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  30-0
Section 30-0.1
Hybrid Rope

 Construction
 Selection
 Installation
 Attachment
Wire Rope
 Testing
 Inspection
 Maintenance
 Repair
 Use
 Replacement

Synthetic Fiber Rope

Definitions  30-0
Section 30-0.2
Birdcage
 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
Crown Break
 Texture
 Whipping
Personnel Qualification  30-0
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…”

Language & Translation  30-0
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
References  30-0
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
References  30-0
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
References  30-0
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
Chapter 30-1
STEEL WIRE ROPE
Steel Wire Rope  30-1

Scope Training
Section 30-1.1 Section 30-1.2

All provisions that apply to wire rope All users to be trained as applicable
Types of Steel Wire Rope  30-1
Section 30-1.3

Standard Wire Rope Rotation-Resistant Wire Rope

a) A steel core rope, WSC or IWRC a) Category 1 - little or no tendency
that has the same direction of lay to rotate, at least fifteen (15) outer
as the wire rope in which it is used strands

b) A non-load bearing fiber core

b) Category 2 - signification
resistance to rotation, at least ten
c) No core (10) outer strands

d) Load bearing synthetic fibers in c) Category 3 - limited resistance to

the strands, core, or both (aka – rotation, no more than nine (9)
hybrid rope) outer stands
Selection, Breaking Force, Design Factors  30-1
Section 30-1.4

Selection Selection Limitations

 Wire Rope can be selected by:  Based on:
 LHE Manufacturer  Core
 Application
 Rope Manufacturer  Rope Type

 Qualified Person

Tower Crane Hoist Drum

Selection, Breaking Force, Design Factors  30-1
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
 ASTM A1023 or
Factors (minimum
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
Selection, Breaking Force, Design Factors  30-1
Section 30-1.4

Standing Rope
 Pendants
 Stay Rope
 Guys
 Non-Operating Rope
 Track Cables
 Boom and Jib Support D/d Ratios - Sheave &
Multiple Lead Lines Rope Drum
Tension to be equalized Table 30-1.4.7
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,  30-1
Replacement, and Rope Certification
Section 30-1.5
Storage & Installation
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,  30-1
Replacement, and Rope Certification
Section 30-1.5
Testing Maintenance
 LHE load testing to be in
accordance of appropriate B30
Volume

 Load testing of end terminations

covered in Section 30-1.7

Wire Rope Maintenance - Lubrication

Installation, Testing, Maintenance,  30-1
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
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,
Replacement, and Rope Certification  30-1

Section 30-1.5
Wire Rope Certification Requirements
1. Certificate number
2. Name and address of original purchaser
7
3. Date supplied from manufacturer
1 5 2
4. Name and address of manufacturer
5. Number traceable to rope manufacturer’s production run 4
6. Nominal rope diameter
6
7. Rope Classification
13 11
8. ASTM A1023 rotation resistance category (if applicable)
16
9. Swivel prohibited or allowed 14
10. Wire finish 15
11. Rope grade
12. Rope Core
13. Lay direction and lay type
3
14. Minimum breaking force
15. Approx. weight per foot or meter
16. Other items as requested
Environment Conditions  30-1
Section 30-1.6

Temperature Chemically Active Environments

 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

Wire rope and wire rope fittings can be degraded in chemically active environments.
Rope Lifting Components
Section 30-1.7  30-1

 Can be used on
Swivels Category 1 rotation-
resistant rope
Sheaves

 Cannot be used on:

 Category 2
rotation-resistant
rope
 Category 3
rotation-resistant
rope
 Without approval of:
 LHE manufacturer

Test data for effects of Swivels on wire rope provided by Casar.

 Rope manufacturer
 Qualified person
Rope Lifting Components  30-1
Section 30-1.7

Drums

Drums with lagging benefit spooling of rope but require tight tolerance for the
oversize of wire ropes.
Recommended rope lays for a smooth drum or single layer grooved drum
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  30-1
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
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records  30-1
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.
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records  30-1
Section 30-1.8
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  30-1
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria

Removal Criteria: Widespread or localized external corrosion.

Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records  30-1
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.
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records  30-1
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.
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records  30-1
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.
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records  30-1
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria

Removal Criteria: Severely corroded, cracked, deformed, worn grossly damaged, or improperly installed end terminations.
Inspection, Removal Criteria & Records  30-1
Section 30-1.8
Inspection and Removal Criteria

Removal Criteria: Visible broken wires exceeds maximum allowable.

