ASME B30.30 (Ropes)
CHRIS L RICHARDSON, LONE STAR RIGGING
ASME B30.30, COMMITTEE MEMBER
Topics - B30.30

Chapter 30-0: Overview

Chapter 30-1: Steel Wire Rope

Chapter 30-2: Synthetic Rope

7 Years / 47 Meetings
Chapter 30-0
SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, PERSONNEL COMPETENCE, TRANSLATIONS, AND
REFERENCES
Scope

Section 30-0.1

Construction

Selection

Installation

Attachment

Testing

Inspection

Maintenance

Repair

Use

Replacement
Hybrid Rope
Wire Rope
Synthetic Fiber Rope
30-0
Definitions

Section 30-0.2

60+ rope & industry specific
descriptors used throughout the
Volume. Examples include:

Birdcage

Crown Break

Dogleg (minor vs. severe)

Fleet Angle

Liquid Crystal Polyester (LCP)

Rotation-Resistant Wire Rope

Texture

Whipping
30-0
Birdcage
Crown Break
Personnel Qualification
Section 30-0.3

Covers all persons executing
functions covered in the Volume

Education

Training

Experience

Skill

Physical Ability

“Competent and capable as determined by the employer…”
30-0
Language & Translation
Section 30-0.4

Covers all safety-related information

Documentation must be provided in English

Non-English safety information to be professionally translated

Translations to be reviewed by qualified individual with knowledge
of technical content

30-0
References
Section 30-0.5

ASME B30.26-2015, Rigging Hardware

ASTM


A931-08(2013), Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Wire Ropes
and Strand

A1023-15, Standard Specification for Stranded Carbon Steel Wire Ropes
for General Purposes
Cordage Institute

CI-1500A (2015) – Test Methods for Fiber Rope - Physical Properties

CI-1500B (2015) – Test Methods for Fiber Rope - Performance Properties

CI-2001 (2004) – Fiber Rope Inspection and Retirement Criteria

30-0
References
Section 30-0.5

European Committee for Standardization (CEN)

EN 13411-3:2004+A1:2008, Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety.
Ferrules and ferrule-securing

EN 13411-4:2011, Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety. Metal and
resin socketing

EN 13411-5:2003+A1:2008, Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety. U-bolt
wire rope grips

EN 13411-6:2004+A1:2008, Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety.
Asymmetric wedge socket

EN 13411-8:2011, Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety. Swage
terminals and swaging

30-0
References
Section 30-0.5

ISO 2307:2010(E) - Fiber Ropes - Determination of certain physical
and mechanical properties

ISO 2408:2004 - Steel wire ropes for general purposes - Minimum
requirements

ISO 4309:2013-Cranes –Wire ropes –Care and maintenance,
inspection and discard

Wire Rope Users Manual, 4TH Edition, 2005

30-0
Chapter 30-1
STEEL WIRE ROPE
Steel Wire Rope

Scope
Training
Section 30-1.1
Section 30-1.2
All provisions that apply to wire rope
All users to be trained as applicable
30-1
Types of Steel Wire Rope
Section 30-1.3
Standard Wire Rope
a)
A steel core rope, WSC or IWRC
that has the same direction of lay
as the wire rope in which it is used
b)
A non-load bearing fiber core
c)
No core
d)
Load bearing synthetic fibers in
the strands, core, or both (aka –
hybrid rope)
Rotation-Resistant Wire Rope
a)
Category 1 - little or no tendency
to rotate, at least fifteen (15) outer
strands
b)
Category 2 - signification
resistance to rotation, at least ten
(10) outer strands
c)
Category 3 - limited resistance to
rotation, no more than nine (9)
outer stands

30-1
Selection, Breaking Force, Design Factors
Section 30-1.4
Selection

Wire Rope can be selected by:

LHE Manufacturer

Rope Manufacturer

Qualified Person
Selection Limitations

Based on:

Core

Application

Rope Type
Tower Crane Hoist Drum

30-1
Selection, Breaking Force, Design Factors
Section 30-1.4
Minimum Breaking Force

Design Factors
Actual breaking force to meet or  Table 30-1.4.4-1
exceed minimum values in:
Wire Rope Design
Factors (minimum
 ASTM A1023 or
required)

