18.

WIRE ROPES Sheaves

Definition
Wire ropes are made of twisted strands of
wire. Strands of metal wire twisted into a helix
forming a composite rope, in a pattern known as
laid rope. Larger diameter wire rope consists of
multiple strands of such laid rope in a pattern
known as cable laid.
A sheave is just a pulley with grooves around
the circumference. The sheave grips the hoist
ropes, so when you rotate the sheave, the ropes
move too. The sheave is connected to an electric
motor.

Fig. 2.7. A Delco elevator sheave.

Static Design Consideration of Wire Ropes

Fig. 2.1 A stainless-steel wire ropes
1. Bending Stress
Application
Steel wire ropes are widely used in many 𝐸 𝐷𝑤
applications such as crane, tower crane, surface 𝑠𝑏 =
𝐷𝑠
and underground mining, excavation, logging of
any type of terrain, tramway, elevator, oil and gas, 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦, 30,000 ksi
drilling, marine and electrical constructions. 𝐷𝑠 = diameter of sheave (in), AT28
Static wire ropes are used to support structures 𝐷𝑤 = diameter of wire (in), AT28
such as suspension bridges or as guy wires to
support towers. 2. Bending Load
Components of Wire Rope 𝐹𝑏 = 𝑆𝑏 · 𝐴𝑚
There are four basic components that make up
the design of a finished wire rope: 𝐸𝑟 𝐷𝑤 𝐴𝑚
▪ Wires made from metal that form a singular 𝐹𝑏 =
𝐷𝑠
strand
𝐴𝑚 = mean area of the wire rope
▪ Multi-wire strands laid around a core in a
helical pattern
3. Extension of Wire Rope under Load,
▪ A fiber or steel core
▪ Lubrication 𝐹𝐿
𝛿=
𝐴𝑚 𝐸𝑟

𝛿 = extension of wire rope under load (mm or

in)
F = tensile load on the wire rope (N or lb)
L = free length of the wire rope (mm or in)

Fig. 2.2 Components of a wire rope.

4. Factor of Safety or Design Factor
A. Tension with Bending Load
𝐹𝑢 − 𝐹𝑏
𝑁= .
𝐹𝑡
Where:
𝐹𝑢 = breaking strength (N or lb)
𝐹𝑏 = equivalent bending load (N or lb)
𝐹𝑡 = tensile load (N or lb)

B. Pure Tension Load

𝐹𝑢
𝑁= .
𝐹𝑡

5. Acceleration Load
This is the inertia load when a body is
accelerating,

Fa = W(a/g).

6. Elevator Capacities (PSME Code, 2003 Ed,

p. 95)
1. For an elevator having an inside net
platform, area of not more than (50 ft2)
4.65 m2,
𝑊 = 35.10𝐴2 + 326.224𝐴,
where W is maximum rated load in kg and A is
the floor area in m2.
2. For an elevator having an inside net
platform area of more than 4.65 m2,
𝑊 = 2.458𝐴2 + 611.36𝐴 − 621.4
where W is in kg and A is in m2.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

1. A hoist lifts a 3000-kg load a height of 8 m in a

time of 20 s. Compute the power output.
A. 11.8 hp
B. 10.58 hp
C. 12.43 hp
D. 15.78 hp
ANS: D

2. A steel rope is 0.035-in in diameter. Find the

value of the bending stress when the blade is
passing around a pulley of 25-in. in diameter.
A. 36 ksi
B. 54 ksi
C. 42 ksi
D. 66 ksi
ANS: C

3. A 1/2" diameter 6×19 galvanized wire rope is

used with tensile load of 2.65 tons, breaking
strength of 13.3 tons, and bending load of 2 tons.
Find the factor of safety.
A. 5.55
B. 4.26
C. 7.13
D. 6.42
ANS: B

4. What is the maximum rated capacity in kg of an

elevator having a 2.0 m2 floor area?
A. 900 kg
B. 600 kg
C. 793 kg
D. 825 kg
ANS: C