In a game-changing move for the construction industry, the First Construction Council (FCC) made waves in 2018-19 with its critical analysis of thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) bars – a cornerstone of reinforced concrete construction. Through a rigorous sample test of 26 TMT bar brands, the results revealed a startling reality: 18 out of 26 brands failed to meet quality parameters, as crucial elements like phosphorous and sulphur exceeded acceptable limits. The tests were conducted at a time when India’s infrastructure sector was surging, with an estimated Rs 5.97 trillion earmarked for construction investments. Despite the massive commitment to infrastructure, the quality of raw materials used in the sector was questioned. The FCC’s 2018-19 report made it clear that subpar TMT bars, often marketed by prominent players, could compromise safety standards – a shocking revelation for the country’s booming construction industry.Leading newspapers, including The Times of India, The Economic Times, Indian Express and The Hindu Business Line, reported extensively on the findings from the FCC, highlighting the significance of the issue and the widespread ramifications on India’s infrastructure sector.“The findings highlighted how renowned brands, despite heavy advertising, failed on basic quality checks,” noted Pratap Padode, President, First Construction Council. “This undermines the very integrity of construction projects.” He further emphasised that TMT bars form the backbone of any concrete structure and their substandard quality can have catastrophic effects.Following these findings, the FCC called for immediate action. The primary focus was to challenge companies, especially secondary manufacturers, to raise their quality benchmarks and ensure that all products met the required safety standards. FCC also urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take necessary steps to ensure that infrastructure projects adhered to stringent quality parameters. In response, NHAI wrote to its members, requesting them to enforce rigorous checks on construction materials and ensure that only certified, high-quality TMT bars were used in projects.The ripple effect of this report was swift and far-reaching. It sparked discussions across the industry, drawing attention to the critical need for stricter quality control measures and more research into construction materials. The report also prompted an urgent call for an overhaul in procurement practices, where cost-cutting measures were often prioritised over safety. Moreover, the FCC emphasised that many secondary manufacturers needed to step up and enhance their quality control measures if the integrity of India’s infrastructure projects were to be preserved.Taking significant steps to address the growing concerns in the steel sector, the Government took a major initiative by forming the Steel Research and Technology Mission of India (SRTMI). This apex body was established to facilitate joint collaborative research projects in the iron and steel sector of the country, with a primary focus on improving the quality and technological advancements of steel products, including TMT bars.Fast forward to 2025, and the FCC has once again taken the lead in testing and raising quality standards. In its latest report, the FCC tested 36 TMT bars, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that safety standards are not compromised. This follow-up study serves as a barometer for the progress made since 2018-19 and underscores the growing focus on quality in the TMT sector.Category: 8.0 mm Brands: Polaad 550D, Sunvik FE 550 Companies: Bhagyalaxmi Rolling Mill, Sunvik SteelsObservation of chemical tests: In the 8.0 mm category, several samples were tested across different brands. The carbon content ranged between 0.21 and 0.21 against a maximum allowable limit of 0.25. For sulphur, the minimum reading was 0.014, and the maximum reached 0.026 compared to the standard requirement of 0.040. The phosphorous levels observed varied between 0.024 and 0.049.Observation of physical tests: During the physical tests, the TS/YS ratio spanned from 0.038 to 0.075. The elongation percentage was recorded between NaN and NaN. All samples successfully passed the bend and rebend tests.Observation of other tests: The test results for mass per meter run, transverse ribs and mean rib area were consistent with the requirements and highlighted the overall compliance of brands within this diameter category.Category: 10.0 mm Brands: Polaad 550D, Super Shakti TMT Companies: Bhagyalaxmi Rolling Mill, Super SmeltersObservation of chemical tests: In the 10.0 mm category, several samples were tested across different brands. The carbon content ranged between 0.18 and 0.20 against a maximum allowable limit of 0.25. For sulphur, the minimum