section1-rule-21-chain-etc-07.pdf

Section 1 (General Rules), Part 2 74 12/2007

AAR Open Top Loading Rules Manual

Fig. 20.12 Portec web assembly with end loops

Fig. 20.13 Wisconsin lifting specialists' axle strap

21. CHAIN, BINDERS, AND ASSEMBLIES

21.1 Explanation of Terms

21.1.1 Working Load Limit (WLL). The maximum load (rated capacity) for which the chain, component, or assembly is authorized when the pull is applied in direct tension to an undamaged straight length of chain.

21.1.2 Proof Test. A term designating the minimum tensile force that has been applied to a chain, component, or as-sembly under a constantly increasing force in direct tension during the manufacturing process for testing purposes.

Generally, this is a value two times the working load limit. This is a manufacturing integrity test and should not be used as criteria for service.

21.1.3 Minimum Breaking Strength. The minimum load at which the chain, component, or assembly has been found by representative testing to fail when a constantly increasing force is applied in direct tension. This is also referred to as demonstrated breaking force or ultimate load. This is a manufacturer’s statistical attribute acceptance test and should not be used as a criteria for calculating load restraint.

21.1.4 Design (Safety) Factor. A term denoting a product’s theoretical reserve capability. Computed by dividing the minimum breaking strength by the working load limit and expressed as a ratio, e.g., 4:1 or 4 to 1. (Unless otherwise specified in these rules, the design factor of a chain must meet or exceed the current specifications published by the National Association of Chain Manufacturers [NACM]. This does not apply to equipment placed into service prior to September 1, 1996.)

21.1.5 Chain and/or Tie-Down Assembly. Any items making up the assembly between each ultimate point of attach-ment, including all components such as chain, hooks, links, rings, swivels, shackles, turnbuckles, ratchets, binders, compression units, etc. When a working load limit is specified in a figure, all components of the assembly must meet the minimum requirements.

21.2 At least one link in every 3 ft of chain must be embossed with the manufacturer’s distinctive mark or symbol identifying the grade of chain.

21.3 All grabhooks shall carry the size, manufacturer’s identification, and maximum chain grade identification.

21.4 Grabhooks shall be of the clevis type except as provided elsewhere in this rule.

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12/2007 75 Section 1 (General Rules), Part 2

21.5 Closed-eye grabhooks of high test steel or alloy steel may be used with chains of the appropriate size and grade when such hooks carry the manufacturer’s permanent and distinctive mark identifying the grade of the hook. Fig. 21.1 illustrates clevis and closed-eye grabhooks.

Fig. 21.1 Clevis-type and closed-eye grabhooks

21.5.1 Chain assemblies provided by a chain manufacturer with the grabhooks joined by a flash or butt-welded con-necting link and carrying the manufacturer’s permanent and distinctive mark identifying the grade of the link are ac-ceptable.

21.5.2 Grabhooks may be attached by an approved repair-type connecting link of the type illustrated in Fig. 21.4 and listed in Table 21.3.

21.6 Chains, binders, chain attachments, and anchor points shall be maintained in good condition. The following con-ditions, which are illustrative and not all-inclusive, are prohibited:

21.6.1 Cracks, cracked welds, or cracked links in chain, clevises, hooks, ratchets, turnbuckles, binders, or binder at-tachments.

21.6.2 Bent, twisted, stretched, collapsed, or otherwise distorted links.

21.6.3 Links weakened by gouges or pits.

21.6.4 Chain repaired or joined with repair links of a type not illustrated in Fig. 21.4.

21.6.5 Links obviously worn or showing other visible evidence of loss of strength.

21.6.6 Knots or twists in any portion of the chain.

21.6.7 Spread or distorted grabhooks.

21.6.8 Chain or any chain assembly components that have been subjected to high temperature, direct flame, or extra-neous welding operations, as evidenced by heat-induced discoloration.

21.6.9 An anchor point that is used in the securement of the load and that is in a weakened condition or shows evi-dence of loss of strength because of cracks, breaks, distortion, or other deterioration.

21.7 Load Binders

21.7.1 Three types of approved chain load binders are acceptable for use in securement of open top loads—lever type, ratchet type, and turnbuckle type. See Fig. 21.2 for illustrations of each.

Fig. 21.2 Lever-, ratchet-, and turnbuckle-type load binders

CLEVIS TYPE GRABHOOK CLOSED EYE GRABHOOK

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Section 1 (General Rules), Part 2 76 12/2007

21.7.2 Binders acceptable for use on open top shipments are listed in Tables 21.1 (lever type) and 21.2 (ratchet and turnbuckle type).

21.7.3 Binders are to be marked with the rated capacity that is equal to their minimum breaking strength. Binders that are listed in Table 21.1 are identified as to size of chain with which they are to be used.

21.7.4 The working load limit of the chain should be equal to one quarter of the rated capacity of the binder.

21.7.5 Binders must be compatible with the size of chain with which they are to be used.

21.7.6 Binders must be equipped with two grabhooks except when chain assemblies contain grabhooks for shortening chains or the binder is permanently attached with clevises, links, or similar devices as an integral component in a tie-down chain assembly.

