Art.

1–8] PRESTRESSING METHODS AND MATER ALS 15

frequently because galvanized tendons are not as strong as bright tendons of

the same size, since some of the diameter of the galvanized tendon is com
posed of low-strength zinc. As a result, galvanized tendons are materially
more expensive than bright tendons of equal strength. Furthermore, the
various types of anchorage devices used in post-tensioning with the parallel
wire systems either cannot anchor galvanized wire, due to the low coefficient
of friction, or cannot be used without damaging the zinc coating. For these
reasons, the use of galvanized wire is impractical with parallel-wire systems.
The use of galvanized, large-diameter strands is feasible under some con
ditions.
Prestressing steels, particularly wires and strands, are very susceptible
to a type of deterioration which is called stress corrosion. This type of
corrosion has occurred relatively infrequently and has never occurred in a
prestressed member after the completion of the structure, to the best knowl
edge of the author. Stress corrosion has been encountered during the con
struction of prestressed structures, however. Stress corrosion is characterized
by a breakdown of the cementitious portion of the steel, resulting in fine
cracks in the steel. These fine cracks render the steel nearly as brittle as
glass. Since little is known about this type of corrosion, there is no way to
be certain that it will not occur during construction of a prestressed member.
It is known that nitrates (not to be confused with the rust-inhibiting nitrites),
chlorides, sulfides, and some other agents can result in stress corrosion under
certain conditions. It is also known that the steel is more susceptible to this
type of corrosion when highly stressed; this accounts for the name stress
corrosion. Procedures which should be followed in order to minimize the
possibility of this type of corrosion developing during construction are dis
cussed in Chapters 10 and 11.
Although “as drawn” wire can be used in prestressing, virtually all wire
and strand used in this country is stress relieved. Stress relieving, which
consists of heating and cooling the steel according to a definite time-tempera
ture cycle, results in the wire or strand being more elastic at lower stress levels
without loss in elongation at rupture, reduces the relaxation of the steel at
normal stress levels, oxidizes any lubricants which may be left on the wire
from the drawing process, and results in the wires and strands being straighter
and easier with which to work. “As drawn” wire normally has a relaxation
that is 2% or 3%, higher than stress relieved wire, and it must be straightened
mechanically before it is used as prestressing tendons. Mechanical straighten
ing results in a reduction in the strength of the wire by about 5%. High
tensile alloy bars are also stress relieved, although this is not essential.
The major, desirable physical characteristics of the steel which is to be
used for prestressing tendons can be summarized as follows:
1. High strength which allows high prestressing stresses.
2. Small diameter or relatively large surface area of the individual tendons
achieve good bond characteristics.
3. Elastic up to moderate stress levels.