TreeStuff.com Accelerated Rope Wear Testing

[frashdog]

I could state your whole testing methods are irrelevant based on the fact you base it on the variable of a weak, sorry wear point that does not exist in our profession.

Do we really use the same point on a rope with limited run? That would help quantify your results in a controlled environment. This is peer review my friend. You did put it out there...maybe I'm wrong. I'll apologize preempt if in contempt.

 

[bonner1040]

No worries! The test is not meant to exactly replicate real-world scenarios, that is impossible. This is simply some interesting data to talk about nothing more. In truth I was never a believer in cycles to failure until doing my own testing. I find the dramatic strength loss from such a low load cycle as it relates to MBS incredibly interesting though


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[Treezybreez]

I think the main reason for testing is to demonstrate cycles to failure and compare the difference in strength loss rope to rope and brand to brand.

 

[frashdog]

No worries! The test is not meant to exactly replicate real-world scenarios, that is impossible. This is simply some interesting data to talk about nothing more. In truth I was never a believer in cycles to failure until doing my own testing. I find the dramatic strength loss from such a low load cycle as it relates to MBS incredibly interesting though


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Right on. I agree it's all incredibly interesting, thanks for putting the effort forth...Most worthy! Can't imagine what I'd do with a break test machine. If I come for a day or two with lots of stuff to break, can I get a better deal?

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

Do we really use the same point on a rope with limited run? That would help quantify your results in a controlled environment. This is peer review my friend. You did put it out there...maybe I'm wrong. I'll apologize preempt if in contempt.

Rope bridge with a ring or pulley comes to mind.

 

[bonner1040]

Right on. I agree it's all incredibly interesting, thanks for putting the effort forth...Most worthy! Can't imagine what I'd do with a break test machine. If I come for a day or two with lots of stuff to break, can I get a better deal?

Lol. Yeah for sure


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[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

Rope bridge with a ring or pulley comes to mind.

Wouldn't it be interesting to know the difference between a ring and a pulley.

 

[treebilly]

Yes it would

 

[NE Tree]

Wouldn't it be interesting to know the difference between a ring and a pulley.

I have a feeling it's substantial. That's only a guess. I would love to see stone results. ..even on a bridge

 

[JeffGu]

I think the most useful information is going to be seeing the differences between rope types, makers, materials, etc. and I think that info will be highly relevant.
Nick, consider taking a decent, close up picture of each rope at the end of it's test (before breaking it)... what a highly compromised rope looks like with that kind of wear should also prove very useful for some people. I've often looked at a section of a rope and wondered just how much it has been weakened. Pics might give us a rough idea as to whether we're retiring ropes to soon, or worrying too much about minor damage. Just a thought.

 

[bonner1040]

New results posted.

 

[evo]

What about heat? Is that a factor?

 

[GregManning]

Nick, I assume that the black color on ropes is just surface metal from the pulley / block.
Any attempt to measure the heat generated in that area ?
There are lots of inexpensive IR temp devices.

 

[bonner1040]

I am sure heat is a factor. The IR thermometers i used arent consistent. The black dust is wear, glazing and metal.

 

[Treezybreez]

I vote for Sampson rope all the way. Pretty interested to see how the double braid rigging lines compare. I find that "Stable Braid" does not glaze like "Husky" or milk like "Poldyne".

 

[GregManning]

There are also heat indicating crayons & tape that could be applied to the metal ?
Have not looked at the temp ranges in quite a while.

 

[frashdog]

New results posted.

Ok, guess nobody who sees these results are ever gonna buy a teufelberger rope. Have they contacted you yet to get you to stop making them look bad. Hey...who's next, please don't stop. If you do, I understand.

 

[frashdog]

No worries! The test is not meant to exactly replicate real-world scenarios, that is impossible. This is simply some interesting data to talk about nothing more. In truth I was never a believer in cycles to failure until doing my own testing. I find the dramatic strength loss from such a low load cycle as it relates to MBS incredibly interesting though


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I respectfully disagree that it is impossible to replicate real world examples.

Another variable not mentioned is the time after the cycles before break testing. Try the same test. Wait 24hours, maybe massage/relax the rope at that known failure point a bit to recreate repeated coiling/bagging and see what happens.

 

[Waldo]

It would be interesting to send in some old, retired climbing lines to see what those break at. It would be difficult to judge the cycles that any given rope has gone through. I would love to have a mobile breaking machine at some of the climbing comps to break DQ'ed gear. There is always those guys that show up with a lanyard or rope that looks like it has gone over a cheese grater a couple times.

 

[JeffGu]

Love the pics. Damage looks like mostly heat fatigue. Having used 16-strand climbing ropes for rigging lines, I can't say their toughness is any surprise. I suspect all of those will fair well.
The more loosely braided composite rigging lines like Husky and Polydyne, compared to the polyester lines like Sta-Set, Stable Braid, etc. should be interesting. I'm thinking the all polyester ropes will fair better in this test. Pound them hard with a drop sled and that might be a whole different story.

Already getting interesting, though. Keep up the good work, Nick.