Manufacturing process and application scope of prestressed steel wire

Cold-drawn prestressed steel wire is produced from high-carbon steel wire rods that undergo proper surface treatment before being cold drawn. The carbon content is carefully chosen, typically within the range of 0.6 to 0.9. Prior to cold drawing, the wire must be pickled, phosphated or treated through other methods. This process usually results in a cross-sectional area reduction of 50% to 80%, enhancing strength due to the principles of cold working hardening.Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire

Stabilization and Types of Prestressed Steel Wire

When cold-drawn prestressed steel wire is stabilized, it transforms into low-relaxation prestressed steel wire, significantly improving yield strength, elongation, and straightness while acquiring low-relaxation properties. In cases where it is galvanized, it results in galvanized prestressed steel wire, with the stabilized version termed low-relaxation galvanized prestressed steel wire.

Application in Different Industries

Steel wire is primarily delivered in coils, which can be cut into required bundles, especially for use in sleepers. The diameter of prestressed steel wire typically ranges from four to twelve millimeters, with 5 mm and 7 mm specifications being common in China. Although the material demonstrates high strength mainly in the axial direction, it is comparatively lower in the radial direction. It is essential to note that heating the wire beyond 400 degrees can severely degrade its relaxation and strength properties. When applying cold-drawn prestressed steel wire in pipelines, a thorough check for stress corrosion resistance is vital, while relying solely on the corrosion resistance of galvanized steel wire isn't advisable; thus, additional protective measures for the entire cable system are necessary. Cold-drawn prestressed steel wire is predominantly utilized in pipelines, particularly in those manufactured through the PCCP process.

Versatility in Applications

Low-relaxation prestressed steel wire demonstrates extensive applications in railway sleepers and prestressed concrete poles, although its use in building components and prefabricated beams is limited. Conversely, low-relaxation galvanized prestressed steel wire is frequently employed for cables in cable-stayed bridges, as well as hangers in steel tube arch bridges and prestressed cables for large-span structures. Unstabilized galvanized prestressed steel wire is typically used for suspension bridge cables.