Faculty of Engineering

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ANALYSIS OF PROPERTIES OF REINFORCING STEEL BARS: CASE STUDY OFCOLLAPSED BUILDING IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
(Trans Tech Publications, 2012-02-02) Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
The chemical compositions and the microstructures of reinforcing steel bars obtained from three different collapsed building sites were studied. Optical emission spectrometer was used to carry out the chemical analysis, while the microstructure was examined using an optical microscopy. The carbon contents of the steel bars were found to be higher than BS4449 and ASTM706 standards, but they are in close range with the Nst-65-Mn standard. The manganese contents of the steel bars are lower, while the sulphur and phosphorus contents are quite higher than the BS4449, ASTM706 and Nst-65-Mn standards. The hardness values of the investigated bars are higher than recommended BS4449 standard but lower than Nst-65-Mn standard. Brittle globules of Fe3P and FeS were observed within the structure possibly due to higher contents of deleterious sulphur and phosphorus. The results suggest that the investigated reinforcing bars are brittle and thus contributing significantly to the collapse of the building structures.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Reinforcing Steel Bars from Collapsed Building Sites
(ASM, 2013-08-27) Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
Mechanical properties of reinforcing steel bars obtained from three different collapsed building sites in Lagos, Nigeria were examined. An optical emission spectrometer was used for chemical composition analysis while the tensile test was carried out using a Universal Testing Machine. The yield strength of the steel bars was found to be higher than BS4449 (GRADE 460B), Nst.65-Mn, and ASTM A706 standards, while their percentage elongations were lower than most of the standards. The steel bars used at the Sango collapse site have higher UTS compared with the standards, while those used at Ilesanmi and Ewuntun collapse sites have UTS values that are in close range with the standards. The reinforcing bar obtained from Ilesanmi collapsed site has higher percentage elongation than ASTM A706 standard but lower than Nst.65-Mn and BS4449 (GRADE 460B) standards. The bars obtained from Sango and Ewuntun collapse sites displayed lower percentage elongation compared with that from Ilesanmi site. All the investigated reinforcing bars possessed reasonably high strength with low ductility. Thus, these bars are susceptible to brittle fracture, which might have contributed to the collapse of the building structures.
Biodegradation of polyester polyurethane during commercial composting and analysis of associated fungal communities
(Elsevier, 2014-03-04) Petrus Nzerem
In this study the biodegradation of polyurethane (PU) during the maturation stage of a commercial composting process was investigated. PU coupons were buried in the centre and at the surface of a 10 m high compost pile. Fungal communities colonising polyester PU coupons were compared with the native compost communities using culture based and molecular techniques. Putative polyester PU degrading fungi were ubiquitous in compost and rapidly colonised the surface of polyester PU coupons with significant deterioration. As the temperature decreased, fungal diversity in the compost and on the surface of the polyester PU coupons increased and selection of fungal community on the polyester PU coupons occurs that is different from the surrounding compost.
Mechanical properties and microstructure of precipitation-hardened Al-Cu-Zn alloys
(UMP Publisher, 2015-12-30) Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; P. A. Ajayi
Many automobile components are made from aluminium and its alloys because of their suitable properties. Metals and their alloys are usually subjected to heat treatment in order to improve their properties. Thus, the effect of precipitation hardening on the mechanical properties and microstructure of sand cast aluminum alloys was investigated. The cast AlCu-Zn alloy samples were heat-treated at 460 °C for 2 hours, quenched in water and then age-hardened at 160 °C for 5 hours. Tensile, impact and hardness tests were carried out on the heat-treated and the as-cast Al-Cu-Zn alloys samples. The surface morphology of both the as-cast and the precipitation hardened samples was observed using digital metallurgical microscope. The ultimate tensile strength of the precipitation hardened samples A2 (81.2Al: 1.56Cu: 8.33Zn) and B2 (81.7Al: 3.25Cu: 6.16Zn) are 173.42 N/mm 2 and 168.02 N/mm 2 , respectively. These values are higher than those of the as-cast samples A1 and B1, which are 168.02 N/mm 2 and 157.84 N/mm 2 , respectively. The precipitation hardened Al alloy samples also displayed higher hardness, impact energy and elongation than the as-cast samples, indicating improved properties. The presence of coarse reinforcing intermetallic phases was observed in the as-cast samples as compared to the well-distributed fine grain size microstructure of intermetallic phases in the precipitation hardened samples. It can be concluded that precipitation hardening improves the mechanical and microstructure properties of aluminum alloys and thus will find wider applications in automobile industries for the production of components and parts.
