JS 33: 2013

Jamaican Standard

Specification

for

Hot rolled steel bars for the reinforcement

of concrete

BUREAU OF STANDARDS JAMAICA

JS 33: 2013

Contents
Page
Foreword
Committee

representation

Acknowledgement
Related documents

Specification
Section one. Construction
1

Scope

Definitions

General Requirements

Chemical Composition

Requirements

for deformations

Measurements

Tensile Properties

for deformations

Verification

of testing machine

Bending properties

10

Test specimens

11

Sampling and testing

12

Retests

13

Permissible

14

Finish

15

Marking

16

Manufacturer's

17

Inspection

10

18

Defects revealed after deliverv

10

8
deviatian

9
9
9
9

in mass

and identification
certificate

Tables
1

Deformed

bar designation

numbers,

nominal dimensions,

2
3
4
5

unit masses and deformation

Tensile requirements

2
3
3
5

Bend test requirements

requirements
limits

for manufacturer's

limits

for purchaser's

heat analysis of grade 400 steel

product

analysis of grade 400 steel

JS 33: 2013

Foreword
This standard is a revision of LS 33: 2005. In this standard
nominal diameter and the sizes are designated by a number
millimetres.
Changes to this standard include: the addition of three bar
revision ofaverage spacing and average height detailed in
specified in Clause 16.
The grades are identified by their minimum yield strengths
limit has been adopted.

the steel bars are sized according to their

in accordance with the actual bar diameter

in

sizes (28 mm. 30 mm and 35 mm) and the

table I: the Iabelling (marking) of the rebars as
expressed

in MPa. A maximum

yield strength

This standard is intended to be compulsory.

Com mittee representation
The revision of LS 33: 2005 for the Standards Council, established under the Standards
carried out under the supervision of the Metallurgy and Building Materials Committee,
comprised the following persons:
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mr

Norman Horne. Chairman

Trevor Mckenzie, Technical
Howard Chin
Andrew Stanigar
Eladio Walker
Horace Wiltshire
Allain Robinson
Joseph Patterson
Ray Dixon
Errol McCarthy
Eric Antonio
Brian Matthews
Earl Crooks

Secretary

Act 1968, was

which at the time

Are System s Ltd.

Are System s Ltd.
Jamaica Institution of Engineers
Spectrum Systems
Quality Dealers
Quality Dealers
Quality Dealers
Stewarts Hardware
Scientific Research Council
E & R Hardware Ltd.
Tank-Weld Metals Ltd.
Matthews & Clarke Ltd.
Estac Industrial Agencies

Ac knowledgment
Ackrowledgrnent is nade to the following institutions for permission to reproduce naterial from the

following documents:
Canadian Standards Association
InternationalOrganization
for Standardization
Structural Engineers Association ofCalifornia (SEAOC)

CSA G30. i 2-M

ISO 6935-2
Recommended lateral force requirements and
conmentary - 4th edition

Related documents
This standard makes reference to the following:
ASTM A706/A706M
ASTM E4 Vol. 03.01
AWS DI.4/DI.4M
CSA G30. 18
ISO 6935-2

Standard Specifcation for Low-Alloy Steel Deforned and Plain Bars for Concrete
Reinforcement
Standard Practices for Force Verifcation ofTesting Machines
Structural Welding Code - Reinforcing Steel
Carbon steel bars for concrete reinforeement
Steel for the reinforeement of concrete Part 2: Ribbed bars

JS 33: 2013

SEAOC

Recommended lateral force requirements and commentary - San Francisco:

Seismology Committee, Structural Engineers Association ofCaliforni a, 1996

JS 33: 2013

Jamaican Standard Specification for

Hot rolled steel bars for the reinforcement

of concrete

. Scope
This standard specifies requirements for deformed and plain billet-steel bars, in cut lengths or
coils, for concrete reinforcement. Bars are of two minimum yield levels, namely, 300 MPa and
400 MPa designated as Grade 300 and Grade 400 respectively. The weldability requirements for
the Grade 300 bars and Grade 400 bars are specified .

