The On Deck Channel · video

What this video covers

A Dyneema steering cable replacement project reveals that Amsteel Dyneema 3.8 carries significant constructional elongation before it stabilizes.0:27 A hydraulic load wall with a 20-ton-capacity ram loads a 23-foot sample to 10% of its safe working load — approximately 1,760 pounds — using a load cell to monitor force.1:19 At that load, the line stretches roughly 9 inches, from 23 feet 3.5 inches to just over 24 feet 1.5 inches.2:35 After releasing tension, 9 inches of permanent elongation remains.2:35 Splicing the pre-stretched line then shortens it: a single splice in the 3.8 Amsteel produces a net 2-inch length loss after the splice settles and the line is reloaded.4:17 To hit a target finished length, the splice marks must be set 2 inches long to account for that shortening.4:53 The final loaded cable lands at the 17-foot goal.5:18 The practical conclusion: any Amsteel Dyneema intended for a static load application must be pre-stretched before final splicing, or the finished assembly will be too long to tension correctly.5:49

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