By Jim Patrick S.D. Erispe
Plain concrete has no ability to sustain tensile and shear stresses induced by wind, earthquakes, vibrations, and other pressures, making it unsuitable for most structural applications. On the other hand, reinforcing steel—rods, bars, or mesh—are materials that absorb tensile, shear and occasionally compressive stresses within a concrete structure.
In the Philippines, materials for construction, such as rebars are regulated by the Department of Trade and Industry.
The DTI recognizes the expertise of the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) in performing testing activities of the steels used in construction.
Among the consumer service thrusts of the DTI is the regulation of requirements for various materials such as rebars, angle bars, nails, and liquefied petroleum gas containers.
The DOST-MIRDC provides critical support to the DTI as it implements public safety measures. Through its Physical Laboratories Section, the center handles the testing and analysis of rebars through tension testing, deformation and mass variation measurement, and bending testing.
The PLS uses the 2000 kN- capacity Universal Testing Machine in analyzing these rebars.
“If steels in the market are not tested, they pose a serious hazard to the public. Consider installing substandard steel bars in bridges, high-rise buildings, and even your own home. If a strong earthquake hits, infrastructure will undoubtedly be damaged, jeopardizing public safety,” said Engr. Edward A. Malit, a Senior Science Research Specialist at the DOSTMIRDC.
In related news, the DTI destroyed 467 pieces of deformed steel bars last month.
These steel bars, non-compliant with the standards set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards, were confiscated from a hardware store in Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija.
It is reassuring to know that the government establishes guidelines that benefit the public interest. Through its dependable and technology-based testing and analysis services, the DOST-MIRDC will always be an instrument for ensuring Filipinos’ safety.
