DJS 33:  20 23 
ICS 77.140.15  
DRAFT  
Jamaican Standard  
Specification  
for 
Hot rolled steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete  
 BUREAU OF STANDARDS JAMAICA  
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD:  
23 JULY  2023  – 21 SEPTEMBER  2023 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  IMPORTANT NOTICE  
Jamaican standards are subjected to periodic review. The next amendment will be sent without 
charge if you cut along the dotted line and return the self -addressed label. If we do not receive this 
label we have no record that you wish to be kept up -to-date.  Our address:  
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6 Winchester Road  
P.O. Box 113  
Kingston 10  
Jamaica W.I.  
------------------------------------------------------- (
cut along the line) ----------------------------- ---------------  
  JS 33: 2023 
NAME OR DESIGNATION…………………………………………………….………………………………………  
ADDRESS……………………………………………………………………….………….………………   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JBS CERTIFICATION MARK PROGRAMME  
 
The general policies of the JBS Certification Mark Programme are as follows:  
 
- The JBS provides certification services for manufacturers participating in the programme 
and licensed to use the gazetted JBS Certification Marks to indicate conformity with 
Jamaican Standards.  
- Where feasible, programmes will be developed to meet special requirements of the 
submittor.  
- JBS certification is provided in the interest of maintaining agreed -upon standard 
requirements.  Where applicable, certification may form the basis for acceptance b y 
inspection authorities responsible for enforcement of regulations.  
- In performing its functions in accordance with its policies, JBS does not assume or 
undertake to discharge any responsibility of the manufacturer or any other party.  
Participants in the p rogramme should note that in the event of failure to resolve an issue arising 
from interpretation of requirements, there is a formal appeal procedure.  
Further information concerning the details of JBS Certification Mark Programme may be obtained 
from the J amaica Bureau of Standards, 6 Winchester Road, Kingston 10.  
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION MARKS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product Certification Marks Plant Certification Mark 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certification of Agricultural Produce Jamaica-Made Mark 
(CAP) Mark 
DJS 33:  2023 
ICS 77.140.15  
Draft  
Jamaican Standard  
Specification  
For  
Hot rolled steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete  
Bureau of Standards Jamaica  
6 Winchester Road  
P.O. Box 113  
Kingston 10  
JAMAICA, W. I.  
Tel: (876) 926 -3140 -5/ 618 – 1534 / 632 - 4275  
Fax: (876) 929 -4736  
Website: www.bsj.org.jm   
E-mail: info@bsj.org.jm
Month 202 XDJS 33: 2023  
©202 X Bureau of Standards  Jamaica   
 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be 
reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including 
photocopying and microfilm, without permission i n writing from the Bureau of Standards 
Jamaica.  
 
ISBN XXX -XXX -XXX -X 
 
Declared by the Bureau of Standards to be a standard specification pursuant to section 7 of 
the Standards Act 196 9.  
 
First published 2005  
Revised May 2014  
Second Revision Month 202 X 
 
This standard specification was circulated in the draft form for comment s under the reference DJS 
33: 2023. 
 
Jamaican Standards establish requirements in relation to commodities, processes and practices, 
but do not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract.   
The attention of those using this standard specification is called to the necessity of  complying with 
any relevant legislation.  
 
 
Amendments  
 
 
No. 
  
Date of  
issue  
  
Remarks   
Entered by  
and date  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
ii iii DJS 33:  2023 
  
 
Contents                                                                                         
 
        Page  
 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  1 
3 Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  1 
4 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  2 
5 Chemical composition  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  3 
6 Requirements for deformations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
7 Measurements of deformations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  5 
8 Tensile properties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  5 
9 Verification of testing machine  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  7 
10 Bending properties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  7 
11 Test specimens  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 8 
12 Sampling and testing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  8 
13 Retests  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  8 
14 Permissible deviation in mass  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  9 
15 Finish  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  9 
16 Marking and identification  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  9 
17 Manufacturer's certificate  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  10 
18 Inspection  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  10 
19 Defects revealed after delivery  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......  10 
 
Tables  
1  Deformed bar designation numbers, nominal dimensions, unit masses and deformation 
requirements  ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..,.2 
                                                                                                  
