What is the effect on the rated load of wire rope lashing when using wire rope clips?

Using wire rope clips affects the rated load because the configuration of the lashing changes the efficiency with which the load is distributed across the wire rope. When wire rope clips are applied, there is a potential for a reduction in the maximum load that the lashing can safely handle. Specifically, the standard practice indicates that the rated load is typically reduced by 20% to accommodate for the loss in efficiency.

This reduction is attributed to factors such as the bending stress introduced by the clips, which can weaken the rope and create additional points of failure. The term "D/d efficiency" represents the efficiency reduction relative to the diameter of the rope (d) and the diameter of the load or attachment (D), reinforcing the understanding that specific configurations and angles of lashing can influence the effectiveness of the wire rope.

In practical terms, this means that when using wire rope clips, it is crucial to account for this reduction in rated load to ensure safe handling and prevent overloading scenarios that could lead to failure. Thus, the answer significantly highlights safety considerations inherent in the proper application of wire rope systems.