PRE-STRETCHED

WIRE ROPES & STRANDS

Pre-stretching is a process of cycling loading of the rope to within 50% of the
minimum breaking strength in order to remove the initial or the constructional stretch
of the rope.
The constructional stretch of the rope depends on the type of rope construction, the
length of the lay, the type of core, etc. For the stranded ropes the stretch varies from
about 0.25% to 1.00% depending upon the operating loads.
Benefits of Pre-Stretching :

There is no risk of variation of wire-ropes / strands in service.

The ropes / strands become rigid / compact in its construction.
The ropes / strands can be supplied in exact lengths.

Pre-stretched wire rope or strand has a definite and known modulus of elasticity.
Based on the actual observations, The M.O.E., value is calculated and certified
by Works.

Application / Uses :

Cables and suspenders for suspension bridges for vehicular and pedestrian
traffic.

Cables for pipeline bridges carrying large diameter pipelines.

Guys for tall communication towers and anttenas.

Cable supported large auditoriums, sports stadium and like structures.

Boom Suspension pendants for large capacity shovels and draglines (e.g. 52 mm
dia, spiral strand construction, boom suspension pendants for BEMLs 182m
shovels)

Steel plant applications like skip hoist were ropes are used in pairs, pre-stretched
ropes in matched sets can be used for better performance. However, these ropes
should be of ordinary or regular lay and steel core (IWRC).

If pre-stretched ropes and cables are not used for structures, then, apart from extra
time and money spent in pulling the cables / ropes by special jacks etc. and
providing special arrangements like screws and nut adjustments to regulate the
lengths to the assumed deflections and elevations of suspenders, cables of
suspension bridges, or Guys of towers etc., there is risk that inability to accurately
predict the precise extension of the cables may damage the stiffening trusses and
towers of bridges, masts of high antennas or cause overloading of the members of

cable supported roofs etc. These can result in heavy extra cost in rectification and
replacement of damaged members.
It is on account of these reasons that even BIS, after careful consideration, have
recommended use of pre-stretched ropes in their specification no. IS 9282 wire
rope and strands for suspension bridges.