What's the difference between aircraft cables and prestressing strands?
For example, is there any reason to use 3/8" aircraft cables instead of 3/8" strands
to strip/handle precast concrete members?
As I understand it, aircraft cable is most often a high strand count 6x39 or higher. Where prestressing strands I see are typically fewer, larger strands.
So aircraft cable will have additional flexibility and fatigue resistance (generally considered positive traits for handling/rigging), but less abrasion resistance.
They’re quite different. Aircraft cable generally has finer strands, typically has spacer materials (fibre etc), and lower yield strength. It’s wire rope.
Prestress cable is chunky rigid strands, very high yield stress.