1.1 This standard establishes the characteristics that steel wires must possess for their use as active reinforcement in prestressed concrete. 1.2 This standard is applicable to smooth, knurled or corrugated wires, supplied in rolls obtained by cold drawing a hot-rolled wire rod and subjected to a heat treatment that facilitates drawing. The wire must be subjected, depending on the type, to a residual stress elimination or stabilization treatment. In general, this standard is applicable to uncoated wires (black wire) unless previously agreed, and for special applications, in which coated wires may be used. 1.3 Wires whose resistance is achieved by quenching and tempering treatment and wires used in the manufacture of electrowelded meshes are excluded.