The Difference Between Prestressed Steel Wire and Strand

1. The appearance is different.

Prestressed steel wires are single high-strength steel tendons of different diameters, while prestressed steel strands consist of three to twelve prestressed steel wires. The prestressed steel strands used in prestressed concrete projects are usually composed of 7 prestressed steel wires. Specifications and models are expressed by the strength grade, number of strands, and single-strand diameter (or total diameter) of the prestressed steel strand.

2. Different uses.

Prestressed steel wires are widely used in concrete poles, prestressed concrete bridges, pressure pipes, railway sleepers, long-span roof trusses, and special structures in residential engineering. Prestressed steel strands are mainly used in roads, bridges and prestressed reinforced concrete, in addition, they are also used in large international airports, water conservancy dams, concrete protective walls of nuclear power plants, and high-rise buildings. For example, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport used a prestressed steel strand structure during its establishment.

3. The bundling method is different.

Prestressed steel wire usually refers to a single steel wire with a diameter of 3-6mm, and prestressed steel strand is made of two, three, five, seven, and other steel wires. When using, the steel strands are usually several wires as a bundle, and generally do not exceed seven wires. The specific number of strands should be determined according to actual needs.

4. The production process is different.

Prestressed steel wires are usually coated with metal or non-metallic coatings such as galvanized and epoxy resin to improve the durability of the product and prolong the service life. Secondly, in order to be better used in prestressed concrete, the surface is usually indented. After the stranding process is completed, the prestressed steel strand usually undergoes a molding process. After this process, the structure of the prestressed steel strand is made more compact, and the appearance is more conducive to the anchoring of the prestressed anchorage.