Rebar Quality Checks on Delivery: A Site Checklist
What to check when rebar arrives on site: certificates, heat numbers, bar markings, diameter by weight, bundle tags, surface condition, bending and SASO conformity.
Saudi Steel Work Editorial Team · · 3 min read
Short answer: When rebar arrives, check that the delivery note matches the order, mill certificates and SASO documents cover each heat, bundle tags and rolled-in bar markings match the certificates, bar diameters are confirmed by weighing a measured length, and the surface is free of loose rust, oil or damage. Quarantine anything that does not match.
Catching non-conforming rebar at the gate is far cheaper than finding it after concrete is poured. Use this checklist on every delivery.
1. Paperwork
- Delivery note matches the purchase order (diameter, quantity, length)
- Mill test certificate for each heat number (what a certificate shows)
- SASO conformity documentation where required (SASO guide)
- Certificates state the specified standard and grade, e.g. ASTM A615 Gr.60
2. Identification
- Bundle tags show heat number, diameter, grade and weight
- Rolled-in bar markings show producer, size and grade (A615 markings)
- Heat numbers on tags appear on the certificates
3. Dimensions and mass
- Cut a sample of known length (e.g. 1 m)
- Weigh it and compare with nominal kg/m (rebar weight chart)
- Confirm within the standard's permitted mass tolerance
- Check lengths of a sample of bars
4. Surface condition
- No loose or flaky rust, pitting or section loss (what rust is acceptable)
- No oil, paint or mud contamination
- No visible cracks, laps or seams
5. Cut-and-bend deliveries
- Bundles tagged by bar mark matching the BBS
- Spot-check shapes and dimensions against the schedule
- No cracks at bends
6. Testing
Projects may require independent tensile and bend tests on samples per lot. Coordinate sampling with the consultant and an accredited lab.
Recording and non-conformance
Log each delivery with photos and results. Quarantine non-conforming bars, label them clearly, and notify the supplier in writing.
See also steel quality inspection checklist and our reinforcement steel.