The mechanical characteristics of steel are assessed through various tests that evaluate its strength, toughness, and flexibility. These tests include tension, torsion, impact, bending, and hardness assessments, each providing crucial information about steel's suitability for specific applications.

The tension test is fundamental for determining tensile strength. In this test, a steel specimen is stretched using a gripping device until it breaks. The data collected during this test are used to plot a stress-strain curve, which highlights key properties such as the proportional limit, yield point, ultimate strength, and the point of rupture.

The torsion test involves applying torque to a cylindrical steel specimen to measure its twist and calculate the shear modulus. This test helps understand the steel's behavior under twisting forces.

Steel's toughness is measured by the Charpy V-notch test, where a notched specimen is struck by a swinging arm. The energy absorbed by the specimen during fracturing is calculated from the height difference of the arm before and after impact.

A bending test assesses steel's ability to resist bending forces. It involves bending a steel sample to a specific angle and around a predetermined radius, observing any cracking on the tensioned side to determine failure.

Lastly, the hardness of steel is gauged using the Rockwell hardness test, which measures the depth of penetration by a diamond cone or steel ball under a fixed load.

Together, these tests provide a comprehensive profile of steel's mechanical properties, guiding its use in various engineering and construction projects.