Assessment of Suitability of Nigerian Made Steel Bars for Structural Applications
(The Journal of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago, 2016-10-02) Abdul Ganiyu F. Alabi; Akintunde O. Ayoade; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
The mechanical properties of selected reinforcing steel bars produced from two rolling mills in Osun State, Nigeria were studied. An optical emission spectrometer was used for chemical composition analysis while the tensile test was carried out using a Universal Testing Machine. Izod v-notched was used for impact test, while the hardness values were obtained from Brinnel hardness tester. Scanning Electron Microscope was used for the fractured surface fractography. The Ultimate Tensile Strengths (UTS) of all the samples are higher than BSS4449:2005+A2:2005 standard and are also in close proximity to A707M-15 standard. Samples A12, B10 and B12 possessed higher yield strengths than samples A16 and B16 but lower than those of BSS4449:2005+A2:2005 and A707M-15 standards. Ductile property of the samples doubled the recommended Nst-65-Mn standard values while the hardness and ductility properties are higher than the recommended A707M-15 and BS4449 standards. The results showed that the investigated reinforcing bar samples possessed reasonably high strength and ductility when compared with available standards. Consequently, these bars would be suitable for structural applications where strength and ductility are critical properties. They would also be used in steel reinforcement applications that would require continuous and repetitive loading such as in buildings and bridges.
Design and Fabrication of an Adjustable Sitting Inclinations Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Chair
(De Gruyter, 2016-11-22) K. R. Ajao; T. Yahaya; H. A. Ajimotokan; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; M. Bello; O. Ojegbenro
The adjustable sitting inclination rehabilitation chair was fabricated with mild steel and soft upholstered fabric was used for the overlay on the seat, headrest and armrest. The components were coupled with a linear actuator at the upper frame for the reclining of the backrest about it axis. The wheels are located outboard of the seat of the chair to enhance stability while foot rest supports the posterior weight of the users. The narrow seat allows free movement of the leg when the user is seated. Sitting inclinations of 120 and 135° protect the spine disc from compression and proffer more comfort for the users than other angles experimented. The adjustable sitting inclination SCRC is simple and affordable for low-income people with Spinal cord injury, especially for those in developing countries in order to support other therapies for their recovery processes.
Adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions using mesoporous activated carbon adsorbent: Equilibrium, kinetics and characterisation studies
(Lancaster E-Prints, 2017-02-23) Asuquo, Edidiong D.; Martin, Alastair Douglas; Petrus Nzerem; Siperstein, Flor; Fan, Xiaolei
In this study, cadmium and lead ions removal from aqueous solutions using a commercial activated carbon adsorbent (CGAC) were investigated under batch conditions. The adsorbent was observed to have a coarse surface with crevices, high resistance to attrition, high surface area and pore volume with bimodal pore size distribution which indicates that the material was mesoporous. Sorption kinetics for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions proceeded through a two-stage kinetic profile-initial quick uptake occurring within 30 min followed by a gradual removal of the two metal ions until 180 min with optimum uptake (qe,exp) of 17.23 mg g1 and 16.84 mg g1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions respectively. Modelling of sorption kinetics indicates that the pseudo first order (PFO) model described the sorption of Pb(II) ion better than Cd(II), while the reverse was observed with respect to the pseudo second order (PSO) model. Intraparticle diffusion modelling showed that intraparticle diffusion may not be the only mechanism that influenced the rate of ions uptake. Isotherm modelling was carried out and the results indicated that the Langmuir and Freundlich models described the uptake of Pb(II) ion better than Cd(II) ion. A comparison of the two models indicated that the Langmuir isotherm is the better isotherm for the description of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions sorption by the adsorbent. The maximum loading capacity (qmax) obtained from the Langmuir isotherm was 27.3 mg g1 and 20.3 mg g1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions respectively.
