Bending a wire rope over a small diameter sheave/pulley can reduce the effective strength by what percentage?

Bending a wire rope over a small diameter sheave or pulley significantly impacts its effective strength, primarily due to the stresses induced in the wire rope as it curves around the pulley. When a wire rope is bent, especially over a smaller diameter, the wires that compose the rope experience increased bending strain, which leads to potential damage and reduced load-bearing capacity.

Research and industry standards indicate that bending a wire rope over a sheave that is too small can reduce its strength by 50%. This reduction is critical to consider in applications where safety and the integrity of the lifting mechanism are paramount. Engineers and linemen must select the appropriate sheave size to ensure that the wire rope maintains its strength and performs safely under load.

Overall, understanding this principle is essential for maintaining safe rigging practices and selecting proper equipment for various lifting and pulling operations in the field.