Laboratory · Reinforcing steel
Reinforcement is where a concrete structure gets its tensile strength and its ductility in an earthquake. We test bars, welded mesh and wire to confirm the grade on the delivery note is the grade in the building.
All four tests are accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 (DPA certificate LT 069), on a universal testing machine up to 1000 kN.
4accredited tests on this page
ISO/IEC 17025DPA certificate LT 069, valid to 07.06.2029
EN · ISO · ASTMcurrent editions of the referenced standards
In our laboratoryVrrin, Durrës–Tirana motorway, km 29
When you need these tests
- Acceptance of steel deliveries on site, as required by supervisors and investors.
- Seismic design that relies on ductility class B or C.
- Assessing the steel in existing buildings before strengthening.
Accredited tests and standards
Reinforcing bars, mesh and wire
| Test | What it tells you | Range | Standard | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (yield and ultimate) | Yield and tensile strength: confirms the grade (e.g. B500C) | 5–1000 kN | BS EN ISO 15630-1:2019; BS EN ISO 6892-1:2019 | Laboratory |
| Total elongation | Ductility: total elongation at maximum force | 1–25% | BS EN ISO 15630-1:2019; BS EN ISO 6892-1:2019 | Laboratory |
| Mass per metre | Mass per metre, which confirms the effective cross-section | 0.4–6.3 kg/m | BS EN ISO 15630-1:2019; BS EN ISO 6892-1:2019 | Laboratory |
| Nominal diameter | Nominal diameter of bars and mesh wires | 4–30 mm | BS EN ISO 15630-1:2019; BS EN ISO 6892-1:2019 | Laboratory |
Sampling and what to send us
- Three bars per diameter and per batch, each about 1 m long, straight and undamaged.
- Mesh: a piece with at least two welded crossings in each direction.
- The mill certificate or delivery note, so we can compare with the declared values.
What your test report contains
- A unique report number, the accredited laboratory’s details and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation mark for accredited tests.
- Sample identification, sampling details and the condition of the sample on receipt.
- The standard and method used for every test, with any deviation stated.
- Results with units, and comparison with the specified limits when you give them to us.
- Signature of the authorised laboratory staff.
Frequently asked questions
What is checked for B500C?
Yield strength, tensile/yield ratio and total elongation at maximum force against the class limits, plus mass per metre for the section.
Related testing
Need these tests for your project?
Tell us the material, the quantity of samples and the specification you are working to. We’ll confirm the tests, the sampling and the price.