Steel for the Reinforcement of Concrete
Introduction
Verified compliance
with British Standards
CARES
Approved Fabricator
Identifying
CARES approved steel on site
Product Test
Certificates
Avoid
unnecessary site delays
Monitoring
CARES scheme performance
How
to specify CARES Approved steel reinforcement products
The efficient utilisation of reinforcing steel is dependent inter alia on the material having the correct chemical composition and mechanical properties and the reinforcement being accurately cut, bent and fixed. CARES is the only certification body in the UK that is UKAS accredited to perform product certification for reinforcing steel, ensuring that reinforcement is correctly produced, processed and handled.
The key products covered by the CARES certification scheme are:
The CARES scheme covers the complete production process of steel reinforcement:
The comprehensive nature of the CARES scheme ensures that reinforcing steel supplied to the construction industry consistently satisfies the requirements of the product standard and is fully traceable from initial production to final use. A contractor receiving reinforcing steel from a CARES approved processor or stockist can use the material with full confidence that it complies with the requirements of the product standards and without the need for any further product testing or verification.
Verified compliance with British Standards
All steel reinforcement covered by the CARES scheme is comprehensively tested against the requirements of the relevant product standard before approval is granted and then subject to frequent audit testing thereafter. The test data for each company's products are subject to long-term statistical analysis by CARES to ensure continued product compliance.
The CARES approved fabricator or stockist is the link between the steel producer and the construction site and ensures that:
Identifying CARES approved steel on site
All CARES approved material is labelled and supplied with the necessary electronic or paper documentation to enable the products to be traced. Additionally, all CARES approved reinforcement can by identified by the CARES bar mark rolled into the bar at intervals not exceeding 1.5m. There are two bar marking systems, one for the larger BS4449 material and one for the smaller BS4482 material. The system for the BS4449 material comprises the CARES mark and a series of dots rolled in to the bar as described below. For the smaller BS4482 material such a system would not be easily visible and therefore comprises the CARES mark and a series of missing ribs as described below.
Identifying CARES approved carbon steel bars to BS4449 on site
CARES approved reinforcing steel is identified by marks rolled on to the surface of the steel. For details of bar marking, please go to: Barmark.htm.
Although it is not usually necessary to request a "manufacturer's statement of product test results" from a CARES approved fabricator, if the need does arise, then the following information should be checked:
Sample statement of manufacturer's results (Adobe PDF format).
The product test data may be available as a paper document or electronically for the CARES Product Test Data Register.
The comprehensive testing and full product traceability required by CARES' certification obviates the need for the end-user to undertake any further verification tests or request copies of test certificates for material supplied by CARES approved firms.
Failure to specify CARES approval places the onus on the purchaser to verify that material complies with the standard. This requires extensive additional product testing with significant costs and potential site delays.
Monitoring CARES scheme performance
CARES requires approved firms to take appropriate action in response to customer complaints and to submit records of complaints and remedial actions to CARES at regular intervals. The effectiveness of remedial actions is verified by CARES during the periodic surveillances. If necessary, further action may be taken by CARES to resolve non-commercial issues.
The unsatisfactory performance of an approved firm that casts doubt on the effectiveness of the CARES scheme should be referred to CARES.
How to specify CARES Approved steel reinforcement products
To ensure the correct material is purchased, the purchaser's specification should make an explicit reference to the product standard and CARES certification or third party product certification.
The suggested wording for inclusion in a specification is :
"All steel reinforcement specified to comply with BS 4449 or BS 4483 and cut and bent to BS 8666 is to be obtained from firm(s) holding a valid CARES certificate of approval.
Note: Evidence of compliance with the above should be requested for submission with contract bids."
Alternatively the suggested generic wording for inclusion in a specification is :
"All steel reinforcement specified to comply with BS 4449 or BS 4483 and cut and bent to BS 8666 is to be obtained from firm(s) holding a valid certificate of approval issued under a product certification scheme operated by a third party certification body with appropriate Category 2 accreditation from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Note: Evidence of compliance with the above should be requested for submission with contract bids."
This wording is reproduced from the National Building Specification, E30 - Reinforcement for in situ concrete (clause 110) by kind permission of NBS Services. Further information on the National Building Specification is available from NBS Services at www.nbsservices.org.uk
CARES - The choice of the informed specifier
| WHY TAKE THE RISK? SPECIFY CARES |
For further information about CARES certification for reinforcing steels please contact :-
UK CARES
Tel : +44 (0) 1732 450000
Fax : +44 (0) 1732 455917
E-mail :BenBowsher@ukcares.com
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UK Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels |  |
