Materials-Related Forensic Analysis and Special Testing, Pennsylvania Departmentof Transportation: Metallurgical Investigation of Reinforcing Steel

摘要

The purpose of Work Order No. 98-23-02 02 is to investigate and determine thecause of the reinforcing steel bend failures of no. 5 stirrups and the cause for the presence of longitudinal crack-like defects in no. 11 bars, with a rapid response effort. Determine chemical composition, microstructure, and tensile properties of rebar samples. Determine hardness, microstructure, and composition of broken bar near break area. Perform fractographic examination of fracture surface of broken bar (visual and SEM) to identify possible material defects and fracture mechanism(s). Prepare metallographic cross-section through fracture region if warranted. Prepare report including test results and probable cause.