Guy Strand | Madison Steel

Posted on January 23, 2015July 22, 2022 by Angela Fritsch

Common uses of Guy Strand

Guy Strand is commonly used in projects that require a lot of strength and stability. Some of the strongest variations are used to stabilize the tallest structures in the world. When Guy Strand is used to stabilize a structure, one end is attached to that structure, while the other is anchored to the ground. Guy Strand can be anchored to both hard and solid surfaces. This type of versatility is what make guy strand popular across multiple industries.

Telecommunications

We see Guy Strand used frequently in the telecommunications industry. This is perhaps the most commonly seen use of this product. Telephone and other utility poles are often stabilized with this type of wire. This is possible because guy wire can be manipulated to be extremely resistant to corrosion. A zinc coating is often put on top of guy strand during production to create a barrier between the wire and the elements. We often see guy wire covered with a yellow sleeve. This is to make the strand stand out from a distance.

Cable Railings

Another commonly seen use of guy strand is cable railings. Cable railings are often used in places where one wants an unobstructed view. Cable railing is used in both residential and commercial products. You often see cable railings in parking decks, balconies, and public walkways. Guy Strand is optimal for this because it is resistant to the elements and can be installed post-construction. The overall cost of maintenance of cable railing is low.

For more information on Strand steel products, or to place and order, contact Madison Steel, Inc.

Guy Strand

Posted on January 2, 2015October 13, 2022 by Angela Fritsch

Generally used to reinforce and add stability to tall structures, guy strand consists of high grade, galvanized steel woven into a 7- wire strand. Guy strand is coated with zinc to protect the wire from corrosion caused from exposure to the elements. Guy Strand is used to add stability to structures in many different industries.

Guy Wire is used in conjunction with utility poles. Utility poles typically have enough strength to stand alone. It is the utility wires attached to the poles that make them unstable. Guy wire is put in place to add balance to the utility pole. Guy wire is often coated with an insulator to ensure dangerous voltages do not reach the ground. Reflective yellow casing is used to make guy wire more noticeable to the public.

The telecommunications industry commonly uses guy strand for cell phone towers. There are 5 different types of cell phone towers. A guy tower is basically a straight rod supported by wires that attach to the ground as support. Guy towers are the cheapest to construct, especially at heights of 300 ft and beyond. Some guyed towers reach as high as 2,000 ft.

Oil Tempered Wire

Posted on December 26, 2014July 22, 2022 by Angela Fritsch

Oil tempered wire is a cold drawn, heat treated wire. The process of tempering increases the strength and hardness of the wire without making the wire more brittle. Tempering makes oil tempered wire perfect for springs and wire forms.

The springs used in car seats are often oil tempered wire springs. When oil tempered springs are covered with cloth cushioning, it provides plenty of comfort and support. The springs are often coated to avoid noise. This is especially important for infant car seats.

Another use of oil tempered wire in the automotive industry is in the filtration system for air bags. This filtration system is used to filter out dust and smoke in the air bag as well as smother flames during combustion. Oil tempered wire is perfect for this because it can handle the stress and heat pressure.

PC Strand in Stadium Construction

Posted on December 19, 2014October 13, 2022 by Angela Fritsch

PC Strand is a 7-wire cable made from high carbon steel. It is used in both pre-stressed and post-tensioned concrete construction applications. PC strand is often used in stadium construction. The new Atlanta stadium being constructed in downtown Atlanta will be made of post tensioned concrete slabs.

In July of 2014 a ground breaking ceremony was held for the new stadium. By September of 2014, the first elevated floor slab was framed and poured. These slabs were post tensioned concrete slabs. Post tensioned concrete slabs are pre-stressed steel cables inside sleeves positioned in form then covered with concrete. This same process will be used on each story of the new stadium. This process will ensure that the new stadium is sturdy as well as maintain the strength.

The new stadium is set to open in 2107. The new $1.2 billion multi-purpose stadium will be an iconic sports and entertainment complex.

Why is Galvanized Better than Non-Galvanized?

Posted on December 17, 2014July 22, 2022 by Angela Fritsch

We’ve all heard the term before, but what exactly is this process? Galvanization is simply the coating of steel (or iron) with a molten zinc covering. This zinc bonds with the steel and protects the underlying material from corrosion – especially rusting – and from light mechanical damages. Galvanization offers some tremendous benefits in the short term and over extended periods –we’ve assembled a quick rundown below:

Low Cost – Both Initially and Over Time

Iron-based products and alloys essentially require protective treatments of some sort, due to their susceptibility to oxidation. Galvanization is a factory process, and one that’s cheaper than most of the other coating options (especially labor-intensive ones, like the application of protective paints). Low upkeep requirements and a long effective life make it cost-effective in the long term as well – especially in remote areas where the cost of providing maintenance is considerably higher.

Rust Shielding

The zinc coating doesn’t just stick to the exterior of steel or iron – it actually bonds with it, creating a secure and complete protection that penetrates below the surface level. Not only does this protect the vulnerable ferrous material from the rust-inducing elements, it offers an additional layer of metal that rust must work through in the event of any contamination.

Cathodic Protection

Zinc’s electronegativity is greater than that of iron, making it an anode that will corrode in preference to the underlying metal. Essentially, this means that even if the outward zinc layer on galvanized material is chipped or otherwise damaged, the remaining material will still protect the exposed iron/steel by attracting corrosion to itself.

Ease of Inspection

Though the galvanization process is effectual and long-lasting, any coating will inevitably require some maintenance. Fortunately, this process is easy – galvanization produces a characteristic spangle, and a simple visual inspection is very effective in identifying damage to the coating (if it looks intact, it is intact).

Contact Madison Steel today for more information on steel products, or to place an order.