High Strength Galvanized Steel Wire for Bridge Cables

To accomplish the strengthening of galvanized steel wire for bridge cables, it is important to prevent the occurrence of delamination in torsion testing and to suppress the loss of strength during hot-dip galvanization. The enhancement of patented wire rod strength is more effective than increasing the total amount of drawing reduction to depress delamination. Silicon and Chromium, elements that enhance the strength of patented wire rod and reduce the spheroidization rate of cementite, are useful in suppressing the loss of strength during galvanizing. Based on these findings, the galvanized wires with high tensile strength have been successfully developed. The mechanical properties of the developed wires were equal to or better than those of the conventional wires. The fatigue and delayed fracture properties of new wires under allowable stress were also investigated.