Development of Hardenable and Durable Rebar for Reinforced Concrete Applications

• Grant number: 24/14692-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Guilherme Yuuki Koga
• Grantee: Tarcísio Bernardes Dutra
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to investigate the feasibility of using low-chromium steel rebar in reinforced concrete structures, with the goal of enhancing the durability and sustainability of civil engineering applications. Steel is a widely used material due to its strength and malleability; however, it faces significant challenges, particularly corrosion in harsh environments. The study will characterize steel rebar with 5% chromium substitution and compare it to conventional carbon steel rebar. Thermodynamic calculations using the CALPHAD method guided and optimized the processes of casting, forging, and heat treatment of the produced rebar. The steels were produced from AISI 410 stainless steel and AISI 1004 steel using a vacuum induction furnace. Subsequently, the ingots underwent thermomechanical processing through rotary forging. Quenching and tempering heat treatments will be applied based on AISI 410 steel standards. Chemical characterization will be performed using optical emission spectrometry with a spark source, while carbon and sulfur contents will be analyzed through combustion and quantified via infrared absorption. Microstructural characterization will be conducted through metallography using an optical microscope. The mechanical properties of the rebar will be assessed through Vickers microhardness tests, tensile tests, and bending tests.