Physical Properties of Biomass Fuel Briquette from Oil Palm Residues
(JASEM, 2017-06-18) H.O. Muraina; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) and Mesocarp Fibre (MF) were used for the production of fuel briquettes in this study in order to supplement the energy mix of the nation. PKS was pulverized and then sieved into different grain particles of 350 μm, 250 μm and 150 μm, before mixing with MF in the ratios: 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 (PKS: MF respectively). Cassava Peel (CP) was used as binder for the briquettes. A 200 kN force was exerted during densification while the waiting time for the briquettes to properly form was 120 seconds. Proximate/physical analysis was carried out and the results showed that briquette series of 150 μm (80:20) has the minimum moisture content of 6.00 % while series 350 μm (90:10) recorded the lowest ash content of 1.50 %. Volatile matter of 72.80 % was recorded from series 150 μm (70:30) as the highest of all the series produced. Briquette series of 350 μm (70:30) have the highest fixed carbon and calorific value of 19.90 % and 18.1063 kJ/g, respectively. The results showed that the fuel briquettes from PKS and MF (especially 350 μm series) could serve as alternative source of energy for domestic and industrial applications. Keywords: Palm kernel shell; Mesocarp fibre; Briquette; Biomass solid fuel; proximate analysis.
Mechanical Properties Improvement Evaluation of Medium Carbon Steels Quenched in Different Media
(Trans Tech Publications,, 2017-09-12) Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Adediran, A.A; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Ajao, K.R.; Agboola, O.O.
The effect of quenching on the mechanical properties of medium carbon steels using coconut (CW) water, pap water (PW) and spent engine oil (SPE) which have been largely considered as wastes was investigated. All specimens were normalized at a temperature of 840 in order to remove residual stresses induced during machining operations. Various specimens were heated to ranges of 730-790 and soaked for the range of 30-60 minutes respectively. Brinnel hardness tester was used to obtain the hardness values while Testometric M500-50AT model machine was used for the tensile test of the specimens. The highest hardness value (609.97 BHN) was obtained from the specimen heated to 790 quenched in pap water as compared with 166.4 BHN for the normalized as-received sample. The yield (YS) and ultimate tensile (UTS) strengths of the quenched specimens were better than the normalized as-received sample. SPE-quenched samples yielded the highest YS and UTS combined. The hardness value increased while YS and UTS decreased with soaking time for different temperatures. The highest hardness value for the specimens was obtained from coconut and pap water. Rather than been considered as wastes, coconut water, pap water and spent engine oil can improve the mechanical properties of medium carbon steel when used as quenching media.
Evaluation of Cd(II) Ion Removal from Aqueous Solution by a Low-Cost Adsorbent Prepared from White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Waste Using Batch Sorption
(ChemEngineering, 2018-08-03) Edidiong Asuquo; Alastair D. Martin; Petrus Nzerem
An agricultural residue, white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) tuber peel (YTBS), was used for the removal of Cd(II) ion from an aqueous solution using a batch method. The adsorbent was characterized using FTIR, TGA, SEM, EDX, N2 BET, XRD, and XRF. The optimization of sorption variables such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial metal ion concentration at 25 °C were also carried out. The results indicated the dependence of sorption on the adsorbate pH and adsorbent dose, while the adsorption system reached equilibrium in 180 min. The sorption kinetics was fitted to three models (pseudo first order, pseudo second order, and Elovich) to validate the kinetics, and the pseudo first order was the best model for the description of Cd(II) uptake. Equilibrium isotherm modelling was also carried out using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models, with the Langmuir isotherm giving the best fitting to the experimental results. The maximum loading capacity (qmax) of the adsorbent for Cd(II) obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model was 22.4 mg∙g−1 with an isotherm constant (KL) of 3.46 × 10−3 L·mg−1 and r2 value of 0.99. This result indicates that the YTBS residue was a good adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) ion from aqueous system.
