The Quebec Ministry of Transportation (Canada), Department of Infrastructure Materials, has completed the qualification evaluation of the stainless steel reinforcing bars in Duplex grade AISI 2304 produced by NAS. As a result of the satisfactory qualification findings, NAS reinforcing bars have been approved for use in infrastructure projects within the province of Quebec.
The thorough qualification procedure consisted of the evaluation of samples supplied by NAS in four critical areas:
a) Three tension tests to determine the Mechanical Properties of the steel
b) Chemical Analysis to verify the composition of the rebars
c) Two bending tests
d) A salt spray test of up to 2500 Hours to evaluate the resistance of the steel to chlorides.
The samples tested presented good mechanical properties, accurate chemistry and no sign of corrosion after the salt spray test.
Canada is at the forefront of stainless steel rebar consumption with numerous projects for which stainless rebar is being considered. This approval highlights the position of NAS as a reliable supplier for all these infrastructure projects.
