Overview
ISO 10144:2018 defines a certification scheme for continuous production of steel bars, rods and wires used for the reinforcement and prestressing of concrete. The standard sets rules to verify conformity with product standards (for example ISO 6935‑1 and ISO 6935‑2) by combining production/process assessment, sampling and testing, internal manufacturer inspection and third‑party certification decisions. Key goals are to confirm manufacturing capability, ensure long‑term quality and provide a framework for surveillance by certification bodies.
Key Topics
- Scope and purpose: Certification for continuous production of reinforcing steels to demonstrate conformity with product standards.
- Certification stages: Initial evaluation, review of evidence, certification decision/attestation, and ongoing surveillance.
- Production assessment: Evaluation of personnel competence, equipment and process control, independence of QA, and suitability of test equipment. A quality system such as ISO 9001 is considered acceptable if it meets the product standard requirements.
- Sampling & testing:
- Samples must come from actual plant production and cover the full diameter range applied for.
- Three representative diameters (smallest, largest, intermediate) are tested.
- For each selected diameter, specimens must come from at least 30 different bundles/coils (one sample per bundle/coil).
- Chemical composition testing from at least three different casts per selected diameter.
- Internal inspection by manufacturer:
- Conformance testing per cast: at least one specimen per 40 t and minimum three tests per cast/nominal diameter.
- Immediate corrective actions and segregation for non‑conforming casts.
- Determination and monitoring of a long‑term quality level using statistical methods.
- Long‑term verification: Manufacturer testing and surveillance over a period typically between six months and one year, with intensified surveillance if results are insufficient.
- Acceptance criteria: Uses characteristic values and acceptability indices (ks or simplified α values where applicable). Example simplified α values: tensile 15 MPa, yield 10 MPa, elongation 1.5%.
- Certification body requirements: Certification activities should comply with ISO/IEC 17065.
Applications
ISO 10144 is intended for:
- Manufacturers of steel bars, rods and wires for concrete reinforcement seeking product certification for continuous production.
- Certification bodies and inspection agencies conducting initial evaluations, surveillance audits and attestation.
- Specifiers, contractors and infrastructure owners who require certified reinforcing steel to meet structural safety and procurement specifications.
- Quality and compliance teams using statistical long‑term quality monitoring to manage suppliers and control production quality.
Related Standards
- ISO 6935‑1 / ISO 6935‑2 (product standards for reinforcing steel)
- ISO/IEC 17065 (requirements for product certification bodies)
- ISO 9001 (quality management systems - referenced as acceptable when aligned with product standard requirements)
Keywords: ISO 10144, certification scheme, reinforcing steel, steel bars and wires, continuous production, sampling and testing, long‑term quality.
Open preview (PDF)Steels for the reinforcement and prestressing of concrete — Certification scheme for steel bars and wires