Experimental data on mechanical properties evaluation of medium carbon steel quenched in different waste media
(Elsevier, 2018-09-05) T.S. Olabamiji; C.O. Osueke; B.T. Ogunsemi; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; D.C. Uguru-Okorie; Adeolu Adesoji Adediran; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; O.O. Agboola
Several wastes can be instrumental in the improvement of the mechanical properties of medium carbon steel when quenched. The quenching media employed such as coconut water (CW), pap water (PW) and spent engine oil (SPE) have been largely considered as wastes. The data in this article are related to the research article titled "Mechanical Properties Improvement Evaluation of Medium Carbon Steels Quenched in Different Media" (Ikubanni et al., 2017) [1]. The article provides information on the mechanical properties evaluation of medium carbon steel quenched in different media. Twenty-seven (27) samples of medium carbon steel samples were heated to temperatures of 730 °C, 760 °C and 790 °C and soaked for 30, 45 and 60 min respectively. The test results recorded include hardness value, yield strength (YS) and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) for each of the samples at different heating temperatures and soaking time for the different quenching media.
Formation of Ceiling Boards by the Combination of Sugarcane Bagasse and Rice Husk.
(ICGET, 2018-10-26) Seun Jesuloluwa; Ige Bori
Constructing housing components from agricultural wastes have become a special area of research in engineering. Hence a lot of resources is pushed into this to obtain sustainable, eco-friendly and low-cost houses. This work studies some properties of ceiling boards produced from sugarcane bagasse and rice husk. The ceiling boards were produced using water, cement as binder with binder composite ratio of 3:2 by weight, sugarcane bagasse and rice husk of varying ratios by weight from 100% of bagasse to 0% of it with a 25% decrease. The compression of the boards was done manually using moulded block as weight. From the results, it was observed that the ceiling board produced with 100% sugarcane bagasse has better properties to be considered for ceiling board as compared with the most commonly used ceiling boards like Plaster of Paris(POP), asbestos and Poly Vinyl Chloride(PVC). The properties examined are thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity, water absorption and density. The better ceiling board has thermal conductivity to be 2.27W/mK, thermal resistivity of 0.441 mK/W, water absorption of 16.89 and density of 470.3 kg/m3
Dataset on the evaluation of chemical and mechanical properties of steel rods from local steel plants and collapsed building sites
(Elsevier, 2018-11-02) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; J.K. Odusote; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; O.A. Lasode; O.O. Agboola; A. Ammasi; K.R. Ajao
The quality of steel rods used in structural applications has been subjected to continuous scrutiny by researchers in Nigeria. In this data article, the experimental data on the chemical and mechanical properties of steel rods from collapsed building sites and local steel plants have been reported. The chemical composition consisting of carbon, manganese, silicon, sulphur, phosphorus among other elements were recorded using an optical emission spectrometer. Some of the main elements were used to evaluate the carbon equivalent value and the results are reported in this article. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation were also presented as obtained from the universal testing machine. The hardness values of the steel rod samples were also presented
Physico-Mechanical Properties of Particleboards Produced from Locally Sourced Materials
(Trans Tech Publications, 2018-11-08) Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Adeolu Adesoji Adediran; O.O. Agboola
In this study, particleboard was produced from the blend of sawdust and rice husk with the inclusion of metallic chips and adhesives. Urea formaldehyde and gelatinous starch were used as adhesives. Particleboards (10 mm thickness) were made from varying weight percentage ratio of saw dust and rice husk using pressure in the neighbourhood of 3 N/mm2 . The particleboard was tested to determine the density, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bonding strength (IBS). The density of the particleboards developed varies from 762.86 to 801.60 kg/m3 . The moisture content of the samples varied between 9.22% and 9.98%. The MOR, MOE and IB values varied between 5.08 MPa and 26.08 MPa; 75.38 MPa and 412.4 MPa; and 0.013 MPa to 0.07 MPa, respectively. Composite samples C, E and H values for MOR, MOE and IBS gave significant results which met with the EN, ANSI A 208.1 and USDA standards. Hence, the admixture of rice husk and sawdust together with UF adhesive will be suitable in producing particleboard that could be useful for indoor and outdoor purposes.
