To ascertain compliance with regional and international standards, this study investigated the mechanical and chemical properties of recycled reinforcement bars produced by Kenyan steel manufacturers. Tensile testing was performed using universal testing, and the results obtained evaluated against KS EAS 412 requirements. Elemental composition was conducted using an optical emission spectrometer to determine carbon and other alloying elements in the samples. Results indicated that manufacturer A rebars with YS and UTS values exceeding minimum thresholds, whereas Manufacturer B samples recorded lower yield strength (~475.0 MPa). Percentage elongation results indicated that 85.71% of the manufacturers met the minimum threshold set by KS EAS 412. All manufacturers, except F, failed to meet the minimum UTS/YS ratio of 1.08 required by KS EAS 412; Manufacturer F recorded a ratio of 1.07, slightly below the threshold. Overall mechanical properties conformity of the tested samples revealed that five (5) out of seven (7) manufacturers complied with the KS EAS 412 standard. Samples from Manufacturer T displayed elevated carbon content. The study concludes that while most locally manufactured recycled rebars complies with regional and international standards, persistent variations in mechanical and chemical properties highlight the need for stricter quality control in Kenyan steel production.