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
 30-1
Records
 Frequent inspections:
 No records are required
 Periodic inspections:
 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.
Chapter 30-2
SYNTHETIC ROPE
Scope & Training  30-2
Section 30-2.1 & 30-2.2

Scope Training
 Training to cover:
 Selection

Covers Synthetic Rope  Inspection

 Installation
 Maintenance
 Attachment
 Replacement
 Effects of environment
 Types & Materials  30-2
Section 30-2.3

 Single Braid  Single Braid

 Cable-Laid  Jacketed

 Jacketed  Parallel
High Performance Synthetic Rope  30-2
Section 30-2.3.2
High Modulus Aromatic Liquid Crystal
Polyethylene Polyamide Polyester
Standard Performance Synthetic Rope  30-2
Section 30-2.3.3 & 30-2.3.4

Standard Performance Coatings

 Tenacity less than or equal to 15
grams/denier

 Lower breaking force and higher

elongation characteristics

 Examples:
 Polyester
 Nylon
 Selection, Minimum Breaking Force,  30-2
Design Factors & Other Requirements
Section 30-2.4
Selection Considerations
 Take into account the following:
Load not accurately known
Selection 

 Anticipated dynamic or shock loading

 LHE manufacturer
 Rope manufacturer
 Qualified person
 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,  30-2
Design Factors & Other Requirements
Section 30-2.4
Minimum Breaking Force Design Factors
 Tested in compliance with: Rope Usage Design
 ISO 2307 or Factor

 CI 1500
Running 5
Standing 4

 Minimum breaking force shown on Running, under boom erection conditions 4

the synthetic rope certificate Standing, under boom erection conditions 3
LHEs handling molten metal Not allowed
Selection, Minimum Breaking Force,  30-2
Design Factors & Other Requirements
Section 30-2.4
Multiple Lead Lines 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,  30-2
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
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,  30-2
Replacement & Certification
Section 30-2.5
Maintenance Pressure washing
 Clean condition (reduce internal friction) or
steam cleaning

 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)
Installation, Testing, Maintenance,  30-2
Replacement & Certification
Section 30-2.5
Replacement Rope Synthetic Rope Certificate
 Deviation from:
 Original Size To
 Material include (as minimum)
 Coatings •Certificate number
•Name/address original purchaser
 Construction •Date supplied from manufacturer
•Name/address manufacturer
 Specified by: •Number traceable to production run
•Nominal rope diameter
 LHE manufacturer •Actual rope diameter (w/applied load during measurement)
•Rope construction
 Rope manufacturer •Swivel prohibited or allowed
•Material type of load bearing yarns
•Operating temperature range
 Qualified person
•Minimum breaking force
•Approximate weight per foot or meter
Environmental Conditions  30-2
Section 30-2.6
Temperature

Strength & Stiffness are directly affected

by operating temperature
Polyester and
Nylon LHE or rope
Loss of published
manufacturer to
• No contact with breaking strength
objects in excess of be consulted for
during exposure
194° F (90° C) effects of long-
above 140° F (60°
• Do not use in term heat
temperatures below - C)
exposure
40° F (-40° C)
 Environmental Conditions  30-2
Section 30-2.6

Chemically Active Environments Sunlight and Ultraviolet Light

 May be degraded in chemically
active environments:
 Solids
 Liquids
 Gases
 Vapors
 Fumes
Rope Lifting Components  30-2
Section 30-2.7

Swivels
Sheaves
Rope End Terminations Rope End Terminations
30-2
Section 30-2.7 

Drums
 Minimum radii as specified by rope
manufacturer or qualified person
 Surface free from defects
 Groove diameters:
Spliced End Termination
 Range from -5% to +15% of nominal Spliced End Termination
rope diameter
 Connection method
 Rating efficiency
 Flanges
 Pitch of drum grooves
 Fleet angle
Sewn End Termination
Poured Button End Termination
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair  30-2
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
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair  30-2
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
 Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair  30-2
Section 30-2.8
Inspection - Periodic
 Repetitive wear sections:
 Flange step up, cross over, repetitive pick up
Performed at

points on drum
Reverse bends in reeving system intervals according



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
to service
Boom Hoist 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
All Other Rope
• 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  30-2
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)
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair  30-2
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
Inspection, Removal, Records & Repair  30-2
Section 30-2.8

Not in Regular Use Records

 Idle 1-6 months:
 Perform daily (frequent) inspection
before return to service
 Idle 6+ months:
 Perform periodic inspection before
return to service
 Daily (frequent)
 No records required
 Periodic
 Dated report of rope condition
kept on file
 Long-Term Program
 Uniform program to be established
 Include records on removal from
service
Thank you for your attention!