A Comparative Analysis of the Well Performance of Vertical, Horizontal and Multilateral Well
(Petroleum and Coal, 2019) Ameena A. Gaji; Petrus Nzerem; Oghenerume Ogolo; Ikechukwu Okafor ; Ternenge Joseph Chior
The demand for energy in the world has been ever increasing. Conventional technologies are being replaced gradually by different new technologies. Horizontal wells and multilateral wells have proved to be highly beneficial by improving production rates significantly. This study focuses on investigating the well performance of vertical well (Well V), horizontal well (Well H), and multilateral well (Well M) in the Hurricane field using PROSPER software. PVT matching, well modelling and well performance analysis was carried out. Sensitivity analysis was performed on key parameters such as tubing diameter, water cut, wellhead pressure and tubing roughness to determine their effects on well productivity. It was observed that increasing the water cut decreased the production rates of Well V, Well H and Well M by 41%, 36.1% and 33.5% respectively. An increase in the tubing diameter improved the production rates, wellhead pressure had high impacts on the well performance while tubing roughness had a minimal effect on oil production. The optimum production rates of 21,622.5 STB/day, 28,653.6 STB/day and 29,800.9 STB/day for Well V, Well H and Well M respectively were achieved at reservoir pressure of 3500 psig, wellhead pressure of 400 psig, water cut of 5% and a 5.5 inches tubing diameter.
Exergy Analysis of a Multiple Reflector Solar Box Cooker
(International Research Publication House, 2019-02-02) Olumuyiwa A. Ogunwale; S.D. Adewumi; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; T. Yahaya; John A.L. Ramonu
This paper presents the exergy analysis of a typical multiple reflector solar box cooker. The fabricated cooker having multiple reflectors experimented in the summer day period at the premises of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Thermodynamics analysis was conducted to obtain performance evaluation of the cooker through applications of energy and exergy equations at ambient temperature. The results obtained show an increase in the exergy efficiency of the cookers concerning an increase in the number of reflectors used in construction.
INFLUENCE OF TORREFACTION ON LIGNOCELLULOSIC WOODY BIOMASS OF NIGERIAN ORIGIN
(Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 2019-02-02) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Paswan Dayanand; Lasode Olumuyiwa Ajani; Malathi Madhurai
Torrefaction process is a thermal treatment that can improve quality of lignocellulosic biomass into a carbon-rich and hydrophobic feedstock which is applicable as fuel and metallurgical reductant. Biomass (Melina and Teak wood) of Nigerian origin was subjected to mild (240o C) and severe (300o C) torrefaction treatment at different residence times (30 and 60 min) and particle sizes (+0.5 - 2 mm and +4 - 6.35 mm). Raw biomass and biochar from torrefaction were subjected to proximate, ultimate, higher heating value and SEM analyses. The mass yield obtained for mild treatment conditions for both biomass was in the range of 72 - 84 (wt. %) compared to 40 - 54 (wt. %) under severe treatment conditions. However, 33 - 56 % increment in higher hating value was observed for severe treatment conditions as against 11 - 17 % of mild treatment condition. This ultimately led to a 60 - 72 (wt. %) energy yield for severe treatment conditions and 73 - 94 (wt. %). The fixed carbon content increased from the range of 8 - 11 (wt. %) to 20 - 61 (wt. %) after torrefaction. The volatile matter content under mild condition was reduced by 7 - 10 % for both biomass as against 41 - 47 % under severe treatment condition. The fuel ratio increased from 0.11 and 0.15 for Melina and Teak woods respectively to a range of 0.22 - 0.25 for mild treatment conditions and 0.97 - 1.75 for severe treatment condition. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios of biochar were lowered towards that of sub-bituminous coal and peat. A honey-comb-like structure with cylindrical holes were observed for biochar compared to the fibrous and spongy nature of the raw biomass. Biomass of Nigerian origin were improved under torrefaction and thus can be suitable as feedstock in thermal or metallurgical applications.
