CHARACTERIZATION AND GAUSSIAN DISTRIBUTION OF TENSILE STRENGTH OF SOME REBARS PRODUCED FROM SECONDARY SOURCE

Abstract

In this work, the chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of two rebars produced locally in some areas in Nigeria were investigated. The chemical composition, phases and microstructure of the rebars were determined using optical emission spectrometry (OES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy/scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical characterization was determined using hardness, and tensile strength. The tensile strength data of the rebars were subjected to Gaussian distribution. From the results, it shows that the steels have carbon content in the range 0.444-0.864 wt% C. The XRD result shows the presence of ferrite and sharp peaks of cementite. The optical micro-scope shows the presence of large amount of cementite in the ferrite matrix. The SEM analysis shows the presence of defects in the microstructure. The Gaussian distribution shows wide variability in the tensile strength data of the rebars. From the chemical, physical and mechanical characterization results, it shows that the rebars are below the standard quality.