Steel for Concrete Structures

Specialist testing for steel in concrete structures

We provide world-class testing of reinforcing steel and associated products, supporting the construction and infrastructure sectors globally.

Our laboratory is recognised as a leading specialist facility in this field, with the capability to test the full range of reinforcing products. With load capacities up to 1500kN – beyond the breaking load of 50mm reinforcing bar – we are equipped to test even the largest and most demanding applications.

Comprehensive capability across products and applications

We work with reinforcing steel mills, manufacturers and fabricators across a wide range of products used in reinforced concrete structures.

This includes:

Our testing supports material certification, design validation and product development, ensuring the mechanical performance of materials is accurately verified. From standard testing to bespoke programmes, we tailor our approach to meet the requirements of each project.

Our process

01

Define

We confirm product type, standards and performance requirements.

02

Plan

A testing programme is developed, including load conditions and methods.

03

Prepare

Samples are prepared and fixtures manufactured where required.

04

Test

Mechanical testing is carried out using calibrated, high-capacity equipment.

05

Report

Results are analysed and presented clearly to support certification and design validation.

Unrivalled expertise and standards leadership

Our team of engineers and materials scientists share many decades of experience in the reinforcing steel industry. This includes not only the testing of reinforcing steel and related products but also manufacture, quality assurance, research and development.

We aim to harness this expertise to add value to the work that we deliver, providing additional consultancy services where required.

The full range of products

Alongside providing our expertise and testing capabilities to reinforcing steel mills from across the world, R-TECH’s team work with product manufacturers and fabricators of couplers, anchors, strand and welded products. Our services include characterisation and bespoke testing as well as consultancy and product development.

In addition to these commercial projects, we have also commissioned and sponsored several research and development projects in the steel for concrete structures sector. Most notably, Dr. Michael Moore’s Engineering Doctorate developed state of the art test techniques for mechanical couplers and headed anchors in static, seismic and fatigue loading conditions.

Case Studies