ASTM D4268-93

Standard Test Methods for Testing Fiber Ropes (Withdrawn 2002)

SCOPE
1.1 These test methods specify procedures to determine diameter and circumference (Section 8), linear density (Section 14), breaking force (Section 21), and elongation (Sections 28 and 36)) of fiber ropes except those ropes incorporating steel wire. (See MIL-STD-191)
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values provided in parentheses are provided for information purposes only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Additional precautions for these test methods are given in Section 5.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1992
• Withdrawal Date: 09-Jun-2002
• ICS: 59.080.50 - Ropes
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles

Standards Content (Sample)

Designation: D 4268 – 93
Standard Test Methods for
Testing Fiber Ropes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4268; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2.1 Discussion—pick count is reported in picks per
metre, picks per foot, picks per inch, etc.
1.1 These test methods specify procedures to determine
3.1.3 pick count, n—in braided rope, the number of strands
diameter and circumference (Section 8), linear density (Section
rotating in one direction in one cycle length.
14), breaking force (Section 21), and elongation (Sections 28
3.1.4 elongation, n—the ratio of the change in length of a
and 36)) of fiber ropes except those ropes incorporating steel
rope during application of tension to the original length of the
wire. (See .)
rope when new.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.4.1 non-elastic elongation (NE), n—of rope, elongation
standard. The values provided in parentheses are provided for
after cyclic tensioning the rope to a specified force for a
information purposes only.
specified number of cycles.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4.2 recoverable elongation (CE), n—of rope, elongation
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
which may be reclaimed following a period of rope relaxation
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
after the rope was cyclic tensioned.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.4.3 residual elongation (RE), n—of rope, elongation
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Additional precau-
after cyclic tensioning the rope to a specified force for a
tions for these test methods are given in Section 5.
specified number of cycles and allowing the rope to relax for a
2. Referenced Documents specified period of time.
3.1.4.4 working elongation (WE), n—of rope, elongation
2.1 ASTM Standards:
which is immediately recoverable when tension is removed
D 76 Specification for Tensile Testing Machines for Tex-
from the rope.
tiles
3.1.4.5 total elongation (TE), n—of rope, the entire elonga-
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
tion at any given applied force.
E 4 Practices for Force Verification of Test Machines
3.1.5 extension, n—the ratio of the change in length of a
E 74 Practice for Calibration of Force Measuring Instru-
rope during application of tension to the length of the rope
ments for Verifying the Load Indication of Testing Ma-
immediately before application of that load.
chines
3.1.6 fiber rope, n—a rope produced primarily from textile
2.2 Military Standard :
fibers.
MIL-STD-191
3.1.7 fid, n—a wooden or hard plastic tapered tool used as
3. Terminology
an aid in rope splicing.
3.1.8 hockle, n—in rope, a strand kink in a rope causing
3.1 Definitions:
yarn displacement in the strand resulting in rope deformation
3.1.1 braided rope, n—a cylindrically produced rope made
and damage.
by intertwining, maypole fashion, several to many strands
3.1.9 kink, n—in rope, an abrupt bend or loop in the rope
according to a definite pattern with adjacent strands normally
which is the result of an unbalanced twist relationship in the
containing yarns of the opposite twist.
rope structure.
3.1.2 cycle length, n—in braided rope, the distance, parallel
3.1.10 plaited rope, n—rope made from eight strands ar-
to the rope axis, of the strand to make one revolution around
ranged in four pairs in which one strand is placed adjacent to
the rope.
the second in each pair and in which each strand in each pair
has been twisted in one direction while each strand in each
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-13 on
alternate pair has been twisted in the opposite direction and the
Textiles and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.16 on Ropes and
Cordage.
four pairs of strands are intertwined maypole fashion in a
Current edition approved July 15, 1993. Published September 1993. Originally
manner such that each pair of strands passes over and under
published as D 4268 – 83. Last previous edition D 4268 – 93.
2 adjacent pair of strands (syn. eight strand rope)
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
3.1.11 tuck, n—in rope, a free strand of the rope placed
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
between rope strands during rope splicing.