i Oeleted:

ne weldabiliry for
Grade 400 bars is not CO\ ered
under this standard. bu may be

2. Definitions
L ~~i~~~:~~~:~;;;~e~:~en

For the purpose of this standard the following definitions apply:

2. deformed bar. A bar intended for use as reinforcement in reinforced concrete construction
and which contains on its surface, lugs or protrusions (hereinafter called 'deformations') which
inhibit longitudinal movements relative to the concrete, which surrounds it in such construction.
Deformations shall conform to the provisions of this standard (see Clause 6).
NOTE. Plain undeformed bars are not to be used where longitudinal movement is expected.
2.2 longitudinal

rib. A uniform continuous rib parallel to the axis of the bar.

2.3 nominal cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area equivalent to the area of a circular
plain bar of the same nominal diameter.
2.4 product analysis. Chemical analysis of a sample from a bar.
2.5 rib height. The distance from the highest point on the rib (transverse or longitudinal) to the
surface of the core, to be measured normal to the axis of the bar.
2.6 rib spacing. The distance between the centres of two consecutive transverse ribs measured
parallel to the axis of the bar.
2.7 transverse rib. Protuberance at an angle, either perpendicular or oblique, to the longitudinal
axis of the bar.
2.8 lot. Any quantity of bars of one size and grade, whether in coils or bundles, produced by one
manufacturer or supplier, presented for examination at any one time.

3. General requirements

JS 33: 2013

3. The standard sizes and dimensions of deformed bars and their number designations shall be
those detailed in table i.
Table

. Deformed

Bar
designation
number *

i
i

6
8
9.5
LO
12
15
16
119
20
25
28
30
32
35
40

bar desigration numbers, nominal dimensions, unit masses and deforrnation r~uremens
Deformation requirements (mm)
Nominal
Mass per unit length
t
dimensions
kg/m
Permissible
Maximum
Minimum
Maximum gap
Bar
Crossaverage
(chord of 12.5%
diameter
sectional
Averagv
deviat!/
(%).
(nn)
height V
ofnominal
spacing
area V
(mm")
perimeter)
2.4
28.3
0.30
0.222
4.3
6
8
50.3
0.40
8
3. i
8
0.395
5.7
0.47
9.5
70.9
0.556
5
6.7
3.7
0.45
LO
78.6
5
7.2
0.617
3.9
12
113
5
4.7
0.888
8.6
0.60
15
1.387
5
10.5
0.74
5.9
6.3
11.5
1.579
16
201
5
0.79
283"
19
2.226
5
13.3
0.94
7.5:
2.466
20
314
5
14.3
0.98
7.9
1.26
17.9
25
491
3.854
4
9.8
1.39
11.0
28
616
4.834
4
20. i
21.5
1.48
11.8
30
707
5.550
4
22.9
6.3 14
1.59
32
804
4
12.6
1.79
35
962
7.554
4
25. i
13.7
1.98
40
1257
9.866
4
28.6
15.7

z~

Bar designation numbers are based on the number ofmillimetres included in the nominal diameter of the bars.
nominal dimensions of adeformed bar are equivalent to those of a plain round bar having the same mass per metre as the
deforned bar.
:::Permissible deviaion refers to a single bar.

+ The

3.2 The steel used for making the bars shall be made by one or more of the following processes:
open-hearth, basic-oxygen or electric furnace.
3.3 The bars shall be either rolled from billets or ingots, or made by the continuous easting
process. Each heat shall be properiy identifed.
3.4 Hot-rolled plain rounds in sizes up to and including 50 mm diameter in coils or cut lengths,
when specifed for dowels, spirals and structural ties or supports, shall be furnished under this
standard in Grade 300 and Grade 400. For bending properties, test provisions of the nearest
nominal diameter deformed bar size shall apply. Those requirements providing for deformations
and marking shall not be applicable.
4. Chemical composition
4.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the manufacturer from test samples taken
during the pouring of the heat. The percentages of carbon, phosphorus and sulphur shall be
determined together with the percentages of any other elements the manufacturer considers
essential to produce bars that have the mechanical properties required by this standard. Elements

L Deleted:

.7

Comment [SSl]: Additicnal

sizesincludedto acconodaethe
comrnonsizesin the market.
..

