Physical and Geometrical Characteristics of Reinforcing Steel Bars in the Construction Industry of Ghana

Steel milling companies are taking advantage of readily available scrap metals as raw materials to produce reinforcing bars. Major steel importers also continue to import reinforcing bars into the country to fill the gap between production and demand for steel reinforcing bars in Ghana. The question of whether these bars meet internationally accepted standards remains unanswered. This research generally sought to evaluate the geometrical and physical characteristics of reinforcing bars available in the Ghanaian market. These three specific objectives were achieved: identification of specific types of reinforcing bars in the market, examination of the physical properties and surface geometry and comparing these properties of the rebars with recognized standards. The samples collected were manufactured by four steel reinforcing bars milling companies in the country and one imported source. Physical and geometrical evaluation of the reinforcing bars showed that actual diameters of mild steel reinforcing bars traded in Ghana deviated significantly from the designated diameters. However, high yield reinforcing bars traded in the country were not significantly smaller in diameter compared to their designated nominal diameters. Mild steel bars should be labeled with bar size and the name of the milling company to prevent the sale of under-sized steel bars to consumers. This will also promote traceability. Strict enforcement of standards should be encouraged to ensure adherence to local and international standards for producing and importing reinforcing bars.