Degradation of Crane Ropes in an Offshore Environment and Prognosis for Further Life

RoundTable – WIRE ROPE DISCARD CRITERIA - Zurich 1989

The paper reviews the methodology and results of research conducted at RGIT, and correlates these with data derived from the examination and testing of failed and discarded ropes from offshore cranes. The research programme entailed the cyclic loading of rope samples in a simulated marine environment. It was designed to establish the mechanism and characteristic of degradation. This was deduced to be predominantly fretting corrosion. Discard analysis established that the general rate of degeneration is slow in routinely retired ropes. Typically failed ropes showed very localized severe deterioration. A model linking the general and localized degradation is proposed.

Author: N.S. Edward