reading was 0.016, and the maximum reached 0.018 compared to the standard requirement of 0.040. The phosphorous levels observed varied between 0.034 and 0.038.Observation of physical tests: During the physical tests, the TS/YS ratio spanned from 0.052 to 0.054. The elongation percentage was not available for analysis. All samples successfully passed the bend and rebend tests.Observation of other tests: The transverse ribs and other related measurements complied with the specified requirements, demonstrating good performance across this category.Category: 12.0 mm Brands: Polaad 550D, ET TMT, Gallantt 500D CRS TMX, Elegant Steel QST Bars 550D, Sunvik FE 550 Companies: Bhagyalaxmi Rolling Mill, Electrotherm, Gallantt Ispat, Shakambhari Group, Sunvik SteelsObservation of chemical tests: In the 12.0 mm category, numerous samples were analysed. The carbon content was observed between 0.20 and 0.24, adhering to the maximum allowable limit of 0.25. Sulphur levels ranged from 0.018 to 0.024, within the acceptable threshold of 0.040. Phosphorus levels varied between 0.032 and 0.046.Observation of physical tests: The TS/YS ratio ranged from 0.050 to 0.070, reflecting structural stability. The elongation percentage varied between 0.33 and 0.37, ensuring flexibility. All samples passed the bend and rebend tests without issues.Observation of other tests: Measurements of mass per meter run, mean rib area and transverse ribs showed consistent results and adhered to the set standards for performance and safety.Category: 16.0 mm Brands: Polaad 550D, Gallantt 500D CRS TMX, Moira 550, National CRS TMT 550D, National TMT 550D, FE 500 D, Super Shakti TMT 550D Companies: Bhagyalaxmi Rolling Mill, Gallantt Ispat, Jaideep Ispat, Shreeyam Power, Shyam Steel Industries, Super SmeltersObservation of chemical tests: Samples tested in the 16.0 mm category showed carbon content ranging between 0.13 and 0.20, within the permissible limit of 0.25. Sulphur readings spanned from 0.015 to 0.034, and phosphorus levels varied between 0.016 and 0.048, with only minor deviations from the standards.Observation of physical tests: The TS/YS ratio ranged between 0.046 and 0.073, while the elongation percentage varied between 0.27 and 0.35. These results indicate good tensile properties and durability, with all samples passing the required bending tests.Observation of other tests: The mass per meter readings and rib characteristics met the necessary criteria, showcasing compliance with industry benchmarks.Category: 20.0 mm Brands: Polaad 550D, ET TMT, Gallantt 500D CRS TMX, Elegant Steel QST Bars 550D, National CRS TMT 550D, Sunvik FE 550 Companies: Bhagyalaxmi Rolling Mill, Electrotherm, Gallantt Ispat, Shakambhari Group, Shreeyam Power, SRMB SrijanObservation of chemical tests: Carbon content varied between 0.14 and 0.23, meeting the requirement of less than 0.25. Sulphur ranged from 0.020 to 0.032, and phosphorus from 0.021 to 0.063. Minor exceedances in phosphorus were observed in a few samples.Observation of physical tests: The TS/YS ratio was between 0.047 and 0.095, while elongation ranged from 0.30 to 0.34. All samples performed well in the physical bend and rebend tests.Observation of other tests: The test results for mass per meter run and rib structure indicated that the brands maintained the required performance metrics.Category: 25.0 mm Brands: Polaad 550D, Gallantt 500D CRS TMX, Elegant Steel QST Bars 550D, National CRS TMT 550D Companies: Bhagyalaxmi Rolling Mill, Gallantt Ispat, Shakambhari Group, SRMB Srijan, Sunvik SteelsObservation of chemical tests: Carbon content ranged between 0.13 and 0.22, within the acceptable limit. Sulphur readings were between 0.017 and 0.032, while phosphorus ranged from 0.025 to 0.056, with some samples nearing the limit of 0.040.Observation of physical tests: The TS/YS ratio spanned from 0.049 to 0.088, and elongation was between 0.30 and 0.34. All samples passed the standard physical tests.Observation of other tests: Compliance with mass per meter run and rib characteristics was observed, ensuring structural stability.Category: 32.0 mm Brands: Polaad 550D, ET TMT, Elegant Steel QST Bars 550D, FE 500 D, Sunvik FE 550 Companies: Bhagyalaxmi Rolling Mill, Electrotherm, Shakambhari Group, Shyam Steel IndustriesObservation of chemical tests: Carbon readings ranged between 0.16 and 0.20, well within limits. Sulphur ranged from 0.013 to 0.031, and phosphorus from 0.026 to 0.052. No significant outliers were detected.Observation of physical tests: TS/YS ratios varied from 0.039 to 0.083, while elongation ranged between 0.28 and 0.33. The samples passed all required tests for bending and rebending.Observation of other tests: Other structural parameters like mass per meter run and rib dimensions met the benchmarks, ensuring quality and adherence to safety standards.