Evaluation Tests of Ben-Weld Number 11 Reinforcing Steel.

The objective of this study was to determine the tensile properties at fast load rates of welded Ben-Weld No. 11 concrete reinforcing steel bars. Ben-Weld is a trade name of the U.S. Steel Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Nineteen tension tests were conducted. Twelve samples were spliced using three different welding methods i.e., direct single-vee groove weld, direct double-vee groove weld, and indirect angle splice. Four of the sample bars were passed through and welded to a 14-inch-thick steel plate to simulate the rebar penetrations of the electromagnetic pulse EMP shields used in the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Building PARB of the SAFEGUARD System. All samples were tested at static and dynamic intermediate loading rates. The time to reach yield at the intermediate loading rate was approximately 0.10 second. Transient load and strain measurements were recorded during the tests. The results of these tests showed that a welded Ben-Weld bar will exceed the minimum requirements for tensile and yield strengths for Grade 60 bars as stipulated by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The test results also indicated that welding does not seriously affect the ductility of the material and that final elongations of approximately 20 percent can be expected from welded rebars. Author