variability in mechanical performance.
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