Cordage Institute rope test methods, standards, and guidelines

The Cordage Institute (CI) is an international association of fiber rope manufacturers, users, and suppliers. Its technical committee develops rope test methods, rope performance standards, guidelines and other related documents. This paper discusses some of the CI test methods, standards and guidelines, especially those of interest in marine and industrial use. It compares them with corresponding publications by other standards-setting organizations. The CI test method for fiber rope covers size, weight, and strength tests for conventional ropes and also dry and wet uncycled and cycled strength and change-in length tests. These latter tests are intended for marine ropes and other ropes for engineered systems. The CI yarn abrasion test demonstrates the durability of yarns in ropes which experience cyclic tension fatigue and bend fatigue. It is referenced in standards published by OCIMF, API and ABS for ropes used in marine mooring systems. CI publishes performance standards for twelve common types of synthetic fiber rope as well as for high-performance and specialty rope types. It publishes reference tables giving properties of conventional and high-modulus fiber yarns. It recently published a comprehensive Fiber Rope Inspection Guide.