ISO 2408

Ropes not covered in the
standards above must be in
compliance with ASTM A931

Minimum breaking force to be
shown on wire rope certificate

30-1
Selection, Breaking Force, Design Factors
Section 30-1.4
Standing Rope
Multiple Lead Lines
Tension to be equalized

Pendants

Stay Rope

Guys

Non-Operating Rope

Track Cables

Boom and Jib Support
Rope
Table 30-1.4.7
D/d Ratios - Sheave &
Drum

30-1
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement, and Rope Certification
Section 30-1.5
Storage & Installation

30-1
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement, and Rope Certification
Section 30-1.5
Testing

LHE load testing to be in
accordance of appropriate B30
Volume

Load testing of end terminations
covered in Section 30-1.7
Maintenance
Wire Rope Maintenance - Lubrication

30-1
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement, and Rope Certification
Section 30-1.5
Replacement Rope



Any deviation from…

Original size

Grade

Type

Construction
…to be specified with:

LHE Manufacturer

Rope manufacturer

Qualified Person
Metric-size rope not to be substituted for inch-size rope, and vice versa

30-1
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement, and Rope Certification

Section 30-1.5
Wire Rope Certification Requirements
1.
Certificate number
2.
Name and address of original purchaser
3.
Date supplied from manufacturer
4.
Name and address of manufacturer
5.
Number traceable to rope manufacturer’s production run
6.
Nominal rope diameter
7.
Rope Classification
8.
ASTM A1023 rotation resistance category (if applicable)
9.
Swivel prohibited or allowed
10.
Wire finish
11.
Rope grade
12.
Rope Core
13.
Lay direction and lay type
14.
Minimum breaking force
15.
Approx. weight per foot or meter
16.
Other items as requested
7
1
2
5
4
6
13
11
16
15
3
14
30-1
Environment Conditions
Section 30-1.6
Temperature

Ambient temperatures in excess of
180° to have IWRC, WSC or other
temperature resistant core

Do not use in environments cause
temperature to exceed 400° F or
less than -40° F

Common lubricants can be
affected by extreme temperatures

Chemically Active Environments
Wire rope and wire rope fittings can be degraded in chemically active environments.
30-1
Rope Lifting Components
Section 30-1.7
Swivels




Test data for effects of Swivels on wire rope provided by Casar.
Can be used on
Category 1 rotationresistant rope
Cannot be used on:

Category 2
rotation-resistant
rope

Category 3
rotation-resistant
rope
Without approval of:

LHE manufacturer

Rope manufacturer

Qualified person
Sheaves
30-1
Rope Lifting Components
Section 30-1.7

30-1
Drums
Recommended rope lays for a smooth drum or single layer grooved drum
Drums with lagging benefit spooling of rope but require tight tolerance for the
oversize of wire ropes.
Rope End Terminations


Connection method and rating
efficiency specified by:

LHE manufacturer

Rope manufacturer

Qualified person
Reference ASME B30.26 for
additional guidance

Wire rope end terminations
include:

Forged-base wire rope clips

Mechanical splice Flemish eye
or loop back swaged eye

Poured socket

Poured button

Swaged socket
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection

Performed by designated person

Running rope in service inspected daily

Periodic inspection frequency based on variable factors:


Rope life on installation

Environment

Percentage of capacity lifts

Rate of operation

Exposure to shock loads
Periodic inspection frequency variable according to rope services description

Boom hoist rope vs. all other rope

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria
Measure rope diameter in numerous locations to assess loss of diameter along the entire length of rope.
Removal Criteria: Reduction from nominal diameter greater than 5% at any location.

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8

30-1
Inspection and Removal Criteria
Distortion of Rope Structure - Crushing
Distortion of Rope Structure - Dogleg
Distortion of Rope Structure - Birdcaging
Distortion of Rope Structure - Kink
Removal Criteria: Steel core protrusion between the outer strands, kinking, severe doglegs (minor doglegs should be noted in inspection documents, changes in
original geometry due to crushing where minimum dimension across the distorted section is less than or equal to 5/6 of the nominal diameter.
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria
Removal Criteria: Widespread or localized external corrosion.

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria
Waviness
Removal Criteria: Overall envelope diameter has increased to a value greater than 110% of nominal rope diameter.

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria
Heat Damage
Removal Criteria: Any apparent damage from a heat source including, but not limited to welding, power line strikes, or lightning.