2 Limits for manufacturer’s heat analysis of grade 400 steel  ………………………………………4
            
                                                          
3 Limits for purchaser’s product analysis of grade 400 steel  ……………………………………..4
            
    
4 Tensile requirements  …………………………………………………………………………………………….6
        
 
5 Bend test  requirements  …………………………………………………………………………………………7
                                                         
 DJS 33:  2023 
 
iv 
 Foreword  
 
This standard is a revision of and supersedes JS 33: 20 14. In this standard, the steel bars are sized according to their 
nominal diameter and the sizes are designated by a number in accordance with the actual bar diameter in millimetres.  
Changes to this standard include: the addition of the 25 mm bar size.  
The grades are identified by their minimum yield strengths expressed in MPa. A maximum yield strength limit has been 
adopted.  
This standard is compulsory.  
Committee Representation  
The preparation of this standard for the Standards Council, established under th e Standards Act 196 9, was carried out 
under the supervision of the BSJ's Building and Associated Materials Technical  Committee which at the time comprised 
the following members:  
 
 
 
Related Documents  
This standard makes reference  to the following:  
ASTM A706/A706M  Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Low -Alloy Steel Bars for Concrete 
Reinforcement  
ASTM E4    Standard Practices for Force Calibration and Verification of Testing Machines  
AWS D1.4/D1.4M   Structural Welding Code  -Steel Reinforcing Bars  
CSA G30. 18   Carbon steel bars for concrete reinforcement  
ISO 6935 -2  Steel for the reinforcement of concrete Part 2: Ribbed bars  
SEAOC  Recommended lateral force requirements and commentary -  San Francisco  Seismology 
Committee, Structural Engineers Association of California, 1996  DJS 33:  2023 
 
1 
 Draft Jamaican standard specification for Hot rolled steel 
bars for the reinforcement of concrete  
  
1 Scope  
 
This standard specifies requirements for deformed and plain billet -steel bars, in cut lengths or 
coils, for concrete reinforcement. Bars are of two minimum yield levels, namely, 300 MPa and 
400 MPa designated as Grade 300 and Grade 400 respectively. The weldability requirements for 
the Grade 300 bars and Grade 400 bars are specified.  
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their 
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited 
applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any 
amendments) applies.  
ASTM  E4, Standard Practices for Force Calibrati on and Verification of Testing Machines  
3 Definitions  
              
For the purpose of this standard the following definition s appl y: 
3.1  
deformed bar  
bar intended for use as reinforcement in reinforced concrete construction and which contains 
on its surfac e, lugs or protrusions (hereinafter called 'deformations') which inhibit longitudinal 
movements relative to the concrete, which surrounds it in such construction. Deformations shall 
conform to the provisions of this standard (see clause 6).  
NOTE.  Plain undeformed bars are not to be used where longitudinal movement is expected.  
3.2  
longitudinal rib  
uniform continuous rib parallel to the axis of the bar.  
3.3 
nominal cross -sectional area  
cross -sectional area equivalent to the area of a circular plai n bar of the same nominal diameter.  
3.4  
product analysis  
chemical analysis of a sample from a bar.  
 DJS 33:  2023 
 
2 
 3.5  
rib height  
distance from the highest point on the rib (transverse or longitudinal) to the surface of the core, 
to be measured normal to the axis of th e bar.  
3.6  
rib spacing  
distance between the centres of two consecutive transverse ribs measured parallel to the axis of 
the bar.  
3.7  
transverse rib  
protuberance at an angle, either perpendicular or oblique, to the longitudinal axis of the bar.  
3.8  
lot   
any quantity of bars of one size and grade, whether in coils or bundles, produced by one 
manufacturer or supplier, presented for examination at any one time.  
4 General requirements   
 
