Prestressing steel wire is used for prestressing concrete structures.

Prestressing steel wire is made of wire rod which is either manufactured by cold-forming and subjected to a finishing thermo-mechanical treatment or through hardening and subsequent tempering.

Regulatory framework

DIBt grants national technical approvals (abZ) for cold-drawn prestressing steel wires. The wire surface can be smooth, serrated or have a special profile.

Please also refer to the applicable design and execution rules, cf., in particular, MVV TB, Part A 1.

With regard to the design and execution of structural works, please note that DIN EN 1992-1-1:2011-01 in conjunction with DIN EN 1992-1-1/NA:2013-04 does not contain conclusive technical rules for the use of prestressing steel wire as a tendon for internal bonded and unbonded post-tensioning. In cases which are relevant from a regulatory point of view, a construction technique permit (aBG) is generally required. DIBt grants general construction technique permits upon request.

The use of smooth prestressing steel wire for pre-tensioning of precast elements (direct bonding) at the factory is not permitted.