Failure of Rock Climbing Components 1: Ropes

Ropes for rock climbing are intended to protect climbers - provided they are properly selected used and maintained. International standards developed decades ago have matured to help qualify ropes for intended dynamic service. There are a number of factors which affect the ultimate loading capacity of a rope - rope diameter, kermantle construction, wear characteristics, cut resistance, wet/dry condition, fall point length, climber mass, types and numbers of anchors and other connected protection pieces, miscellaneous friction forces, type of knots used, etc. These will be explored with insight and comparison between lab testing and field experience.