Fatigue Properties

Fatigue testing determines the ability of a rope to withstand repeated bending under constant or fluctuating loading. There are a number of factors, which will influence the fatigue life of a rope. The primary ones are: size of sheave or drum; condition of sheave or drum; tension in the rope and the magnitude of the fleet angle. Testing requirements will be governed by the rope duty. One test is to fatigue the rope until the load cannot be sustained, i.e. until complete failure occurs. Another is to test the rope to normal discard criteria and determine the remaining strength.

• Does their material selection process recognize fatigue properties? • Do they have an active program to design in and test fatigue properties? • Is there a program in place to fatigue rate ropes, which are used in critical applications?

BRIDON has an active program to determine fatigue properties and specifies material of specific dimensions and properties, which will enhance fatigue performance. BRIDON designs and manufactures its ropes with fatigue in mind. BRIDON has machines for fatigue testing crane ropes.