Steel reinforcing bar, or rebar, is critical to increasing the overall strength of the concrete that surrounds it. Global and regional level standards exist to help ensure that rebar produced throughout the world exhibits the same physical, chemical, and mechanical properties regardless of the source. Proper mechanical testing, including tensile, bend, compression, and fatigue, is often necessary for determining if the rebar meets its published specifications, ensuring the quality of the product. Common standards include ASTM E8M: 2013, ASTM A370, ASTM A615, ISO 6892-1:2009, ISO 15630-1, AC133, BS 4449, GB 1499, and JIS G3112.

Concrete is one of the world's oldest and most commonly used building materials. Most modern structures are built either partially or entirely of concrete, and it is also used extensively in the construction of roadways, bridges, and other types of infrastructure. Because of the obvious safety implications, accurate characterization of material properties is of the utmost importance when evaluating concrete. Standards such as ASTM C109, ASTM C39, and and ASTM C78 evaluate both compressive and flexural strength.

Now is the time to modernize your testing equipment. Instron offers multiple options for replacement of outdated parts and components, up to and including full replacement of your system. Instron’s system retrofits provide a comprehensive overhaul of your machine and replace all at-risk components, which rejuvenates your system and can extend its life for years. In cases where system replacement is preferable, our high force 6800 Series floor models and industrial series static hydraulic frames are available for testing up to 2,000 kN. Instron can also retrofit machines from other suppliers.