Deleted:

.5

"'

JS 33: 2013

commonly used include manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon,
columbium, titanium and zirconium.
4.2 The carbon equivalent shall be calculated using the chemical composition as shown in the
mill test report by the following formula:

C.E.

% C + % Mn/6 + % Cu/40 + % NiJ20 + % Cr/lO - %Mo/50 - % V/LO

where:
C.E. is the carbon equivalent
% C is the percentage carbon content
% Mn is the percentage manganese content
%Cu is the percentage copper content
% Ni is the percentage nickel content
% Cr is the percentage chromium content
% Mo is the percentage molybdenum content
% V is the percentage vanadium content.
4.2.1 For Grade 400 steel, in ord er to ensure adequate weldability, the heat analysis shall be
such as to provide a carbon equivalent not exceeding 0.55%.
The chemical composition as shown by the heat analysis shall be limited to the following
percentages:
Table 2: Limits for manuf ac!urer's heat analysis of grade 400 steel
Element
Maximum
Carbon
0.30
1.50
Manganese
Phosphorous
0.035
Sulphur
0.045
Silicon
0.50

An analysis may be made by the purchaser from finished bars representing each heat of steel.
The chemical composition thus determined shall be limited to the following percentages:
Table 3: Limits for purcha ser's product analvsis of grade 4 00 steel
Element
Maximum
Carbon
0.33
1.56
Manganese
Phosphorous
0.043
Sulphur
0.053
Silicon
0.55

4.2.2 For Grade 300 steel only, in order to ensure adequate weldability, the heat analysis shall
be such as to provide a carbon equivalent not exceeding 0.40. The carbon equivalent may be
calculated using the chemical composition as shown in the mill test report by the following
formula:

Comment [SS2]: Carbon

equiva1ent equation changed to
aligri with National Building Code
and ASTM Standard.

JS 33: 2013

C.E.

= % C + % Mn/6

The chemical composition as shown by the heat analysis shall be limited to a maximum of
0.05% phosphorus and 0.05% sulphur.
An analysis may be made by the purchaser from finished bars representing each heat of steel.
The phosphorus and sulphur content thus determined shall not exceed that specified above by
more than 25%.
5. Requirements

for deformations

5.1 Deformations shall be spaced along the bar at substantially uniform distances.
deformations on opposite sides of the bar shall be similar in size and shape.

The

5.2 The deformations shall be placed with respect to the axis of the bar so that the included angle
is not less than 45. Where the line of deformations forms an included angle with the axis of the
bar from 45 to 70 inclusive, the deformations shall alternately reverse in direction on each side,
or those on one side shall be reversed in direction from those on the opposite side. Where the line
of deformations is over 70, areversal in direction is not required.
5.3 The overall length of deformations shall be such that the gap between the extreme ends of the
deformations on opposite sides of the bar shall not exceed 12.5 % of the nominal perimeter of the
bar. Where the ends terminate in a longitudinal rib, the width of the longitudinal rib shall be
considered the gap. Where more than two longitudinal ribs are involved, the total width of all
longitudinal ribs shall not exceed 25% of the nominal perimeter of the bar. The nominal
perimeter of the bar shall be 3.14 (i.e. r) times the nominal diameter.
5.4 The spacing, height and gap of deformations shall conform to the requirements detailed in
table 1.

6. Measurements

of deformations

6.1 The average spacing of deformations shall be determined by dividing a measured length of
the bar specimen by the number of individual deformations and fractional parts of deformations
on any one side of the bar specimen. A measured length of the bar specimen shall be considered
the distance from apoint on a deformation to a corresponding point on any other deformation on
the same side of the bar. Spacing measurements shall not be made over a bar area containing bar
marking symbols involving letters or numbers.
6.2 The average height of deformations shall be determined from measurements made on not less
than two typical deformations. Determinations shall be based on three measurements per
deformation, one at the centre of the overall length and the other two at the quarter points of the
overall length.

