SEAM 111

Calculating the Breaking Strength and Safe Work Load

of Ropes

1. CALCULATION OF SAFE WORKING LOAD (S.W.L) FOR MANILA ROPE

a. First, find the Breaking Strength (B.S)

Example of a diameter 24mm Manila Rope (constant is 200):

Breaking strength = diameter² / 200

= 24² / 200
= 576 / 200
= 2.88 tonnes (approx. 3 tonnes)

b. Now, let’s solve for the Safe Working Load (S.W.L)

Note: Method of finding the Safe Working Load (S.W.L) is to divide the Breaking
Strength by factor of safety.

The following factors of safety for ropes are used generally:

Lifts and hoist - 12

Running rigging and slings - 8
Other purposes - 6

Safe Working Load = Breaking Strength / Safety Factor

= 3 tonnes / 6
= 0.5 tonnes
SEAM 111

2. CALCULATION OF SAFE WORKING LOAD (S.W.L) FOR POLYPROPYLENE ROPE

a. First, solve for the Breaking Strength (BS)

Example of a diameter 24mm Polypropylene Rope (constant is 77):

Breaking strength = diameter² / 77

= 24² / 77
= 576 / 77
= 7.48 tonnes (approx. 7 tonnes)

b. Next, solve for the Safe Working Load (SWL)

Safe Working Load = Breaking Strength / Safety Factor

= 7 tonnes / 6
= 1.18 tonnes( approx. 1 ton)
SEAM 111

3. CALCULATION OF SAFE WORKING LOAD (S.W.L) FOR POLYETHYLENE ROPE

a. First, find the Breaking Strength (BS)

Example of a diameter 24mm Polyethylene Rope (constant is 106):

Breaking strength = diameter² / 106

= 24² / 106
= 576 / 106
= 5.43 tonnes (approx. 5 tonnes)

b. Now, calculate for the Safe Working Load (SWL)

Safe Working Load = Breaking Strength / Safety Factor

= 5 tonnes / 6
= 0.83 tonnes

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