What is the difference between steel strand and steel wire rope?

What is the difference between steel strand and steel wire rope?
Steel strands and steel wire ropes are both products made of twisted steel wires, but they have obvious differences in structure, characteristics and uses.

Structure: Steel strands are made of multiple steel wires, while steel wire ropes are made of multiple strands of steel wires. The lay length of steel strands is usually less than 14 times the diameter, while the lay length of steel wire ropes is generally between 5-8 times the diameter.

Characteristics: Due to its small lay length, steel strand is easy to bend and is usually used in situations where higher tensile strength is required, such as in prestressed concrete structures. Steel wire rope is famous for its high strength, large elasticity and good torsion resistance, and is widely used in lifting, hoisting, traction, transportation and other fields.

Purpose: Steel strands are mainly used to improve the tensile strength of concrete and the tensile strength of power transmission and transformation cables. There are two main structures: 17 and 119. Because of its complex structure and excellent physical properties, steel wire ropes are used as flexible accessories for cranes and in heavy-load and large-span situations.

Durability: Steel strand and wire rope are highly used in the construction industry and both are very strong and durable. The testing of steel wire ropes includes diameter measurement, length measurement and many other indicators to ensure its quality and safety.

In summary, steel strands and steel wire ropes each have their own unique advantages and application areas, and it is impossible to simply conclude which one is stronger. The choice of which product to use depends on the specific engineering needs and usage environment.