Size matters – unsafe mild-steel reinforcement bars in building and construction market

Steel reinforcement bars play a crucial role in the construction industry as they are a major component of reinforced concrete – a composite material that has the strength to bear heavy loads. Mild-steel reinforcement bars are the most used type of steel bars owing to their availability in the domestic market – as opposed to high-yield bars, which are usually imported. The tensile strength provided by steel bars is essential for reinforced concrete structures to withstand external pressures and resist deformations.

The construction industry places a high emphasis on standardisation, and standard nominal sizes of mild-steel bars are instrumental in maintaining consistency and safety in construction practices. The use of substandard sizes can compromise the structural integrity of a building, and therefore jeopardise the safety of its occupants.

It is essential to evaluate the prevalence of substandard mild-steel reinforcement bars in the Ghanaian market and how this affects the safety of buildings. The use of standard sizes for steel reinforcement bars is crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient design, specification and construction of reinforced concrete structures.

Structural engineers calculate the required area of steel and select the appropriate bar-sizes based on design tables – which are created by using these standard sizes. Standard sizes also promote consistency and facilitate comparison and selection for different construction projects.

Generally, using standard sizes of mild-steel reinforcement bars is necessary to ensure that safety measures and consistency are maintained in the construction industry.

Mild-steel reinforcement bars of varying nominal sizes are readily available for use in the construction industry. Nominal sizes range from 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 28mm, 32mm, 40mm to 50mm – with the appropriate choice of size ensuring the reinforced concrete section’s strength to withstand anticipated loads and maintain durability over time. It is worth noting that different countries maintain specific standards for steel reinforcements.

In the United States ASTM A615 is the commonly used standard, while in the United Kingdom BS 4449 is the standard followed, and in India the IS 1786 standard is utilised. In Ghana, the Ghana Standards Authority has established the GS 788-2:2018 standard, which aligns somewhat with the British standard. However, it is essential to keep in mind that standard sizes may vary depending on local standards, building codes and regulations.

A recent study conducted by Dr. Simon Ofori Ametepey, a professional engineer, and King Solomon Akorli from the Building Technology Department at Koforidua Technical University in Ghana revealed that the available mild-steel reinforcement bar sizes in the local market did not meet the necessary standards. This study was part of a more extensive investigation that involved measuring the diameters of reinforcement bars from different manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers in Accra.

The researchers used Vernier callipers to measure the diameters of 305 mild-steel reinforcement bar samples and 166 high-yield reinforcement bar samples. The measurements were validated using a Micrometer to ensure minimal error. The samples were further investigated, and findings showed significant deviations from the standard sizes.

The results raise concerns regarding the quality and safety of bars used for construction in Ghana. Studies conducted by other professionals and researchers in Ghana have corroborated this assertion.

In contrast, high-yield steel reinforcement bars imported to Ghana met the required standard sizes – possibly due to stricter quality control measures. The study showed that available mild-steel reinforcement bar sizes in the Ghanaian market differed significantly from the standard sizes recommended by structural engineers.

Therefore, after completing the structural designs and specifying required sizes of steel reinforcement bars, the reinforcement bars obtained from the market may not meet the recommended size – leading to non-conformance with design specifications.

The research highlights a need for improved quality control measures in manufacturing and selling reinforcement bars to ensure they meet the necessary standards for construction purposes. The table below presents average measured sizes from the market, and the difference compared to standard sizes.

The standard and average measured sizes of mild-steel reinforcement bars

The use of inferior mild-steel reinforcement bars is a significant hazard to building safety. In many developing nations, structural deficiencies arise from the use of substandard materials in terms of sturdiness and size. Substandard reinforcement bars weaken the building’s overall structural integrity: placing it in more danger of collapsing during natural calamities, high winds and earthquakes. Moreover, substandard rods can lead to the reduction of a building’s durability – resulting in a shorter lifespan.

Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to employ high-quality and approved reinforcement bars that meet size, specification and standard requirements to ensure that the buildings or concrete structures are both strong and long-lasting. In construction projects, it’s critical to establish proper quality controls to ensure that only certified and dependable reinforcement bars are used.

The Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) is responsible for establishing standards and safeguarding the quality of construction materials, such as steel reinforcements. Though Ghana has established standards for steel reinforcement bars, there is still doubt surrounding the GSA’s ability to enforce these standards.

Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen interactions, form partnerships with relevant bodies, and enforce strict measures and policies to guarantee conformity and protect consumers.

Ensuring the safety and durability of buildings is of utmost importance, and adherence to standard sizes of mild-steel reinforcement bars is crucial for achieving this. Stakeholders in the steel manufacturing industry of Ghana must strictly adhere to standards set by the Ghana Standards Authority (GS 788-2:2018) and international standards, such as BS 4449:2005, to ensure uniformity in steel reinforcement bar sizes.

It is the responsibility of construction professionals to also ensure that all steel reinforcement bars purchased for construction projects meet the required standards and the Engineer’s specifications, thus maintaining the building’s structural integrity.

Government and the regulatory body must enforce the use of these standard sizes to enhance public safety and maintain acceptable levels of construction quality. To improve the quality of steel reinforcement bars in Ghana’s construction industry, it is imperative to strengthen existing regulations, promote awareness and enforce quality control.

Only by doing this can we ensure that the structural integrity of buildings and other structures is maintained, and that the lives and safety of individuals who use them are protected. Therefore, it is essential for all industry players to work collaboratively toward the common goal of improving the quality of steel reinforcement bars in Ghana’s construction industry.

>>>The Principal Investigator of the study and Writer is a Professional Engineer with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a Senior Lecturer with the Department of Building Technology, Koforidua Technical University, Ghana. You can contact him on [email protected]