Very high strength-to-weight ratios for fiber strength members

There is a need for stronger and more durable flexible tension members to meet the requirements for an increasingly wider range of applications for the oceanographic, marine and offshore industries. New constructions and new fibers are now providing engineers and users with new capabilities. Fibers are now making it possible to develop flexible tension members with strength-to-weight ratios of 10 to 1 or more when compared to hard metal. New fiber finishes are improving durability and strength retention and new constructions are providing increased translation efficiency along with the flexibility and lower weight that can improve operations, reduce costs and increase safety. The Cordage Institute, a trade association for rope manufacturers and their suppliers and intermediaries, has developed standards and guidelines that provide documentation for the constructions and physical properties of ropes and fibers, alone with information on selection, safe and efficient use, and inspection and retirement criteria. This paper will highlight the development of fiber ropes into engineered strength members. It will show the ability of fiber rope strength members to provide users in the oceanographic, marine and offshore oil industries with new levels of capability with higher strength-to-weight ratios, more flexibility, easier handling and safer use.