Returning to Question 4, what is the significance of the prescribed or controlled tensile properties?
USAGE Q12: It was noted in the Answer to Question I that the A706 specification was issued over 15 years ago. Is any information available regarding the demand, or are there any data on the past and current usage of A 706 bars? A: It is rather difficult to report meaningful information on the demand, and consequently, on the usage and availability of A706 reinforcing bars. Hard data on these important aspects are sparse. Q13: Please elaborate on usage. A: Perhaps it is best to begin to describe usage by relating to current practices in the marketplace. Consider cast-in-place concrete construction first. Even on the West Coast, where the campaign for the A706 specification began, Structural Engineers often specify reinforcing bars for seismic-resistant structures as: “The reinforcing bars shall conform to ASTM A706-XX; or to ASTM A615-XX, Grade 60, except (1) the maximum yield strength shall be 78,000 psi, and (2) the tensile strength shall not be less than 1.25 times the actual yield s
