Strain rate behaviour in tension of austenitic stainless steel used for reinforcing bars

The behaviour under impact loading of stainless steels used for reinforcing bars is studied. Therefore, the effect of strain rate on AISI304 stainless steel was investigated. Tensile tests on round specimens at different strain-rate levels (high, intermediate and quasi-static) were performed. Stress–strain relationships under different strain-rate levels were obtained, and dependency on strain rate was found. The results were then compared with existing formulations, and finally used to obtain the material parameters of constitutive relationships, that can accurately predict the flow behaviour to describe the dynamic mechanical properties of stainless steel rebars.

► Experimental study on the strain rate sensitivity of stainless steel used for reinforcing bars.
► Analysis of the possible influence of the production process on the rebar size.
► The suitability of Cowper–Symonds and Johnson–Cook material models for AISI304 steel.