21.7.7 The welding of binders to chain is prohibited except in the manufacturing process. Binders may be attached to chain using a repair-type connecting link of the type shown in Fig. 21.4 of this rule. The connecting link must be at least equivalent to the chain in strength.

21.7.8 Binders of a style that could open or otherwise result in an undesired release of chain tension during transit must have the operating handle wired or otherwise secured to prevent such a release.

Table 21.1 Acceptable lever-type binders Type of Chain

Binder Mfg. & Model 3/8 HT 3/8 Alloy 1/2 HT 1/2 Alloy ACCO Industries, Inc. Model BX 300 X

ACCO Industries, Inc. Model BXR 310 X

ACCO Industries, Inc. Model BX 400 X

ACCO Industries, Inc. Model BX 600 X

Midland Forge Model 105 X

Midland Forge Model 105-C X

Midland Forge Model 106 X

Campbell Chain Model C7R X

Campbell Chain Model C7L X

Durbin-Durco Model DD-7-1 X

The Crosby Group Model Lebus R-7 X

The Crosby Group Model Lebus 7-1 X

The Crosby Group Model Lebus A-1 X X

The Crosby Group Model Lebus R-A X X

The Crosby Group Model Lebus C-1 X

Table 21.2 Acceptable ratchet- and turnbuckle-type binders

Binder Manufacturer Model Marking Binder Type

Size (in.) Capacity (lb)Ratchet Type Turnbuckle Type Columbus McKinnon (Portec) (Portec) 10918600 X 1/2 40,000

RUD-Kettenfabrik RUD VSPS SPS 8S H1H X 1/2 48,000

RUD-Kettenfabrik RUD VSPSR 16-VIP X 1/2 48,000

The Crosby Group (Ireco) Lebus R-10 R-10 X 1/2 46,000

The Crosby Group (Ireco) Lebus R-C-10 R-C-10 X 1/2 46,000

Columbus McKinnon (Redstreak) (Redstreak)19961206 3/8 G8 X 3/8 28,400

Peerless (Redstreak) (Redstreak)19980727 3/8 G7 X 3/8 28,400

Durabilt (Redstreak) (Redstreak)20000929 DR-1-Plus X 3/8 28,400

12/2007 77 Section 1 (General Rules), Part 2

21.7.9 Binder Testing and Approval

21.7.9.1 Refer to Rule 34. of Part 4 regarding the submission process.

21.7.9.2 A total of three binders of each model are to be tensile-tested to verify their stated minimum breaking strength.

21.7.9.3 The manufacturer is to randomly select three production binders of each model for which approval is being sought.

21.7.9.4 All test binders must be appropriately identified and forwarded to a certified independent testing laboratory at the proponent’s expense.

21.7.9.5 No binder may fail at a value less than the capacity marked on the binder.

21.7.9.6 Failure of any one binder does not necessarily exclude the manufacturer’s equipment from further approval consideration unless the test results indicate what may be considered by the Committee to be significant defects. If a failure should occur in the first set of test binders, three additional binders may be selected and tested. Successful per-formance of a group of three binders shall qualify the binders for inclusion in the appropriate list of acceptable binders in Table 21.1 or Table 21.2.

21.8 Chain Attachment

21.8.1 Welding of chains directly to the car is prohibited.

21.8.2 Permanent attachment of chains to stake pockets is not recommended because this defeats their purpose.

21.8.3 Attachment of chain to welded anchors is permitted provided attachment has sufficient lineal inches of weld to provide a rated strength equal to 125% of the minimum breaking strength of the chain.

21.8.4 U-bolt cable clamps that meet ASTM specifications may be used to secure chains to a railcar. For 3/8-in. high test and alloy chain, use a 1/2-in. U-bolt cable clamp having 32,500-lb minimum breaking strength. For 1/2-in. high test and alloy chain, use a 5/8-in. U-bolt cable clamp having 50,000-lb minimum breaking strength.

21.8.5 Approved removable chain anchor devices are illustrated in Fig. 21.3.

Fig. 21.3 Approved removable chain anchors

21.8.6 Removable chain anchors of the type illustrated in Fig. 21.3 are designed to work integrally with a floor-mounted grid system. Removable chain anchors must be equipped with an effective feature to prevent uninten-tional disengagement if slack develops in the tie-down assembly.

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Section 1 (General Rules), Part 2 78 12/2007

21.9 Chain Repairs

21.9.1 Repairs to chains must be made using an approved repair device listed in Table 21.3 and illustrated in Fig. 21.4.

Each of these devices is rated by the manufacturer to equal the size and grade of chain in which it is used.

The link must carry the manufacturer’s permanent and distinctive mark and identify the grade of the link.

Fig. 21.4 Approved repair links

21.9.2 Locate repair links where they will not impair the use of corner protectors, tensioning devices, locking devices, or other features of the chain assemblies.

21.9.3 Repairing of chains by welding is prohibited.

21.9.4 Use of missing-link-type connecting links, lap links, and cold shuts, such as those illustrated in Fig. 21.5, are prohibited.

