Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of TMT/QST Steel Bars for Concrete Applications
Brief Paper

Supplementary Files

DATASET

Keywords

Concrete
quenched
tempered martensite
TMT/QST steel bar
ductility
durability

How to Cite

Resmi Giriraju, Kuladeep Ravuri, Sooraj A. O. Nair, & Radhakrishna G. Pillai. (2025). Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of TMT/QST Steel Bars for Concrete Applications. Research Data & Reports, 1(01). https://doi.org/10.70002/iitm.rdr.1.1.41

Abstract

This dataset highlights the variability in cross sectional phase distribution (CSPD) of thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) or quenched and self-tempered (QST) reinforcement bars (rebars or bars) available in the market. TM-Ring test data were collected from multiple locally available brands across a range of diameters (8- 20 mm) to emphasize the significance of strict quality control during manufacturing, and to identify potential durability concerns, particularly in smaller diameter bars. The data also underscores the critical role of periodic maintenance of the Quenching Box nozzle assembly in ensuring consistent TM-Ring quality. The paper also draws attention to the significant scatter observed in the tensile properties of Poor-Quality TMT bars. These data aim to support further investigation into the variability in quality among commercial bars, and the relationship between TM-Ring integrity, mechanical properties, and durability.

Brief Paper

References

1. Karuppanasamy, J., and Pillai, R. G., "Probabilistic corrosion rates of Cold-Twisted Deformed (CTD) and Thermo-Mechanically Treated or Quenched and Self-Tempered (TMT/QST) Steels in chloride-contaminated mortar", Indian Concrete Journal. 90(11), 45-55, (2016).

2. Nair, S. A. O., Corrosion and mechanical characteristics of Quenched and Self-Tempered (QST) steel reinforcement bars, Thesis submitted to Indian Institute of Technology Madras for degree of M.S. 2017.

3. Nair, S.A.O., and Pillai, R.G., "'TM-Ring Test-A quality control test for TMT (or QST) steel reinforcing bars used in reinforced concrete systems", Indian Concrete Journal. 18(1), 27-35, (2017).

4. Nair, S.A.O., and Pillai, R.G., "Microstructural and corrosion characteristics of Quenched and Self-Tempered (QST) steel reinforcing bars", Constr. Build. Mater. 231 (2020), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117109.

5. Nair, S.A.O., Mohandoss, P., Ram, K., Adnan, T., and Pillai, R.G., "Mechanical characteristics of Quenched and Self-Tempered (QST or TMT) steel reinforcing bars used in concrete structures", Constr. Build. Mater. 363 (2023), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129761.

6. Markan, R. K., Steel Reinforcement for India, Relev. Quenching Tempering Technol. Steelworld. (2005) 4–9.

7. Bureau of Indian Standards. (2008). IS 1786: High strength deformed steel bars and wires for concrete reinforcement (IS 1786:2008). New Delhi: BIS

8. Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. (2019). AS/NZS 4671: Steel for the reinforcement of concrete (AS/NZS 4671:2019).

9. British Standards Institution. (2016). BS 4449: Steel for the reinforcement of concrete – Weldable reinforcing steel, bar, coil and decoiled product – Specification (BS 4449:2005+A3:2016).

10. Japanese Standards Association. (2020). JIS G3112: Steel bars for concrete reinforcement (JIS G3112:2020).

11. Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN). (2009). DIN 488-1: Reinforcing steels - Part 1: Grades, properties, marking (DIN 488-1:2009).

12. ASTM International. (2014). ASTM A706-14: Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Low-Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.