4.1 The standard sizes and dimensions of deformed bars and their number designations 
shall be those detailed in table 1.  
Table 1  -  Deformed bar designation numbers, nominal dimensions, unit masses and 
deformation requirements  
 Nominal  
dimensions† Mass per unit length  Deformation requirements (mm)  
Bar 
designation  
number *  Bar 
diameter  
(mm)  Cross -
sectional 
area 
(mm2) kg/m  Permissible  
deviation  
(%)‡ Maximum 
Average 
spacing  Minimum 
average 
height  Maximum 
gap (chord of 
12.5% of 
nominal 
perimeter)  
6 6 28.3 0.222  ±8 4.3 0.30 2.4 
8 8 50.3 0.395  ±8 5.7 0.40 3.1 
9.5 9.5 70.9 0.556  ±5 6.7 0.47 3.7 
10 10 78.6 0.617  ±5 7.2 0.45 3.9 
12 12 113 0.888  ±5 8.6 0.60 4.7 
15 15 177 1.387  ±5 10.5 0.74 5.9 
16 16 201 1.579  ±5 11.5 0.79 6.3 
19 19 284 2.226  ±5 13.3 0.94 7.5 
20 20 314 2.466  ±5 14.3 0.98 7.9 
22 22 380 2.984  ±5 15.4 1.09 8.6 
25 25 491 3.854  ±4 17.9 1.26 9.8 
28 28 616 4.834  ±4 20.1 1.39 11.0 
30 30 707 5.550  ±4 21.5 1.48 11.8 
32 32 804 6.314  ±4 22.9 1.59 12.6 
35 35 962 7.554  ±4 25.1 1.79 13.7 
40 40 1257  9.866  ±4 28.6 1.98 15.7 DJS 33:  2023 
 
3 
  
* Bar designation numbers are based on the number of millimetres included in the nominal diameter of the bars.  
† The nominal dimensions of a deformed bar are equivalent to those of a plain round bar having the same mass per 
metre as the deformed bar.  
‡ Permissib le deviation refers to a single bar.  
 
4.2 The steel used for making the bars shall be made by one or more of the following processes: 
open -hearth, basic -oxygen or electric furnace.  
4.3 The bars shall be either rolled from billets or ingots or  made by the continuous casting 
process. Each heat shal l be properly identified.  
4.4 Hot-rolled plain rounds in sizes up to and including 50 mm diameter in coils or cut lengths, 
when specified for dowels, spirals and structural ties or supports, shall be furnished under this 
standard in Grade 300 and Grade 400 . For bending properties, test provisions of the nearest 
nominal diameter deformed bar size shall apply. Those requirements providing for 
deformations and marking shall not be applicable.  
5 Chemical composition  
 
5.1 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be  made by the manufacturer from test samples taken 
during the pouring of the heat. The percentages of carbon, phosphorus and sulphur shall be 
determined together with the percentages of any other elements the manufacturer considers 
essential to produce bars  that have the mechanical properties required by this standard. 
Elements commonly used include manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, 
vanadium, silicon, columbium, titanium and zirconium.  
5.2 The carbon equivalent shall be calculated using the ch emical composition as shown in the 
mill test report by the following formula:  
C.E. = % C + % Mn/6 + % Cu/40 + % Ni/20 + % Cr/10 - %Mo/50 - % V/10   
 
where:  
C.E. is the carbon equivalent  
% C is the percentage carbon content  
% Mn is the percentage manganese content  
%Cu is the percentage copper content  
% Ni is the percentage nickel content  
% Cr is the percentage chromium content  
% Mo is the percentage molybdenum content  
% V is the percentage vanadium content.  
 
5.2.1  For Grade 400 steel, in order to e nsure adequate weldability, the heat analysis shall be such 
as to provide a carbon equivalent not exceeding 0.55%.  
 
The chemical composition as shown by the heat analysis shall be limited  to the following 
percentages as outlined in table 2.  
 DJS 33:  2023 
 
4 
  
 
 
Table 2 -  Limits for manufacturer’s heat analysis of grade 400 steel  
 
Element  Maximum %  
Carbon  0.30 
Manganese  1.50 
Phosphorous  0.035  
Sulphur  0.045  
Silicon  0.50 
 
An analysis may be made by the purchaser from finished bars representing each heat of steel. 
The chemical composition thus determined shall be limited to the following percentages as 
outlined in table 3.  
 
Table 3 -  Limits  for purchaser’s product analysis of grade 400 steel  
Element  Maximum %  
Carbon  0.33 
Manganese  1.56 
Phosphorous  0.043  
Sulphur  0.053  
Silicon  0.55 
 
5.2.2 For Grade 300 steel only,  in order to  ensure adequate weldability, the heat analysis shall be 
such as to provide a carbon equivalent not exceeding 0.40. The carbon equivalent may be 
calculated using the chemical composition as shown in the mill test report by the following 
formula:  
 
C.E. = % C + % Mn/6  
 
The chemical composition as shown by the heat analysis shall be limited to a maximum of 0.05% 
phosphorus and 0.05% sulphur.  
 
