Protected metal wires and fibers for reinforcement of concrete structures

Abstract

Metal wires for use in the reinforcement of a concrete structure. The metal wires included a metal core encapsulated by a galvanized layer of zinc with a protective passivation layer applied thereon. The passivation layer protects the galvanized zinc layer from being depleted by reaction with water, thereby limiting the level of corrosion protection provided. The level of corrosion protection is determined to be satisfactory when a total of 50 grams of the metal wires produce less than or equal to 3.0 cubic centimeters (cm3) of a gas upon immersion in a 1 molar (M) potassium hydroxide solution (pH=14) for 90 minutes. The passivation layer is provided by the use of dry-drawing agents during the drawing process of the metal wires.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.