JS 33: 2013

6.3 Insuffcient height, insuffcient circumferential coverage, or excessive spacing of

deformations shall not constitute cause for rejection unless it has been c1early established by
determinations on each lot tested that typical deformation height, gap, or spacing do not conform
to the requirements detailed in table . No rejections shall be made on the basis of measurements
iffewer than ten adjacent deformations on each side of the bar are measured.
7. Tensile properties
7.1 The yield strength and elongation of the two grades ofsteel complying with this standard and
represented by the test specimens shall conform to the requirements detailed in table 2.
The actual yield strength based on mill tests shall not exceed the minimum specified by more
than 25 MPa. Subsequent tests shall not exceed this value by more than an additional 20 MPa.
The tensile strength of any bar shall be at least 25% greater than the actual yield strength
measured in the tensile test.
Table 4. Tensile requirements
Yield strength
Elongation 011 200 mm gauge lengh for
bar designation numbers.
6,8.9.5. LO.12
15. 16, 19.20
25.28
30. 32. 35, 40

Grade 300
300 MPa (min)

Grade 400
400 MPa (min)

Percent (min)

Percent (min)

II

9
9
8
7

12
LO
LO

7.2 Where the steel tested has a sharp-kneed or well defined type of yield po int, the yield point
shall be determined at the option of the manufacturer by one of the following methods:
(a) Drop of the beam or halt in the gauge of the testing machine.
Applyan increasing load to the specimen at a uniform rate.
Keep the beam in balance by running out the poise at approximately a steady rate, when alever
and poise machine is used.
When the yield point of the material is reached, the increase of the load will stop, but run the
poise a trifle beyond the balance position, and the beam of the machine will drop for a brief but
appreciable interval of time. When a machine equipped with a load-indicating dial is used, there
is a halt or hesitation of the load indicating pointer corresponding to the drop of the beam.
Note the load at the 'drop of the beam' or the 'halt of the pointer' and record the corresponding
stress as the yield point.
(b) Autographic diagramme method
When a sharp-kneed stress-strain diagramme is obtained by an autographic recording device, the
stres s corresponding to the top of the knee or the point at which the curve drops shall be recorded
as the yield point.

JS 33: 2013

7.3 When testing material for yield point and the test speeimens may not exhibit a well-defined
disproportionate
deformation
that eharaeterizes
a yield point as measured by the drop of the
beam, halt of the pointer, or autographie diagramme method, a value equivalent to the yield point
in its praetieal signifieanee
may be determined
by one of the following methods and may be
reeorded as yield point:
(a) extension

under load using dividers

with a 200-mm

gauge length.

The extension under load sh all be 1.0 mm and shall be determined by seribing on the speeimen a
200-mm gauge length, pivoting from a priek puneh mark. The yield load shall be reeorded when
the total gauge length under load beeomes 20 i mm as measured by the dividers.
(b) extensometer
Attaeh a class C or better extensometer
an extension of 0.005 mm/mm (0.5%)
recorded as the yield point.

(see NOTE) to the specimen. When the load producing

is reached, the stress corresponding
to this load shall be

NOTE. Automatic devices are available that determine the load at the specifed total extension without
plotting a stress-strain curve. Such devices may be used if accuracy for each has been demonstrated.
Multiplying calipers and other such devices are acceptable for use provided that aecuracy has been
demonstrated as equivalent to a class C extensometer.

8. Veritication

oftesting

machine

8.1 The testing maehine used to deterrnine the properties specified in Clause 8 shall be verified at
least onee per year. The period of time elapsing between such verifications sh all not exceed 12
months.
8.2 The verifieation

shall be eonducted

bya source approved

by the Bureau of Standards.