Physico-mechanical assessment of plaster of Paris bandage produced from locally sourced materials
(Indian Academy of Sciences, 2019-03-08) F A Adekola; Adebayo Isaac Olosho; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; O A A Eletta; S B Agaja
Despite the abundance of gypsum and other materials needed for the production of plaster of Paris (POP) in the country, Nigeria relies heavily on the importation of orthopaedic POP bandage. Therefore, the present study aimed at producing POP bandage (LPOP) from locally sourced pure gypsum and cassava starch. Physico-chemical parameters, such as amylose content, amylopectin content, water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling capacity (SC) and browning–charring temperature (BCT) were obtained for the starch binder. A slurry of pure gypsum powder and 2% gelatinized starch binder was impregnated on cotton gauze and cured in an oven at 180◦C for an hour to produce the LPOP. A comparative mechanical test was carried out on the LPOP and a POP bandage (CPOP) acquired from the market using a universal testing machine. The results showed that starch contains 9.06 mg per 100 g amylose and 24.1 mg per 100 g amylopectin which implied that it has a good binding property. The SC, WAC and BCT were evaluated to be 69.79, 81.94 and 190◦C, respectively. The yielding tensile force for LPOP and CPOP are 148 and 460 N, respectively. The horizontal compressive strength of the LPOP and CPOP are 1712 and 1595 N while the vertical compressive strengths are 1070 and 623 N, respectively. These results show that the LPOP produced from locally sourced materials compete favourably in terms of mechanical properties with POP bandage in the market. Thus, based on its strength, it is recommended for orthopaedic casting
Mild pyrolytic treatment of Gmelina arborea for optimum energetic yields
(Taylor and Francis, 2019-03-17) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; O. A. Lasode; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; M Malathi; Dayanand Paswan
One of the most promising routes to produce solid biofuel from biomass is mild pyrolytic treatment (torrefaction). In the present study, mild pyrolytic treatment of Gmelina arborea was carried out to obtain optimum energetic yields (mass yield, higher heating value and energy yield). The biomass of 0.5–6 mm particle sizes were torrefied at two different temperatures, 240 and 300°C for residence time of 30 and 60 min. Full-factorial experimental method was used for the optimization of torrefaction conditions in order to produce solid fuel with high energetic yields. The analyses revealed that torrefied biomass was better in terms of heating value, proximate contents and fuel ratio. The results also showed that temperature has the largest effect on the energetic yields compared to residence time and particle size. The optimum torrefaction conditions that produced the highest energetic yields were temperature of 260°C, residence time of 60 min and particle size of 2 mm as predicted using the factorial linear models. The optimum conditions were experimentally validated and the energetic yields obtained were acutely close to those predicted using factorial linear models developed in this study. Hence, mild pyrolytic treatment at a temperature of 260°C, residence time of 60 min and particle size of 2 mm is useful to produce solid biofuel with maximum energetic yields.
Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Reinforcing Steel Bars from Local Steel Plants
(Springer, 2019-06-06) Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Wasiu Shittu; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Olumide Adeyemo
Steel bars are important engineering materials for structural application. In Nigeria, due to incessant building collapse occurrences, it is important to further investigate some of the mechanical and chemical properties of reinforcing steel bars produced from scrap metals in order to ascertain their compliance with the required standard. Three diameters (10, 12 and 16 mm) of the reinforcing steel bars were chosen from each of the eight steel plants (A–H). Chemical composition analyses and mechanical tests (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation) were performed using optical emission spectrometer and Instron Satec Series 600DX universal testing machine, respectively. Hardness values of the samples were obtained by conversion of tensile strength based on existing correlation. The results showed that carbon contents, hardness values, yield and ultimate tensile strengths of some of the steel bars were found to be higher than the BS4449, NIS and ASTM A706 standards. The steel bar samples were also found to possess good ductility with samples from steel plants C and D. By observation, all the 12 mm steel bars from steel plants A to H met the required ASTM and BS4449 standards except samples from plant G. This study revealed that most of the investigated reinforcing steel bars have reasonable yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, ductility and hardness properties when compared with the relevant local and international standards. Therefore, they are suitable for structural applications where strength and ductility will be of paramount interest