This specification covers zinc-coated steel wire rope and fittings for use in the construction of highway guardrail. The base metal shall be steel made by any process and shall be of such quality that the finished wire rope and the individual zinc-coated wires shall have the properties as prescribed in this specification. The slab zinc when used for the coating shall be any grade of zinc. The wire ropes shall meet the specified requirements for: (1) mechanical properties including breaking strength and ductility, (2) dimension and construction, and (3) coating weight, adherence, continuity, and uniformity. Guard cable requirements including strands, lay length and coated wire diameter are specified. The individual wires shall be cylindrical in form, of uniform quality, and free of imperfections. Requirements for joints, splices, and fittings as well as rope test specimen are detailed.

1.1 This specification covers ³/₄ and 1-in. (19 and 25-mm) metallic-coated steel wire rope and fittings for use in the construction of highway guardrail.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.