Title:
How Harmful Is Cold Bending/Straightening of Reinforcing Bars?
Author(s):
J. I. Restrepo, F. J. Crisafulli
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
45-48
Keywords:
embrittlement; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steel; strain rate; temperature; tension tests
DOI:
Date:
4/1/1999
Abstract:
Small diameter reinforcing bars that are partially embedded in concrete are often deliberately cold bent and then straightened at construction sites for practical reasons. This practice has long been discouraged, particularly in seismically prone regions, because of the possible embrittlement of the reinforcing steel after yielding. Three main variables that contribute to the brittle behavior of cold worked reinforcing steel are the strain rate, strain aging, and the temperature conditions. This article discusses the findings of an experimental program on high strain rate tensile tests conducted at low temperature conditions.