An analysis may be made by the purchaser from finished bars representing each heat of steel. The 
phosphorus and sulphur  content thus determined shall not exceed that specified  above by more 
than 25%.  
 
6 Requirements for deformations  
 
6.1 Deformations shall be spaced along the bar at substantially uniform  distances. The 
deformations on opposite sides of the bar shall be similar in size and shape.  
 
6.2 The deformations shall be placed with respect to the axis of the bar so that , the included angle 
is not less than 45°. Where the line of deformations forms a n included angle with the axis of the 
bar from 45° to 70° inclusive, the deformations shall alternately reverse in direction on each side, 
or those on one side shall be reversed in direction from those on the opposite side. Where the line 
of deformations i s over 70°, a reversal in direction is not required.  DJS 33:  2023 
 
5 
  
6.3 The overall length of deformations shall be such that the gap between the extreme ends of the 
deformations on opposite sides of the bar shall not exceed 12.5 % of the nominal perimeter of the 
bar. W here the ends terminate in a longitudinal rib, the width of the longitudinal rib shall be 
considered the gap. Where more than two longitudinal ribs are involved, the total width of all 
longitudinal ribs shall not exceed 25 % of the nominal perimeter of the  bar. The nominal perimeter 
of the bar shall be 3.14 (i.e. π) times the nominal diameter.  
 
6.4 The spacing, height and gap of deformations shall conform to the requirements detailed in 
table 1.  
 
7 Measurements of deformations  
 
7.1 The average spacing of deformations shall be determined by dividing a measured length of 
the bar specimen by the number of individual deformations and fractional parts of deformations 
on any one side of the bar specimen. A measured length of the bar specimen shall be considered 
the distance from a point on a deformation to a corresponding point on any other deformation 
on the same side of the bar. Spacing measurements shall not be made over a bar area containing 
bar marking symbols involving letters or numbers.  
7.2 The average height of deformations shall be determined from measurements made on not 
less than two typical deformations. Determinations shall be based on three measurements per 
deformation, one at the centre of the overall length and the other two at the quar ter points of 
the overall length.  
7.3 Insufficient height, insufficient circumferential coverage, or excessive spacing of 
deformations shall not constitute cause for rejection unless it has been clearly established by 
determinations on each lot tested that  typical deformation height, gap, or spacing do not 
conform to the requirements detailed in table 1. No rejections shall be made on the basis of 
measurements if fewer than ten adjacent deformations on each side of the bar are measured.  
8 Tensile properties  
 
8.1 The yield strength and elongation of the two grades of steel complying with this standard and 
represented by the test specimens shall conform to the requirements detailed in table 4.  
The actual yield strength based on the mill tests shall not exceed th e minimum specified by more 
than 125 MPa. Subsequent tests shall not exceed this value by more than an additional 20 MPa.  
The tensile strength of any bar shall be at least 25% greater than the actual yield strength measured 
in the tensile test.  
 
 
 DJS 33:  2023 
 
6 
 Table 4 – Tensile requirements  
 
Yield strength  Grade 300  Grade 400  
300 MPa (min)  400 MPa (min)  
Elongation on 200 mm gauge 
length for   bar designation 
numbers.  Percent (min)  Percent (min)  
6, 8, 9.5, 10, 12  11 9 
15, 16, 19, 20 ,22 12 9 
25, 28  10 8 
30, 32, 35, 40  10 7 
 
 
 
8.2 Where the steel tested  has a sharp -kneed or well -defined type of yield point, the yield point 
shall be determined at the option of the manufacturer by one of the following methods:  
 
(a) Drop of the beam or halt in the gauge of the testing machine.  
 
