Tensile tests on steel strands can prove to be problematic due to the nature of the tested elements: the mechanical stress is discharged near the clamping area due to the helical geometry of the component and the inhomogeneous clamping surface. This results in a higher risk for jaw breaks, which invalidate the test.
In addition, the determination of elongation requires non-contact strain measurement due to the type of specimen break—which would cause damage to a mechanical extensometer. Therefore, the non-contact lightXtens extensometer, which can be used for initial gauge lengths up to 900 mm, is ideal for testing of steel strands.