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria
High or Low Strand
Removal Criteria: A high or low strand that is higher or lower than ½ of the strand diameter above or below the surface of the rope.

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria
Removal Criteria: Severely corroded, cracked, deformed, worn grossly damaged, or improperly installed end terminations.

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria
Removal Criteria: Visible broken wires exceeds maximum allowable.

30-1
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records
Section 30-1.8
Rope Not in Regular Use


1-6 months out of service = pass
daily inspection before being
returned to service
OVER 6 months out of service =
pass periodic inspection before
being returned to services

Records

Frequent inspections:


Periodic inspections:


No records are required
Keep dated report of latest periodic
inspection on file
Long-term Inspection program:

Include records on examination of rope
removed from service to establish visual
precedent in regards to visual
observation and actual condition of
internal structure.
30-1
Chapter 30-2
SYNTHETIC ROPE
Scope & Training

Section 30-2.1 & 30-2.2
Scope
Training

Covers Synthetic Rope
Training to cover:

Selection

Inspection

Installation

Maintenance

Attachment

Replacement

Effects of environment
30-2
Types & Materials

Section 30-2.3

Single Braid

Single Braid

Cable-Laid

Jacketed

Jacketed

Parallel
30-2
High Performance Synthetic Rope
Section 30-2.3.2
High Modulus
Polyethylene
Aromatic
Polyamide
Liquid Crystal
Polyester

30-2
Standard Performance Synthetic Rope
Section 30-2.3.3 & 30-2.3.4
Standard Performance

Tenacity less than or equal to 15
grams/denier

Lower breaking force and higher
elongation characteristics

Examples:

Polyester

Nylon
Coatings

30-2
Selection, Minimum Breaking Force,
Design Factors & Other Requirements
Section 30-2.4



LHE manufacturer
Rope manufacturer
Qualified person
30-2
Selection Considerations

Selection

Take into account the following:

Load not accurately known

Anticipated dynamic or shock loading

Heavy or severe rope service likely

Tension maintained for extended periods

Operation procedures not well defined

Severe abrasion likely

Elongation properties

Chemical exposure

Hazardous environmental conditions
Selection, Minimum Breaking Force,
Design Factors & Other Requirements
Section 30-2.4
Minimum Breaking Force


ISO 2307 or

CI 1500
30-2
Design Factors
Rope Usage
Tested in compliance with:


Design
Factor
Running
5
Standing
4
Minimum breaking force shown on Running, under boom erection conditions
Standing, under boom erection conditions
the synthetic rope certificate
LHEs handling molten metal
4
3
Not allowed
Selection, Minimum Breaking Force,
Design Factors & Other Requirements
Section 30-2.4
Multiple Lead Lines

30-2
Standing Rope

New and unused rope only

Proof tested (not exceeding 50% minimum
breaking force)

Terminations to have provisions to prevent
loosening during use

Connected standing rope to be same
construction or torsional properties
Minimum D/d Ratios – Sheave and Drum

30-2
The minimum pitch diameter shall be
determined by using the D/d ratios
specified in Table 30-1.4.7. If the pitch
diameter is not specified, the minimum
sheave and drum pitch diameter for any
rope shall be specified by the LHE
manufacturer or a qualified person.

NOTE: The life of wire rope is
affected by the pitch diameters.
Pitch diameters larger than the
minimums determined by the D/d
ratios listed in Table 30-1.4.7 should
achieve a longer service life.
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement & Certification
Section 30-2.5
Storage & Installation
Testing

LHE load testing according to
ASME B30 Volume

Testing of end terminations as
required by rope and/or
termination manufacturer

30-2
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement & Certification
Section 30-2.5
Maintenance
Pressure washing
or
steam cleaning

Clean condition (reduce internal friction)

If reduction of rope length allows, localized wear can be cut & reterminated

Induced twist in line to be removed and returned to natural twist level

Smooth surface/rope contact points

NOTE: Round off protrusions (pins, studs, bolts, clips, and edges)

30-2
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement & Certification
Section 30-2.5
Replacement Rope


Deviation from:

Original Size

Material

Coatings

Construction
Specified by:

