Complete quality control of TMT steel bar and high strength structural steel plates sections and prestressed concrete for total integrity of the final structure

Abstract

Thermo-mechanically Treated (TMT) Steel Bars and High strength structural steel plates bars & sections are now used as the principal source of steels for all construction purposes. There two are the most important metallurgical product for engineering applications. The complete inspection and Quality Control of these two products, is a very vital task, since any loophole in Quality control may cause a loss of different kind. There is not any scope for compromise on the total quality of these products.Standards are available as per National or international specifications to test these products prior to use. In this study, along with routine type tests, some critical test are discussed, in order to ensure complete safety and integrity of the structure.In case of TMT Bars, along with routine chemical and mechanical tests, some other tests are required to ensure its reliability. These are metallographic test (quantitative metallography), microhardness. V-notch impact tests and high cycle Fatigue tests. The details of some tests have been discussed here.Another widely used steel for structural purpose is high strength structural steel plates, bar/sections. The integrity of the structure are considered as most priority along with normal quality control tests (chemical and mechanical test). Some other important tests should be carried out, prior to its use in actual fabrications. These includes, (i) Hardness (ii) Plain strains fracture toughness (KICC), (iii) Ductile to Brittle transition temperature zone, (iv) Fatigue tests. The entire and complete analysis of chemical constituents present in steel are also important. These aspects have been discussed with some illustrative examples, so that not only the construction process but also the finished structure serves the actual purpose satisfactorily.