Low-relaxation
Prestressed Steel strand is an important material commonly used in construction engineering and other fields. The following is a brief introduction from the aspects of definition, characteristics, production process, application scenarios, etc.:
1. Definition
Low-relaxation prestressed steel strand is a steel strand made of multiple high-strength steel wires. After special process treatment, it has low stress relaxation performance. Stress relaxation refers to the phenomenon that the stress of steel gradually decreases with time under constant strain. Low-relaxation steel strand can maintain prestress more stably under long-term load.
2. Characteristics
High strength: high tensile strength (common strength levels such as 1860MPa) and can withstand large loads.
Superior low relaxation performance: under the same conditions, the stress relaxation loss is significantly lower than that of ordinary steel strand. For example, at 20℃ and the initial stress is 70% of the nominal tensile strength, the stress relaxation rate after 1000 hours does not exceed 2.5% (ordinary steel strand is usually about 8%).
Good durability: the surface can be treated by galvanizing, epoxy resin coating, etc. to enhance corrosion resistance and extend service life.
Convenient construction: good flexibility, convenient for transportation, tensioning and anchoring, suitable for complex structure construction.
3. Production process
Raw material preparation: high carbon steel wire rod is selected, and impurities are removed by surface treatment (such as pickling and phosphating).
Twisting: multiple steel wires are twisted into steel strands according to certain rules. The common structure is 1×7 (6 outer steel wires surround 1 central steel wire).
Stress relief treatment: heat treatment (such as lead bath quenching and tempering) is used to eliminate internal stress of steel wire, improve strength and reduce relaxation rate.
Surface treatment (optional): galvanizing, oiling, plastic coating and other treatments are carried out according to needs to enhance protective performance.
4. Main application scenarios
Construction engineering: used for prestressed components in concrete structures, such as bridges, high-rise buildings, large-span workshops, etc., which can reduce the cross-sectional size of components and improve crack resistance.
Bridge construction: as the main reinforcement of the cable-stayed bridge and prestressed concrete beam, it bears the bridge load and ensures the stability of the structure.
Geotechnical engineering: Anchor cables and anchor rods used for slope support and foundation reinforcement, which enhance soil stability by applying prestress.
Hydraulic engineering: Applied in structures such as dams and gates to improve the impermeability and bearing capacity of components.
V. Comparison with ordinary steel strands
Comparison dimensions Low relaxation prestressed steel strands Ordinary steel strands
Stress relaxation rate Low (≤2.5% for 1000 hours) High (≤8% for 1000 hours)
Applicable scenarios Long-term loads, high requirements for prestressing Short-term loads or low requirements for relaxation
Cost Higher Lower
Durability Better surface treatment, stronger durability Conventional treatment, relatively weaker durability
VI. Precautions
Avoid humid and corrosive environments during storage to prevent rust.
During construction tensioning, the tensioning force and elongation must be strictly controlled to ensure that they meet the design requirements.
The anchoring device must match the steel strand to ensure reliable anchoring and avoid prestress loss.
Low-relaxation prestressed steel strand plays a key role in modern engineering construction due to its excellent performance, and is particularly suitable for projects with high requirements for structural durability and stability.Low relaxation prestressed concrete strand