This specification covers deformed and plain stainless steel bars for concrete reinforcement proposed to be used in applications requiring corrosion resistance or controlled magnetic permeability. For each specimen, one tension test, one bend test, if required, and one set of dimensional property tests shall be made. For martensitic materials, two hardness tests shall be performed per lot of material. If the results of the test fail to meet the specified minimum requirements, a retest shall be permitted on two random specimens for each original tension specimen failure from the lot. If a specimen fails a bend test due to reasons other than mechanical or flaws, a retest shall be permitted on two random specimens from the same lot.

1.1 This specification covers deformed and plain stainless-steel bars for concrete reinforcement used in applications requiring resistance to corrosion or controlled magnetic permeability. The standard sizes and dimensions of deformed bars and their numerical designation shall be those listed in Table 1. The text of this specification references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.

1.1.1 Supplementary requirement (S1) of an optional nature is provided. It shall apply only when specified by the purchaser. In order to obtain a controlled magnetic permeability product, steel conforming to Supplementary Requirement S1 should be ordered.

1.2 The chemical composition of the stainless steel alloy shall be selected for suitability to the application involved by agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser. This is an important consideration in achieving the desired corrosion resistance or controlled magnetic permeability, or both, because these properties are not provided by all stainless steels.

Note 1—The alloys shown in Table 2 have found the most use in North America. Other alloys may also provide desired properties; consult with the manufacturer for stainless steel alloy properties and availability.

1.3 Bars are of three minimum yield strength levels, namely, 40 000 [280 MPa], 60 000 [420 MPa], and 75 000 psi [520 MPa], designated as Grade 40 [280], Grade 60 [420], and Grade 75 [520], respectively.

1.4 Plain rounds in sizes up to and including 2 in. [50.8 mm] in diameter, when specified for dowels, spirals, structural ties, and supports, shall be furnished under this specification in Grade 40 [280], Grade 60 [420], and Grade 75 [520], respectively. Bending properties, when required, shall be by agreement between the manufacturer and purchaser. Requirements providing for deformations and marking shall not be applicable to plain bars.

1.5 Weldability of most stainless steel compositions is generally good, however, pre-weld or post-weld procedures, or both, are necessary. Where material is to be welded, a welding procedure suitable for the chemical composition and intended use or service shall be used. Retesting of physical properties should be considered following welding procedures depending upon the steel composition and welding operation involved.

Note 2—It is recommended that the user consult the manufacturer for information available from the Nickel Development Institute (NIDI) (Toronto, Canada).

1.6 This specification is applicable for orders in either inch-pound units (as Specification A955) or in SI units (as Specification A955M).

1.7 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.