8.3 Where a testing machine has not been verified in aecordance

with 9.1, or where such a
maehine does not meet the aeeuraey and reliability requirements of ASTM E4, the manufacturer
shall not certify any bars as conforming to the requirements of this standard.
9. Bending

properties

9.1 Bend test requirements.

as detailed in table 3.

The requirements

for degree of bending

and sizes of pins sh all be

JS 33: 2013

Table 5. Bend test requirements

Bar designation number

Diameter of pin for bend tests

Grade 300

Grade 400
4d

19.20

2d"
5d

25.28

5d

6d

30. 32. 35,40

5d

8d

6.8.9.5.10.12.15,16

* where

= nominal

5d

diarneter of specimen. Specimen is bent through 180.

9.2 Bend test procedures

9.2. t General. The bend test specimen shall stand be ing bent, when at ambient temperature but
in no case less than 16C, around a pin without cracking on the outside of the bent portion.
9.2.2 Apparatus. The ben d shall be made on specimens of sufficient length to ensure free
bending and with apparatus which provide the following:
(a) continuous
operation;

and uniform application

of force throughout the duration of the bending

(b) unrestricted mavement of the specimen at points of contact with the apparatus and bending
around a pin free to rotate, or bending around a pin on a simple span with end supports free to
rotate;
(c) close wrapping of the specimen around the pin during the bending operation.
9.2.3 Other methods. Other methods of bend testing may be used, but failures due to such
methods shall not constitute abasis for rejection.

i O. Test specimens

tO. i Tension test specimens shall be of the full seetion of the bars as-rolled for sizes No. 6 to No.
32.
i0.2 As an alternative to testing the full seetion of the bar as-rolled, tension test specimens for
bar sizes over No, 32 may, at the option of the manufacturer, be test ed by the reduced seetion
type of test indicated in i i ,2, I.
10.2.1 Specimens shall be machined from the bar to a diameter of 28,65 mm (650 mrrr' crosssection) over a length of not less than 225 mm, with f Ilets at the ends of the turned-down seetion
having a radius of 13 mm and using a 200-mm gauge length. The reduced seetion may have a
gradual taper from the ends toward the centre, with the ends not more than 1% larger in diameter
than the centre (controlling dimension),

JS 33: 2013

10.3 The unit stress determinations on full size specimens shall be based on the nominal crosssectional areas shown in table 1. For reduced seetion specimens, the yield strength and tensile
strength results shall be corrected by the ratio of as-rolled bar mass to nominal bar mass.
10.4 The bend test specimens shall be the full seetion of the bar as-rolled.
i i. Sampling and testing

. For the purpose of verifcation testing by the Bureau of Standards or other third party, the
delivery shall be sub-divided into test units with a maximum mass of 50 t or a fraction thereof.
Each test unit shall consist of products of the same steel grade and the same nominal diameter
from the same heat or east.
i1.2 One sample of suffcient length shall be taken from each test unit for the following tests:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

one tensile test

one bend test
dimensional verifcations
chemical composition tests (product analysis)

i 1.3 When a test specimen develops a tlaw due to failure of the testing equipment or improper
specimen preparation, it shall be discarded, and another specimen of the same bar size and grade
and from the same heat or east shall be substituted.

12. Retests
12.1 Ifany tensile property ofany tension test specimen is less or greater than that specified, and
any part of the fracture is outside the middle third of the gauge length, as indicated by seribe
scratches marked on the specimen before testing, aretest shalI be allowed.
12.2 If the results ofan original tension specimen fail to meet the specifed requirements and are
within 14 MPa of the required tensile strength, within 7 MPa of the required yield point, or
within two percentage units of the required elongation, aretest shall be permitted on two random
specimens for each original tension specimen failure from the lot. If all results of these retest
specimens meet the specifed requirements, the lot shall be accepted.
12.3 If a ben d test specimen fails for reasons other than mechanical failure or tlaws in the
specimen as deseribed in 13.4 and 13.5, aretest shall be permitted on two random specimens
from the same lot. The lot shall be accepted only if the results of both retest specimens meet the
specifed requirements. The retest shall be performed on specimens that are at air temperature
but not less than 16C.
12.4 Where a test specimen fails for mechanical reasons such as failure oftesting equipment or
improper specimen preparation, it shall be discarded and another specimen taken.

