Assessing the Quality of Concrete Reinforcing Steel in the Libyan Market and the Impact of Weather Conditions on It

Abstract

The Libyan market offers various types of reinforcing steel used in concrete structures. This study focuses on the most widely used types, specifically those produced at the Misrata, Benghazi, and Zliten plants. Given that most sales outlets and project sites in Libya store steel in open areas exposed to various weather conditions, it is essential to evaluate the quality of each type and determine how their mechanical properties are affected after a period of storage. A series of tests, including tensile, hardness, and bending tests, was conducted on each type of reinforcing steel using 12 mm diameter bars. These tests aimed to evaluate the mechanical performance of the steel under various conditions and over different timeframes, covering parameters such as tensile and bending strength, load-bearing capacity prior to permanent deformation, shear strength, elongation, and hardness. The results showed that all samples passed the bending test without cracking or fracturing, while a gradual decline in yield and shear stress values ​​was observed following exposure to atmospheric conditions. Additionally, steel from the Misrata plant exhibited the highest load resistance, whereas steel from the Zliten plant showed the highest elongation values, and steel from the Benghazi plant demonstrated the highest average hardness values.