Abstract: A composite material, particularly useful for prestressing concrete and in stay cables for cable-stayed bridges and other such uses where strength, corrosion resistance and resistance to fatigue failure are particularly important, comprises high strength wire strand coated and impregnated with an impermeable and strongly adherent epoxy based resin. The impregnated and coated epoxy increases the flexural stiffness of the composite against bending fatigue in the areas of the anchorages in dynamically loaded situations and reduces relative movement and rubbing of the wires of the strand so as to reduce fretting and hence fretting fatigue, the principal mechanism for failure in dynamically loaded strand.

Abstract: Apparatus, for in-line cleaning of wire being formed, disposes abrasive elements in confronting relationships on opposite sides of the travel path and in surface contact with the wire running between them.

Abstract: A guy marker assembly consists of a mounting fixture for securement to the guy cable, and a marker sleeve which is rotatably mounted thereupon in an axially fixed position.

Abstract: A stone sawing strand consists of a plurality of component wires twisted about their own axes in opposite directions, and wound together in a continuous unidirectional lay. The saw made from the strand is capable of cutting a straight kerf through the workpiece, despite the absence of lay reversal. Generally, the component wires will be of high carbon steel and of square cross-sectional configuration, and the strand can be produced at a high rate of speed on a bow stranding machine.

Abstract: Multi-wire steel strand for use under repetitive cyclic load conditions, such as in mechanically pumped wells, is provided with end connecting pieces which are swaged into gripping engagement with the strand in a manner to avoid fatigue failure of the wire at the end connecting pieces, by avoiding abrupt load transitions in the wire. The swaging is such as to gradually and progressively transfer load from the wire strand to the end connecting pieces, preferably by virtue of a gradual and progressive increase of the grip between the wire strand and an end piece, considered in the direction of the terminal end of the strand on which the end piece is mounted, in order to gradually reduce the load in the end portion of the strand and avoid abrupt load transitions therein, which can act as stress risers. A lubricating sleeve insert prevents galling and abrading in the area of relatively slight grip where relative movement may occur, so as to avoid creating stress risers.