ASTM A931-18

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Designation: A931 − 08 (Reapproved 2013) A931 − 18
Standard Test Method for
Tension Testing of Wire Ropes and Strand
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A931; 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*
1.1 This test method covers the tension testing of wire ropes and strand at room temperature, specifically to determine the
measured breaking force, yield strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity. Methods described in this standard are not intended
for other purposes.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 1 and Note 2.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A586 Specification for Zinc-Coated Parallel and Helical Steel Wire Structural Strand
A603 Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Structural Wire Rope
A1023/A1023M Specification for Stranded Carbon Steel Wire Ropes for General Purposes
B6 Specification for Zinc
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials [Metric] E0008_E0008M
2.2 ISO Standard
ISO 17558 Specification for Steel Wire Ropes – Socketing Procedures – Molten Metal and Resin Socketing
3. Terminology
3.1 The terminology relating to tensile testing in Terminology E6 applies to this test method. In addition, the following
definitions for wire rope will apply:
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 abrasion—abrasion, n—frictional surface wear on the wires of a wire rope.
3.2.2 aggregate area—area, n—see area, metallic.
3.2.3 aggregate strength—strength, n—the strength derived by totaling the individual breaking strengths of the elements of the
strand or rope. This strength does not give recognition to the reduction in strength resulting from the angularity of the elements
in the rope, or other factors that may affect efficiency.
3.2.4 area, metallic—metallic, n—sum of the cross-sectional areas of all wires either in a wire rope or in a strand.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A01.03
on Steel Rod and Wire.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013Sept. 1, 2018. Published April 2013September 2018. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20082013 as
A931 – 08.A931 – 08 (2013). DOI: 10.1520/A0931-08R13.10.1520/A0931-18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A931 − 18
3.2.5 breaking force—force, n—the maximum load at which a tensile failure occurs in the sample of wire rope being tested.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
The term breaking force is synonymous with actual strength.
3.2.6 cable—cable, n—a term loosely applied to wire rope, wire strand, and electrical conductors.
3.2.7 center—center, n—the axial member of a strand about which the wires are laid.
3.2.8 classification—classification, n—group or family designation based on wire rope constructions with common strengths
and weights listed under the broad designation.
3.2.9 construction—construction, n—geometric design description of the wire rope’s cross section. This includes the number of
strands, the number of wires per strand, and the pattern of wire arrangement in each strand.
3.2.10 core—core, n—the axial member of a wire rope about which the strands are laid.
3.2.11 fiber core—core, n—cord or rope of vegetable or synthetic fiber used as the core of a rope.
3.2.12 grade—grade, n—wire rope or strand classification by strength or type of material, that is, Class 3, Type 302 stainless,
phosphor bronze, etc. It does not apply to strength of the individual wires used to manufacture the rope or strand.
3.2.13 independent wire rope core (IWRC)—(IWRC), n—a wire rope used as the core of a larger wire rope.
3.2.14 inner wires—wires, n—all wires of a strand except the outer or cover wires.
3.2.15 lay—lay, n—(a) the manner in which the wires in a strand or the strands in a rope are helically laid, or (b) the distance
measured parallel to the axis of the rope (or strand) in which a strand (or wire) makes one complete helical convolution about the
core (or center). In this connection, lay is also referred to as lay length or pitch.
3.2.16 minimum breaking force—force, n—specified value that the breaking force must meet or exceed in a prescribed test.
3.2.17 modulus of elasticity—elasticity, n—the slope of the elastic portion of the stress-strain curve. The ratio of stress to
corresponding strain below the proportional limit. This value is generally taken between 20 and 50 % of the minimum breaking
force.
3.2.18 socket—socket, n—generic name for a type of wire rope fitting.
3.2.19 strand—strand, n—a plurality of round or shaped wires helically laid about a center.
3.2.20 wire rope—rope, n—strands helically laid around a core.
3.2.21 wire strand core (WSC)—(WSC), n—a wire strand used as the core of a wire rope.
3.2.22 zinc-coated (galvanized) rope—rope, n—wire rope made up of zinc coated (galvanized) wire.
3.2.23 zinc coated (galvanized) strand—strand, n—strand made up of zinc-coated (galvanized) wire.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Wire rope Tension tests are generally to be performed on new rope. wire ropes. The use of wire rope in any application can
reduce individual wire strengths due to abrasion and nicking that will result in the wire rope strength being reduced. Damage to
the outer wires will also lower the maximum strength achieved during tension testing.
4.2 The modulus of elasticity of wire rope is not considered to be a standard requirement at this time. The determination of this
material property requires specialized equipment and techniques.
4.3 Rope to be tested should be thoroughly examined to verify that no external wire damage is present. If present, it should be
noted. When possible, a new undamaged sample should be obtained for testing.
4.4 End attachments and their installation can directly affect breaking force achieved during testing. Any attachment that can
be used to directly achieve the required rope breaking force can be used. Standard testing with a poured socket, using zinc, white
metal or thermoset resin, has been considered the most efficient. Proficiency in attachment of any fitting can have a direct effect
on the final test results.
5. Interferences
5.1 Visual examination of the sample for any damage to outer wires should be done. If any damage is evident, the sample should
not be used.
5.2 Measurement of the rope or strand sample is necessary to document the size, length between end attachments, and length
of lay of the rope if necessary. Further details regarding this will be discussed in test results.
5.3 The length of test specimen shall not be less than 3 ft, (0.91 m) between sockets for wire rop
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