(1) Apply an increasing load to the specimen at a uniform rate.  
(2) Keep the beam in balance by running out the poise at a steady rate, when a lever and poise 
machine is used.  
(3) When the yield point of the material is reached , the increase of the load will stop, but run 
the poise a trifle beyond the balance position, and the beam of the machine will drop for 
a brief but appreciable interval of time. When a machine equipped with a load -indicating 
dial is used, there is a halt o r hesitation of the load indicating pointer corresponding to 
the drop of the beam.  
(4) Note the load at the 'drop of the beam' or the 'halt of the pointer' and record the 
corresponding stress as the yield point.  
 
(b) Autographic diagramme method  
 
(1) When a sha rp-kneed stress -strain diagramme is obtained by an autographic recording 
device, the stress corresponding to the top of the knee or the point at which the curve 
drops shall be recorded as the yield point.  
 
8.3 When testing material for yield point and the test specimens may not exhibit a well -defined 
disproportionate deformation that characterizes a yield point as measured by the drop of the 
beam, halt of the pointer, or autographic diagramme method, a value equivalent to the yield point 
in its practical si gnificance may be determined by one of the following methods and may be 
recorded as yield point:  
 
(a) extension under load using dividers with a 200 -mm gauge length.  
 
The extension under load shall be 1.0 mm and shall be determined by scribing on the speci men a 
200 -mm gauge length, pivoting from a prick punch mark. The yield load shall be recorded when 
the total gauge length under load becomes 201 mm as measured by the dividers.  
 
(b) extensometer  
 DJS 33:  2023 
 
7 
 Attach a class C or better extensometer (see NOTE ) to the sp ecimen. When the load producing an 
extension of 0.005 mm/mm (0.5 %) is reached, the stress corresponding to this load shall be 
recorded as the yield point.  
 
NOTE.  Automatic devices are available that determine the load at the specified total extension with out plotting a stress -
strain curve. Such devices may be used  if accuracy for each has been demonstrated. Multiplying calipers and other such 
devices are acceptable for use provided that  accuracy has been demonstrated as equivalent to a class C extensometer.  
 
9 Verification of testing machine  
 
9.1 The testing machine used to determine the properties specified in clause 7 shall be verified 
at least once per year. The period of time elapsing between such verifications shall not exceed 12 
months.  
 
9.2 The verification shall be conducted by a source ap proved by the Bureau of Standards.  
 
9.3 Where a testing machine has not been verified in accordance with 9.1, or where such a 
machine does not meet the accuracy and reliability requirements of ASTM E4, the manufacturer 
shall not certify any bars as conf orming to the requirements of this standard.  
10 Bending properties  
 
10.1 Bend test requirements.  The requirements for degree of bending and sizes of pins shall be 
as detailed in table 5.  
 
Table 5  - Bend test requirements  
Bar designation number  Diameter of pin for bend tests  
 Grade 300  Grade 400  
6, 8, 9.5, 10, 12, 15, 16  2d* 4d 
19, 20,22  5d 5d 
25, 28  5d 6d 
30, 32, 35, 40  5d 8d 
* where d = nominal diameter of specimen. Specimen is bent through 180o. 
 
10.2 Bend test procedures  
 
10.2.1 General. The bend test specimen shall stand being bent, when at ambient temperature but 
in no case less than 16° C, around a pin without cracking on the outside of the bent portion.  
 
10.2.2 Apparatus. The bend shall be made on specimens of sufficient leng th to ensure free 
bending and with apparatus which provide the following:  
 
(a) continuous and uniform application of force throughout the duration of the bending 
operation;  
 
(b) unrestricted movement of the specimen at points of contact with the apparatus and bending 
around a pin free to rotate, or bending around a pin on a simple span with end supports free to 
rotate;  
 
(c) close wrapping of the specimen around the pin during the bending operation.  
 DJS 33:  2023 
 
8 
 10.2.3 Other methods. Other methods of bend testing may be used, but failures due to such 
methods shall not constitute a basis for rejection.  
11 Test specimens  
 
11.1 Tension test specimens shall be of the full section of the bars as -rolled for sizes No. 6 to No. 
32. 
 
11.2 As an al ternative to testing the full section of the bar as -rolled, tension test specimens for 
bar sizes over No. 32 may, at the option of the manufacturer, be tested by the reduced section 
type of test indicated in 10.2.1 . 
 
