Analysis of the fracture of steel reinforcing bars under low cycle fatigue

Abstract

In this work we have analyzed the dynamic behavior of steel reinforcing bars under low cycle force-controlledfatigue measurements. We compare the results obtained for rebars produced by three steel companies of Ecuador,which fulfill the technical requirements of the national standards specified in ASTM A706. The measurements werecarried out by using an universal testing machine model MTS 810. To determine the critical factors on the dynamicresponse of reinforcing bars, we have characterized the fractured section by macroscopic parameters andemploying the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results obtained point out that, although the threecompanies produce rebars with similar static behavior exist important differences on their dynamical properties.