What are the types of industrial steel strands?
- Bonded Steel Strands
- PC Strand Unbonded
- Spiral Ribbed Steel Strands
- Indented Steel Strands
- Multistrand Steel Strands
- Coated Steel Strands
- Prestressed Steel Strands.
Industrial steel strands play a crucial role in various industries, providing strength and durability to a wide range of applications. From construction to manufacturing, these strands are indispensable in ensuring the stability and longevity of structures. Let's delve into the 7 types of industrial steel strands, exploring each of properties, applications, and more.
7 Types of Industrial Steel Strands
High tensile strength, firm connection with concrete, stable construction and good combination with steel-reinforced concrete are all bonded PC Strand or bonded steel strand characteristics. It also saves material, reduces distortion and construction weight, and increases stiffness, abrasion, and water resistance. Precast concrete elements like beams and columns are normally built using bonded steel strands, sometimes called fully anchored steel strands. This steel strand is also used in large structures because of its strength, toughness, and great bonding properties.
2. PC Strand Unbonded
Unbonded steel strands find most of their applications in post-tensioning due to their versatile nature. The utilization of anti-corrosion grease and polyethylene plastic allows the steel strand to detach from the concrete, facilitating free movement within the layer and enhancing construction convenience. Minimal friction between unbonded PC strand tendons enables easy bending into various curved shapes.
Moreover, these strands are constructed using high-strength steel wire coated with a substance that prevents corrosion. Thanks to its robust bonding properties, this steel strand is well-suited for distinctive structures such as cast-in-place concrete floors, heavy precast beam loads, massive concrete constructions like bridges, and high-rise buildings.
Spiral Ribbed Steel Strands, also known as spiral ribbed steel wires, are composed of high-strength steel wires with continuous helical ribs along their surface. These strands exhibit enhanced bonding characteristics compared to smooth steel strands, making them effective in reinforcing concrete structures. The spiral ribs on the surface of the strands contribute to better adhesion with the concrete, improving overall structural integrity. This type of steel strand is widely used in the construction industry for applications such as pre-stressed concrete elements, bridges, and other structural components where high tensile strength and durability are crucial. The unique design and features of spiral ribbed steel strands make them a preferred choice in various civil engineering projects.
4. Indented Steel Strands
Indented steel strands are akin to spiral ribbed steel strands in surface texture, but differ in construction as they are formed from a single steel wire instead of multiple wires. Renowned for its robust strength and enduring durability, this type of steel strand is commonly employed in the production of precast concrete components such as beams and columns. Its versatility extends across various industries, encompassing applications in construction, hollow slabs, and the manufacturing of high-speed railway sleepers.
5. Multistrand Steel Strands
Multistrand steel strands consist of small steel wires intricately twisted together to form a singular strand. Owing to its formidable strength and flexibility, this type of steel strand is ideally suited for the production of precast concrete elements such as beams and columns. Notably, compared to alternative steel strands, multistrand steel strands exhibit a notable ease of bending, rendering them a superb choice for applications in curved or irregularly shaped structures.
6. Coated Steel Strands
In terms of elasticity, coated steel strands closely resemble unbonded steel strands; however, they feature a protective coating to guard against corrosion. This type of steel strand boasts enhanced bonding properties and weather resistance, rendering it well-suited for applications in post-tensioning.
In terms of strength and durability, pre-stressed steel strands share similarities with bonded steel strands. However, they undergo pre-stressing to enhance the strength and stability of concrete constructions. This type of steel strand is renowned for its ability to withstand high levels of stress and is commonly employed in the construction of precast concrete components, including beams and columns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the types of industrial steel strands is crucial for anyone involved in construction, infrastructure, or manufacturing. Industrial steel strands can strengthen and stabilize concrete structures. Strand comes in many forms, each with specific properties and uses. It is important for engineers and contractors to understand the types of industrial strands so that they can select the appropriate strand for a specific project.
What is the difference between PC wire and PC Strand? 
