Reduction in braided rope strength due to twist

The use of synthetic fibre ropes to replace traditional steel wire and chain in marine applications has resulted in significant improvements in safety and performance. Braided ropes are particularly interesting as this is a torque balanced construction. Such ropes will often be twisted during service and this paper describes a study, including both modeling and testing, to determine to what extent twist affects rope strength. The fibre studied is HMPE, as this is frequently used in steel replacement, but the results have wider application.