LHE manufacturer

Rope manufacturer

Qualified person
Synthetic Rope Certificate
To
include (as minimum)
•Certificate number
•Name/address original purchaser
•Date supplied from manufacturer
•Name/address manufacturer
•Number traceable to production run
•Nominal rope diameter
•Actual rope diameter (w/applied load during measurement)
•Rope construction
•Swivel prohibited or allowed
•Material type of load bearing yarns
•Operating temperature range
•Minimum breaking force
•Approximate weight per foot or meter

30-2
Environmental Conditions
Section 30-2.6

30-2
Temperature
Strength & Stiffness are directly affected
by operating temperature
Polyester and
Nylon
• No contact with
objects in excess of
194° F (90° C)
• Do not use in
temperatures below 40° F (-40° C)
Loss of published
breaking strength
during exposure
above 140° F (60°
C)
LHE or rope
manufacturer to
be consulted for
effects of longterm heat
exposure
Environmental Conditions
Section 30-2.6
Chemically Active Environments

May be degraded in chemically
active environments:

Solids

Liquids

Gases

Vapors

Fumes
Sunlight and Ultraviolet Light

30-2
Rope Lifting Components

Section 30-2.7
Swivels
Sheaves
30-2
Rope End Terminations
Rope End Terminations
Section 30-2.7

30-2
Drums

Minimum radii as specified by rope
manufacturer or qualified person

Surface free from defects

Groove diameters:

Range from -5% to +15% of nominal
rope diameter

Connection method

Rating efficiency

Flanges

Pitch of drum grooves

Fleet angle
Spliced End Termination
Spliced End Termination
Poured Button End Termination
Sewn End Termination
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair
Section 30-2.8
Inspection

Inspections performed by
designated person

Running rope in service, to be
visually inspected daily for:

Distortion to structure

Abrasion

Cut strands

Gross damage/deterioration of
end connections

Heat or electrical damage

Chemical or UV degradation

Changes of diameter

Changes of lay length

Local twisting

30-2
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair
Section 30-2.8
Inspection - Periodic

Frequency based on:

Rope life

Installation

Environment

Percentage of capacity lifts

Frequency rates of operation

Drum and sheave diameters

Exposure to shock loads

30-2
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair
Section 30-2.8
Inspection - Periodic


Repetitive wear sections:

Flange step up, cross over, repetitive pick up
points on drum

Reverse bends in reeving system

Sections facing most bending cycles

End connections
Damped rope vibration locations:

Sections in contact with equalizer sheaves

Sections near end connections

Rope in the bridle reeving in bottom hoist rope

Repetitive pick up points

Crossover and change of layer points at
flanges on drums

Fleeting or deflector sheaves

30-2
Performed at
intervals according
to service
Boom Hoist Rope
All Other Rope
• Normal Service – not to exceed 3
months or 500 hours of operations
(whichever first)
• Heavy Service – not to exceed 2
months or 335 hours of operation
(whichever first)
• Special Service – less than 165 hours
of operation
• Normal Service – not to exceed 12
months or 2,000 hours of operations
(whichever first)
• Heavy Service – not to exceed 6
months or 1,000 hours of operation
(whichever first)
• Severe Service – not to exceed 3
months or 500 hours of operation
(whichever first)
• Special Service – less than 500 hours
of operation
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair
Section 30-2.8
Removal Criteria

No precise rules/exact time

Many variable factors

Specific removal criteria:

Reduction of effective diameter (more
than 10%)

Cuts, gouges, extensive yarn breakage

Appearance of “fuzz” or “whiskers”

Damage to material inside the rope

Discoloration, brittle yarns, hard or stiff
areas (chemical or UV damage)

Dirt and/or grit in interior of rope

Kinks or distortion

Melted, hard, or charred areas

Damaged end terminations

Broken jacket(s)

30-2
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair
Section 30-2.8
Repairs

Repairs conducted by:

Rope manufacturer

Qualified person

Load bearing fibers shall NOT be
repaired

Repaired rope to be indicated on
certification

Modifications to be approved by:

Rope manufacturer

Component manufacturer

Qualified person

30-2
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair
Section 30-2.8
Not in Regular Use

Idle 1-6 months:


Perform daily (frequent) inspection
before return to service
Records



Perform periodic inspection before
return to service

No records required
Periodic

Idle 6+ months:

Daily (frequent)
Dated report of rope condition
kept on file
Long-Term Program

Uniform program to be established

Include records on removal from
service

30-2
Thank you for your attention!