Standardization News

A new ASTM International standard will help concrete manufacturers that use steel wires in their products. The standard was inspired by the assessment of concrete railroad ties that used indented prestressing wires which had possible bond-related cracking problems, according to ASTM member Robert Peterman, the Mark H. and Margaret H. Hulings Chair in Engineering, Kansas State University.

The new standard is soon to be published as A1096, Test Method for Evaluating the Bond Quality of Steel Wire for Concrete Reinforcement. In developing the standard, a variety of wire geometries from different global suppliers were used. The test described in the new standard is based on ASTM standard A1081, Test Method for Evaluating Bond of Seven-Wire Steel Prestressing Strand.

Peterman notes that a Kansas State University research team found that wires with low bond quality can lead to structural deficiency while wires that bond too quickly – often those near the surface of the concrete – can cause longitudinal splitting along the wires. The new standard will help establish an acceptable bond range that corresponds to the specific needs of a prestressed concrete manufacturer, allowing for better specification in purchases and better standardized testing.

An ASTM section on prestressing steels developed the new standard. ASTM member Christopher Reeve, a metallurgical engineer with Insteel Wire Products, the section chairman invites participation from all parties interested in helping to develop and maintain standards related to single prestressing wire, epoxy-coated strand, compacted strand, indented strand, two- and three-wire strand and related products.

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

CONTACT Technical Information: Christopher Reeve, Insteel Wire Products • Gallatin, Tenn. • tel +1.615.451.6330, ext. 2762 | ASTM Staff: Kevin Shanahan • Phone: 610-832-9737 | Upcoming Meeting: May 17-20 • May Committee Week • St. Louis, Mo.