11.2.1 Specimens shall be machined from  the bar to a diameter of 28.65 mm (650 mm2 cross -
section) over a length of not less than 225 mm, with fillets at the ends of the turned -down section 
having a radius of 13 mm and using a 200 -mm gauge length. The reduced section may have a 
gradual taper fro m the ends toward the centre, with the ends not more than 1% larger in diameter 
than the centre (controlling dimension).  
 
11.3 The unit stress determinations on full size specimens shall be based on the nominal cross -
sectional areas shown in table 1. For reduced section specimens, the yield strength and tensile 
strength results shall be corrected by the ratio of as -rolled bar mas s to nominal bar mass.  
 
11.4 The bend test specimens shall be the full section of the bar as -rolled.  
12 Sampling and testing  
 
12.1 For the purpose of verification testing by the Bureau of Standards or other third party, the 
delivery shall be sub -divided into test units with a maximum mass of 50 t or a fraction thereof. 
Each test unit shall consist of products of the same steel grade and the same nominal diameter 
from the same heat or cast.  
 
12.2 One sample of sufficient length shall be taken from each test uni t for the following tests:  
 
(a) one tensile test  
(b) one bend test  
(c) dimensional verifications  
(d) chemical composition tests (product analysis)  
  
12.3 When a test specimen develops a flaw due to failure of the testing equipment or improper 
specimen preparation, it shall be discarded, and another specimen of the same bar size and grade 
and from the same heat or cast shall be substituted.  
13 Retests  
 
13.1 If any tensile property of any tension test specimen is less or greater than that specified, and 
any part of the fracture is outside the middle third of the gauge length, as indicated by scribe 
scratches marked on the specimen before testing, a retest sha ll be allowed.  
 
13.2 If the results of an original tension specimen fail to meet the specified requirements and are 
within 14 MPa of the required tensile strength, within 7 MPa of the required yield point, or within 
two percentage units of the required elo ngation, a retest shall be permitted on two random DJS 33:  2023 
 
9 
 specimens for each original tension specimen failure from the lot. If all results of these retest 
specimens meet the specified requirements, the lot shall be accepted.  
 
13.3 If a bend test specimen fails f or reasons other than mechanical failure or flaws in the 
specimen as described in 13.4 and 13.5, a retest shall be permitted on two random specimens 
from the same lot. The lot shall be accepted only if the results of both retest specimens meet the 
specifie d requirements. The retest shall be performed on specimens that are at air temperature 
but not less than 16° C.  
 
13.4 Where a test specimen fails for mechanical reasons such as failure of testing equipment or 
improper specimen preparation, it shall be disc arded and another specimen taken.  
 
13.5 When a test specimen develops a flaw due to failure of the testing equipment or improper 
specimen preparation, and is discarded, another specimen of the same bar size and grade and 
from the same heat or cast shall be  substituted.  
14 Permissible deviation in mass  
 
Permissible deviation in mass per unit length shall not exceed the limits detailed in table 1.  
15 Finish  
 
15.1 The bars shall be free from detrimental surface imperfections.  
 
15.2 Rust, seams, surface irregularities, or mill scale shall not be cause for rejection, provided the 
mass, dimensions, cross -sectional area and tensile properties of a test specimen cleaned to base 
metal by hand wire -brushing or other cleaning method are not  less than the requirements of this 
standard.  
 
15.3 Surface imperfections other than those specified in clause 15.2 shall be considered 
detrimental when specimens containing such imperfections fail to conform to either tensile or 
bending requirements . 
16 Marking and identification  
 
16.1 Marking of bars.  All bars produced to this specification, shall be identified  by a 
distinguishing set of marks legibly rolled onto the surface of one side of the bar to denote in the 
following order, such that each commercial length supplied by the manufacturer shall have at 
least one such set of marks:  
 
(a) point of origin - lette r or symbol established as the producer's mill designation.  
(b) size designation - number corresponding to the bar designation number in table 1.  
(c) grade of steel - number to identify the grade of any bar. The manufacturer shall  
use the following for:  
1. Grade 300 bars: 300  
2. Grade 400 bars: 400  
 
Adequate space should be allowed in -between each of these marks to permit easy differentiation. 
If necessary, where the transverse ribs intersect the marks the ribs may be omitted.  
 DJS 33:  2023 
 
10 
 16.2 Marking of bundles.  Each bundle of bars shall have a durable tag stating the manufacturer, 
the number of this Jamaican Standard (JS 33), the grade of steel, the nominal diameter, cast or 
heat number and country of origin.  
17 Manufacturer's certificate  
 
17.1 No bars intended for  the reinforcement of concrete shall be dispatched from the 
manufacturer's works until tested and certified to comply with the requirements of this standard.  
 
