Abstract
This paper reports the results of a series of material performance tests undertaken to compare Chinese and Australian 500 MPa reinforcing steel. After providing some background to modern high strength reinforcing steel, this paper compares the chemical and mechanical requirements of the reinforcing steels in Chinese codes with those in Australian standards. The results of tensile strength and ductility tests are reported. From the requirements of the standards and the analysis of the test data, several conclusions are drawn. Small differences in the chemical composition cause some differences in mechanical properties. Because of the higher percentage of carbon, the tensile strength of Chinese reinforcing steel is generally higher than that of Australia’s normal ductility (N) reinforcing steel. The ductility of Australia’s normal ductility reinforcing steels is somewhat less than that of Chinese reinforcing steels, due to the higher percentages of the chemicals phosphorous and sulphur. However, because of the lower value of Ceq and carbon content, the weldability of Australian steel is higher than Chinese steel. By adding the trace elements V, Nb and Ti into the steels, the seismic ability of Chinese steels has been improved. Both Chinese and Australian reinforcing steels tested had adequate yield stress levels. In each country the test results indicated that the tested steel achieved the requirements of the applicable standard.