What is meant by PC strands (Prestressed Concrete Strands) ?

PC strands, also known as prestressed concrete strands, are high-strength steel reinforcements composed of multiple individual wires twisted together in a helical formation. They are engineered to withstand significant tensile forces, making them essential in modern construction.

By applying prestress to concrete, PC steel wire strands effectively counteract tensile stresses, thereby enhancing the load-bearing capacity of structural elements. They are commonly used in concrete components such as beams, columns, and other load-critical sections.

Prestressed strands significantly improve the overall strength and durability of concrete structures, which is why they are widely utilized in large-scale construction projects. Available in different diameters, lengths, and finishes, they can be tailored to meet diverse engineering requirements.

Construction Uses of PC Strand

PC strand is widely regarded as an essential reinforcement material in modern construction, offering superior strength and durability for a variety of projects. Common applications include:

• Bridges – enhancing load capacity and extending service life.

• Commercial buildings – providing structural stability for high-rise and large-scale developments.

• Parking structures and garages – ensuring long-term performance under heavy vehicle loads.

• Offshore platforms – delivering reliable reinforcement in harsh marine environments.

• Stadiums – supporting large-span designs and complex architectural forms.

• Highway projects – strengthening pavements, overpasses, and related infrastructure.

• Mining facilities – reinforcing heavy-duty concrete structures exposed to demanding conditions.

Overall, PC strand offers a dependable way to increase bond strength and structural resilience across a wide range of concrete applications.

Benefits of Using Prestressed Concrete Steel Strand

• Material efficiency – Its ability to support longer spans with smaller cross-sections reduces the amount of concrete and steel required, making construction more economical.

• Durability in harsh conditions – Designed with corrosion-resistant properties, it maintains strength and integrity even in challenging weather and environmental conditions.

• High load-bearing capacity – Thanks to its exceptional tensile strength, PC strand is well-suited for large-scale projects that demand superior structural performance.

• Versatility in options – Available in a wide range of sizes, grades, and strengths, it can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of different projects.

Mid-Continent Steel and Wire PC Strand Specifications

Our 3-wire PC strand is manufactured to the highest quality standards and is suitable for both pretensioned and post-tensioned prestressed concrete applications.

Specifications

• Steel designation		Nominal a				Specified
  Steel name	Steel number	Diameter dmm	Tensile strength RmMPa	Cross- sectional area bSnmm2	Mass per metre bMg/m	Permitted deviation on mass per metre%	Characteristic value of maximum force FmkN	Maximum value of maximum forceFm, maxkN	Characteristic value of 0,1% proof force Fp0,1 ckN
  Y1770S2	1.1345	5,6	1 770	9,70	75,8	± 2	17,2	20,3	15,1
  		6,0		15,1	117,9		26,7	31,5	23,5
  Y1770S3	1.1359	7,5	1 770	29,0	226,5	± 2	51,3	60,5	45,1
  Y1860S2	1.1346	4,5	1 860	7,95	62,1	± 2	14,8	17,4	13,0
  Y1860S3	1.1360	4,85	1 860	11,9	92,9	± 2	22,1	26,1	19,4
  		6,5		21,2	165,6		39,4	46,5	34,7
  		6,9		23,4	182,8		43,5	51,3	38,3
  		7,5		29,0	226,5		53,9	63,6	47,4
  		8,6		37,4	292,1		69,6	82,1	61,2
  Y1920S3	1.1357	6,3	1 920	19,8	154,6	± 2	38,0	44,8	33,4
  		6,5		21,2	165,6		40,7	48,0	35,8
  Y1960S3	1.1361	4,8	1 960	12,0	93,7	± 2	23,5	27,7	20,9
  		5,2		13,6	106,2		26,7	31,5	23,8
  		6,5		21,2	165,5		41,6	49,0	37,0
  		6,85		23,6	184,3		46,3	54,6	41,2
  Y2060S3	1.1362	5,2	2 060	13,6	106,2	± 2	28,0	33,0	24,9
  Y2160S3	1.1363	5,2	2 160	13,6	106,2	± 2	29,4