ASTM F3410-19

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3410 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Testing Fiber Rope Used in Water Sports
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3410; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Apparatus
1.1 This test method is intended for ropes used in the 4.1 Force Application Test Machine:
application of towing inflatables or other towable products 4.1.1 The test machine used for determining breaking force
(excluding handled ropes). shall have sufficient force capacity, bed length, and stroke to
conduct the tests as specified here. The test machine shall be
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
capable of applying the force at a specified rate in a continuous
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
and essentially constant manner throughout the entire stroke
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
required to break the rope specimen.
information only and are not considered standard.
4.1.2 The test machine shall be long enough to accommo-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
date the specimen length given in 6.1.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1.3 The test machine shall be equipped with a force-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
measuring and indicating device. The force-measuring and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
indicating device shall be accurate within 61%ofthe
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
estimated breaking force of the test specimen over the entire
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
intended force range. The force-indicating device shall tempo-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
rarily or permanently preserve a record of the maximum force
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
experienced during the test.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.2 Diameter-Measuring Device:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.2.1 If calipers are used, place the caliper feet in contact
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
with at least two strand crowns along each side of the rope and
2. Terminology
apply a moderate compression. Secure the caliper feet in this
position. Remove the calipers from the rope. Measure the
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
distance between the caliper feet with a suitable calibrated
2.1.1 breaking force, n—maximum force recorded during a
scale.
break test on a rope.
4.2.2 If a calibrated measuring tape is used, wrap it around
2.1.2 cycled breaking force, n—breaking force of a rope that
the rope, apply a moderate tension, and read the circumference
has been cycled from initial tension to a specified peak cyclic
while it is still in contact with the rope and calculate the
force for a specified number of cycles before the break test.
diameter.
2.1.3 initial tension, n—low-tension force applied in cyclic
5. Samples for Testing
loading.
2.1.4 reference tension, n—low tension applied while mea-
5.1 Conditions and Attachments—Ropes shall be tested in
suring diameter or circumference and the length of the linear the condition as offered for sale.
density specimen.
5.2 Number of Samples—Four samples of each rope are
required for each type and rating.
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method provides a means of determining the
6. Specimen Preparation
breaking strength (breaking force) of rope. It is not intended to
6.1 For types of rope not normally spliced, the rope speci-
evaluate the data with regard to the quality of the rope.
men shall be terminated by a method that is typically used for
the type and size of rope, as recommended by the manufacturer
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F27 on Snow
or as specified in the particular standard or specification, which
and Water Sports and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F27.80 on Water
is applicable to that rope type.
Sports Equipment.
6.1.1 The rope specimen shall have a clear distance of at
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. DOI:
10.1520/F3410-19. least 1 ft (0.3 m) between grips or rope specimen terminations.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3410 − 19
6.2 Rope specimens should be fixed in a capstan style s. The crosshead shall continue to move at approximately that
fixture with a minimum distance as specified in 6.1.1. rate of travel without pause until the rope breaks.
8.2.5 Record the breaking force (maximum force applied to
6.3 In preparation for wet testing, the entire specimen shall
the rope). Record the point at which the rope broke, that is,
besoakedinfreshwaterorsaltwater(dependingonthetest)for
mid-length, towards attachment, etc.
a period of between 22 and 26 h and shall be tested as soon as
practical after removal from the water. If there is a delay of 8.3 Determine Cycled Strength (Breaking Force):
more than 12 but less than 24 h after soaking, the specimen 8.3.1 Purpose—The strength of a rope can change during
shallbesoakedfor2hbeforetesting.Ifthereisadelayofmore the first several force cycles. Generally, the average break
than24h,theoriginalsoakingprocedureshallberepeated.The strength increases, and the statistical scatter of break strength
watertemperatureshallbebetween59and77°F(15and25°C). decreases because of the application of a few force cycles, as
the rope elements become more
...