JS 33: 2013

12.5 When a test specimen develops a flaw due to failure of the testing equipment or improper
specimen preparation, and is discarded, another specimen of the same bar size and grade and
from the same heat or east shall be substituted.
13. Permissible deviation in mass
Permissible deviation in mass per un it length shall not exceed the limits detailed in table i.
14. Finish
14.1 The bars shall be free from detrimental surface imperfections.
14.2 Rust, seams, surface irregularities, or mill scale shall not be cause for rejection, provided the
mass, dimensions, cross-sectional area and tensile properties of a test specimen cleaned to base
metal by hand wire-brushing or other Ceaning method are not less than the requirements of this
standard.
14.3 Surface imperfections other than those specifed in 15.2 shall be considered detrimental
when specimens containing such imperfections fail to conform to either tensile or bending
requirements.
15. Marking and identification
15.1 Marking of bars. All bars produced to this specifcation, shall be identifed by a
distinguishing set of marks legibly rolled onto the surface of one side of the bar to denote in the
following order, such that each commercial length supplied by the manufacturer shall have at
least one such set of marks:
(a) point of origin - letter or symbol established as the producer's mill designation.
(b) size designation - number corresponding to the bar designation number in table i.
(c) grade ofsteel - number to identify the grade ofany bar. The manufacturer shall
use the following for:
. Grade 300 bars: 300
2. Grade 400 bars: 400
Adequate space should be allowed in-between each of these marks to permit easy differentiation.
If necessary, where the transverse ribs intersect the marks the ribs may be omitted.
15.2 Marking of bundles. Each bundle of bars shall have a durable tag stating the manufacturer,
the number of this Jamaican Standard (lS 33), the grade of steel, the nominal diameter, east or
heat number and country of origin.
16. Manufacturer's

certificate

16.1 No bars intended for the reinforcement of concrete shall be dispatched from the
manufacturer's works until tested and certifed to comply with the requirements of this standard.

JS 33: 2013

16.2 The manufacturer's certificate relating to each bundIe shall be traceable through the heat
number.
16.3 The manufacturer's certificate shall state the process of manufacture, the chemical
composition, the carbon equivalent and the mechanical properties (as specified in Clause 3,
Clause 4, Clause 8 and Clause iO) applicable to each heat from which the bars purchased is
derived.
16.4 The purchaser shall be provided with a copy of the manufacturer's certificate(s) for each
delivery of bars from the manufacturer's works. When the bars are purchased from a supplier, a
copy of the manufacturer's certificate shall be provided by the supplier on request.
16.5 The manufacturer shall retain records of the unit masses, chemical composition, carbon
equivalent and mechanical properties of the bars made from each heat of steel. These records
shall be capable of being identified with the relevant bundles said.
17. Inspection
An independent inspector approved by the Bureau of Standards shall have free entry to all parts
of the manufacturer's works that concern the manufacture of the material ordered at all times
while work on the contract of the purchaser is being performed. The manufacturer shall afford
the inspector all reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the material is being furrished in
accordance with this standard. All tests (except product analysis) and inspection shall be made at
the place of manufacture prior to shipment, unless otherwise specified, and shall be so conducted
as not to interfere unnecessari Iy with the operation of the works.
18. Defects revealed after delivery
18.1 Should any material after delivery be found not to be in accordance with this standard, such
material shall be deemed not to comply with this standard, notwithstanding any previous
acceptance, provided that it has not been improperly treated.
18.2 Samples tested that represent rejected material shall be preserved for two weeks from the
date the rejection s reported to the manufacturer. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of the
tests, the manufacturer may make claim for a re-hearing within that time.

10