17.2 The manufacturer's certificate relating to each bundle shall be traceable through the heat 
number.  
 
17.3 The manufacturer's certificate shall state the process of manufacture, the chemical 
composition, the carbon equivalent and the mechanical properties applicable to each heat from 
which the bars purchased is derived.  
 
17.4 The purchaser shall be  provided with a copy of the manufacturer's certificate(s) for each 
delivery of bars from the manufacturer's works. When the bars are purchased from a supplier, a 
copy of the manufacturer's certificate shall be provided by the supplier on request.  
 
17.5 The manufacturer shall retain records of the unit masses, chemical composition, carbon 
equivalent and mechanical properties of the bars made from each heat of steel. These records 
shall be capable of being identified with the relevant bundles sold.  
 
 
 
 
18 Inspection  
 
An independent inspector approved by the Bureau of Standards shall have free entry to all parts 
of the manufacturer's works that concern the manufacture of the material ordered at all times 
while work on the contract of the purchaser is being p erformed. The manufacturer shall afford 
the inspector all reasonable facilities to satisfy him that the material is being furnished in 
accordance with this standard. All tests (except product analysis) and inspection shall be made at 
the place of manufactu re prior to shipment, unless otherwise specified, and shall be so conducted 
as not to interfere unnecessarily with the operation of the works.  
 
19 Defects revealed after delivery  
 
19.1 Should any material after delivery be found not to be in accordance with t his standard, such 
material shall be deemed not to comply with this standard, notwithstanding any previous 
acceptance, provided that it has not been improperly treated.  
 
19.2 Samples tested  that represent rejected material shall be preserved for two weeks from the 
date the rejection is reported to the manufacturer. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of 
the tests, the manufacturer may make claim for a re -hearing within  that time.  
 
  
 
 Standards Council  
The Standards Council is the  governing body of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica and is responsible for the policy and general 
administration of the Bureau.  
The Council is appointed by the Minister in the manner provided for in the Standards Act, 1969.  Using its powers in the Standards Act, the 
Council appoints committees for specified purposes.  
The Standards Act, 1969 sets out the duties of the Council and the steps to be followed for the formulation of a  standard.  
Preparation of standards documents  
The following is an outline of the procedure which must be followed in the preparation of documents:  
1. The preparation of standards documents is undertaken upon the Standard Council’s authorisation.  This may arise out of 
representation from national organisations or existing Bureau of Standards’ Committees of Bureau staff.  If the project is 
approved it is referred to the appropriate sectional committee or if none exists a new committe e is formed, or the project is 
allotted to the Bureau’s staff.  
2. If necessary, when the final draft of a standard is ready, the Council authorises an approach to the Minister in order to obt ain 
the formal concurrence of any other Minister who may be respo nsible for any area which the standard may affect.  
3. The draft document is made available to the general public for comments. All interested parties, by means of a notice in the 
Press, are invited to comment. In addition, copies are forwarded to those kno wn, interested in the subject.  
4. The Committee considers all the comments received and recommends a final document to the Standards Council  
5. The Standards Council recommends the document to the Minister for publication.  
6. The Minister approves the reco mmendation of the Standards Council.  
7. The declaration of the standard is gazetted and copies placed on sale.  
8. On the recommendation of the Standards Council the Minister may declare a standard compulsory.  
9. Amendments to and revisions of standards nor mally require the same procedure as is applied to the preparation of the original 
standard.  
Overseas standards documents  
The Bureau of Standards Jamaica maintains a reference library which includes the standards of many overseas standards organis ations.  
These standards can be inspected upon request.  
The Bureau can supply on demand copies of standards produced by some national standards bodies and is the agency for the sale  of 
standards produced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) me mbers.  
Application to use the reference library and to purchase Jamaican and other standards documents should be addressed to:  
 
Bureau of Standards Jamaica  
6 Winchester Road  
P.O. Box 113,  
Kingston 10  
JAMAICA, W. I.