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 4268
3.1.12 reference tension, n—a low tensile force, generally machine operator must be either far enough away from the
about 1 % of the rope breaking strength, calculated in accor- testing machine or be behind barriers that will protect them if
dance with 11.2, and used for initial rope tension determina- the broken rope should snap back and whiplash out of the test
tions. machine.
3.1.13 rope, n—a compact and flexible, generally torsion- 5.2 One can not expect a fiber rope that breaks at a specific
ally balanced continuous structure, greater than 4 mm ( ⁄32 9) force as determined using this test procedure to break at that
diameter capable of applying or transmitting tension between same force if the rope is subjected to a sudden force such as
two points. while arresting a falling mass or if the rope is distorted by a
3.1.14 strand, n—in fiber rope, an ordered assemblage of knot, a kink or other such distortion. A knot, kink or other such
textile yarns used to make fiber rope. distortion of the rope structure may reduce the breaking force
3.1.15 twisted or laid rope, n—rope made from three or as much as 60 %.
more strands which are twisted or laid together in a twist
6. Sampling
direction opposite to the twist in the strands.
6.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for acceptance testing,
3.1.16 For definitions of other textile terms used in these test
take at random the number of spools, reels, coils, or other
methods, refer to Terminology D 123.
shipping units directed in an applicable material specification
4. Significance and Use
or other agreement between the purchaser and supplier. Con-
sider spools, reels, coils, or other shipping units to be the
4.1 Test Methods D 4268 for the determination of size,
primary sampling units.
linear density, breaking force, and elongation may be used for
acceptance testing of commercial shipments of fiber ropes, but
NOTE 1—An adequate specification or other agreement between the
caution is advised since information on between-laboratories
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
precision is not complete. between shipping units and between specimens from a single shipping unit
so as to provide a sampling plan which, at the specified level of the
4.1.1 In case of dispute arising from differences in reported
property of interest, has a meaningful producer’s risk, acceptable quality
results when using Test Methods D 4268 for acceptance testing
level and limiting quality level.
of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier
6.2 Test Specimens—Rope specimens for laboratory testing
should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a
statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical shall be taken from the lot sample units in lengths directed in
assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. As a the sections on procedure for individual properties.
minimum the two parties should take a group of test specimens 6.2.1 To remove a specimen for testing from a spool or reel,
which are as homogeneous as possible and which are from a lot insert a pipe or solid round bar through the center holes of the
of material of the type in question. The test specimens should spool or reel and support the pipe or bar ends so that the spool
then be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory or reel can rotate as the specimen is pulled off the spool or reel.
Do not remove the rope specimen over the spool or reel flange
for testing. The average test results from the two laboratories
should be compared using Student’s T-Test for unpaired data as this will distort the rope construction by adding or removing
twist from the rope. If the shipping unit is a coil, remove each
with an acceptable probability level chosen by the two parties
before the testing is begun. If a bias is estimated, either its rope specimen according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6.2.2 Using a crayon or other suitable marking device, mark
cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and
supplier may agree to interpret further results in relation to the a line parallel to the rope axis along the rope specimen surface.
The mark can be placed on the rope surface while the rope is
observed differences between the average test results.
4.1.2 The final decision to use a specified method for on the spool or reel or the marking can be done as the rope is
removed from the spool or reel. If the rope is in a coil, the
acceptance testing of commercial shipments must be made by
the purchaser and the supplier and will depend on consider- marking should be done as the rope is removed from the coil.
ations other than the precision of the method, including the cost
7. Conditioning
of sampling and testing and the value of the lot of material
7.1 Unless specified, standard conditioning of the rope
being tested. For very large ropes, where the cost for testing
specimen is not required.
such ropes may be prohibitive, an extrapolation method for
determining the rope characteristics may be a viable alternative
DIAMETER AND CIRCUMFERENCE
when such methods are agreed upon by the purchaser and the
8. Scope
supplier.
8.1 This test method determines the diameter and circum-
5. Hazards
ference of fiber rope.
