COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF PROPERTIES OF STEELS USED IN NIGERIA TO FORESTALL BUILDING COLLAPSES

This research analyzed the mechanical properties of reinforcing steel bars used in Nigeria and compared them to four different standards (AISI 1018, ASTM A706, BS4449, and NST-65-Mn). This was done as a result of frequent building collapses in Nigeria, which has revealed the knowledge gap between what the designers expect and the true mechanical properties of the products they typically receive from manufacturers. Related literature from published articles was collected and analyzed based on the mechanical properties of locally produced and imported steels. Results showed that the tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, percentage elongation, and percentage carbon composition of most products met and exceeded the requirements of AISI 1018, ASTM A706, BS4449, and Nst-65-Mn when compared, while some fell below what these standards required. Federated Steel Mills Limited, Ogun State, has the highest tensile stress value at 799.49 MPa, followed by Real Steel Reinforcing Pty Limited, Auckland, New Zealand, at 726.34 MPa, and Landcraft Industries Limited, Ikorudu, Lagos, at 708.3 MPa, according to a yield and tensile strengths analysis of 16 mm steel bars produced locally and imported. The lowest tensile strengths ever reported are 410 MPa for African Steel Nig. Limited, Ikorodu, Lagos, and 538.51 MPa for steel imported from Brazil. It is hoped that the data from this study will bridge the knowledge gap between the team players in this field, thus preventing catastrophe.