5.1 Rope testing for breaking force and elongation can be
9. Significance and Use
dangerous and even lethal. It is important that persons witness-
ing such rope testing, including the testing machine operator, 9.1 Rope specifications indicate nominal diameter or nomi-
be made aware of the dangers involved and the precautions nal circumference or both. The nominal diameter must be
necessary to avoid injury. The test machine containing the rope known to calculate the Reference Tension to apply to the rope
specimen should be remote from observers or should be for test purposes. The actual diameter should be determined
enclosed with an anchored cover or net that will contain the when the end use of the rope requires that the rope be threaded
rope after it breaks. Persons witnessing the tests and the through sized holes or other sized hardware.
D 4268
10. Apparatus 11.7.3 If a low stretch measuring material is used, wrap it
around the rope and apply a moderate tension, cut or mark the
10.1 Tensioning Device, for applying the reference tension.
measuring material at a point of overlap, measure the resulting
Use calibrated masses or a calibrated force mechanism.
length of the material and record the result as the circumfer-
10.2 Measuring Material, for circumference determination
ence.
shall have zero or very low stretch while under slight tension,
1 11.7.4 If a direct diameter measuring tape is used, wrap it
such as manila or sisal fibers or 2 mm ( ⁄16 in.) wide strip of
around the rope and apply a moderate tension. Read the
kraft paper or bonded paper.
diameter directly from the tape and record the result.
10.3 Measuring Devices.
10.3.1 For circumference determination.
12. Report
10.3.1.1 A narrow flexible tape having zero to very low
12.1 State that the specimens were tested as directed in Test
stretch, calibrated in1m( ⁄32 in.) increments.
Method D 4268 for Measuring Diameter and Circumference.
10.3.2 For diameter determination.
Identify the rope specimen, the type of measuring devices used
10.3.2.1 A narrow flexible Pi tape, having zero to very low
and method of sampling used.
stretch, calibrated to measure diameter directly when wrapped
12.2 Report the following information:
around a cylinder. The Pi tape should indicate diameter in
12.2.1 The average diameter and/or circumference in milli-
millimetres (0.01 in.). This tape is called a Pi tape because of
metres or inches, as required by the purchase order or contract.
its scaling.
12.2.2 The purchase order or contract number.
10.3.2.2 Calipers, calibrated to measure diameter directly in
12.2.3 When required the ambient temperature and relative
1 m (0.01 in.) increments. The caliper pressing feet should
humidity prevalent during the test.
cover the width of two strands.
13. Precision and Bias
11. Procedure
13.1 Precision—The precision of the procedure in Test
11.1 If the nominal diameter is known, use it to calculate the
Methods D 4268 for determining diameter and circumference
initial rope tension for determination of linear density and
is being determined and it is anticipated that the interlaboratory
elongation. If the diameter is not known, measure it with
testing and statistical analysis will be completed by 1994.
calipers or diameter tape while the rope is under zero tension.
13.2 Bias—The value of the diameter or circumference of
If circumference is measured, divide the measurement by 3.14
rope can only be defined in terms of a specified test method.
(Pi). Use this result for the nominal diameter and calculate the
Within this limitation, the procedure in Test Method D 4268 for
initial rope tension.
determining rope diameter and circumference has no known
11.2 Calculate the Reference Tensions using Eq 1 and 2:
bias.
SI Units: Reference Tension 5 N 5 1.38 D (1)
LINEAR DENSITY
Inch2Pound Units: Reference Tension 5 P 5 200 d (2)
14. Scope
where:
14.1 This test method determines the linear density of fiber
N 5 reference tension in newtons,
rope.
P 5 reference tension in pounds,
D 5 diameter in millimetres, and
15. Significance and Use
d 5 diameter in inches.
11.3 From the laboratory sample, prepare a test specimen at 15.1 Fiber ropes are usually specified and evaluated on a
least 1800 mm (6 ft) long between grips, knots or ends of linear density and strength basis.
splices. (See 6.2.1.)
16. Apparatus
11.4 Place the rope in the tensioning device with the marked
line on the rope (see 6.2.2) parallel with the rope axis. 16.1 Tensioning Device—See 10.1.
11.5 Apply the reference tension (see 11.2) to the specimen. 16.2 Weighing Device—Balance or scale to measure the
11.6 While the rope is under this tension, measure the specimen mass to an accuracy of 0.25 % of its total mass.
diameter or circumference directly using one of the measuring 16.3 Measuring Device—A graduated tape which will mea-
devices specified in 10.3. sure the
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