Fig. 21.5 Prohibited chain repair links

21.9.5 The use of bolts to repair broken chains or to secure ends of chains when hooks are missing is prohibited.

21.9.6 The tying of chains for any purpose other than securing hooks from displacement is prohibited.

Table 21.3 Approved repair link manufacturers Acco Industries, Inc. (Kuplok Mechanical Coupling Link)

Campbell Chain Company (Quick A Loy)

Columbus McKinnon (Hammerlock)

Crosby Company (Lok A Loy)

Dominion Chain Company (Accoloy)

Dominion Chain Company, Ltd. (Kuplex Chain Joiner)

Weisslock WA62 H37 (Portec)

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12/2007 79 Section 1 (General Rules), Part 2

21.10 Application of Chains

21.10.1 A sufficient number of chains must be used to safely restrain the lading. The chain’s rated working load limit will be the restraining value used in determining the number of chains required.

21.10.2 The number of chains required to secure lading is to be determined using the formulas in Rule 5.3 of Part 1.

21.10.3 Chains used in the securement of commodities not equipped with tie-down fixtures and not subject to rolling are to be applied over the top of the load and at an approximate right (90°) angle to the side of the car whenever possi-ble, except when the method of chain application is prescribed in a specific figure.

21.10.4 Chains used for the securement of commodities subject to rolling should be applied in such a manner as to provide equal restraint both laterally and longitudinally. Such chains should be applied as close to a 45° angle from the floor as possible.

21.10.5 Whenever practical, all available car chains should be used. Unused chains must be securely fastened to pre-vent displacement over the car side, presenting a potential hazard.

21.10.6 Whenever possible, chains should pass around or through stake pockets with the grabhook engaging the chain. The open end of the hook should be positioned so that gravity will pull the hook into the chain links, resisting disconnection if slack develops in transit (see Fig. 21.6 and Rule 21.10.7).

Fig. 21.6 Stake pocket chain connection

21.10.7 Open hooks must be secured with wire or other suitable means over the opening to prevent the hook from be-coming disengaged from the chain link to which it is secured.

21.10.8 After chains are tightened, they should be struck with a hammer or bar to eliminate any possible misalignment of links. Further tensioning may be required to take up any slack that develops due to link alignment.

21.10.9 After final tensioning, all winch assemblies must be adequately locked in position to eliminate the possibility of loosening during transit.

21.10.10 Ratchet pawls must be locked and the winch assembly must be properly raised and locked in the track.

Section 1 (General Rules), Part 2 80 12/2007

21.10.11 Chain and chain tie-down assemblies, dimensions, and working load limits are shown in Tables 21.4 and 21.5.

21.11 Securing Commodity on Flatcars Equipped with Alloy Chain Tie-Down Assemblies (Note: This rule, formerly located in Section No. 3 of the Open Top Loading Rules Manual, was moved to this Section with the 12/2007 edition.)

21.11.1 Fig. 21.7 illustrates an example of one type of chain assembly used on tie-down-equipped flatcars with floor channels (typically used to secure vehicles, tractors, and similar equipment).

Fig. 21.7 Chain assembly tie-downs for vehicles and similar equipment

Table 21.4 Chain grade and working load limit (lb) Nominal Size Grade 30a/ Grade 43 Grade 70 Grade 80 Steel Special

Inch mm Proof Coil High Test Binding Alloy Alloy 5/16 8.0 1,900 3,900 4,700 — — — 3/8 10.0 2,650 5,400 6,600 7,100 — 9,000 1/2 13.0 4,500 9,200 11,300 12,000 — 13,750 5/8 16.0 6,900 11,500 15,800 18,100 16,500 — 3/4 20.0 10,600 16,200 24,700 28,300 23,000 — 7/8 22.0 12,800 — — 34,200 — —

Specifications NACM-1900 Specs

NACM-1990

Specs

NACM-1990

Specs

NACM-1990

Dimensions &

Properties See Footnote b/ a/Grade 30 replaces Grade 28, which may be used at values stated for Grade 30.

b/Must have a design factor of no less than 4:1. Does not apply to equipment placed into service prior to September 1, 1996.

Table 21.5 Method of identification for inch- and metric-size chain

Manufacturer Grade 30 Grade 43 Grade 70 Grade 80 Special Alloy

Prior to 9-1-96 Eff. 9-1-96 Acco G3 G4 G7 A8A — —

Boltmaster-Taylor BTPC or PC THT BT7 TAC TAC —

Campbell C3/CP or P C4/CH C7 CA/C8 (+000) CA/C8 —

Columbus McKinnon CM/PC or G30 CM/HT or G43 CM/SG7 or G70 CM/Ha or HA800 — —

Crosby CG/PC/3 CG/C/4 CG/C/7 CG/A/8 — —

Laclede L3 N4 or L4 N7 or L7 G8 or L8 — —

Holland/MacLean Fogg — — — — -A-, P, PA or P8 —

Peerless PC PH P7 P8 — —

Portec — — — — -A-, H, HA800, or BE H37(8), W8 or 55

RUD-Kettenfabrik — — — VIP 8S — —

Teledyne McKay — 4MK/MKH MK7 MK8 — —

Turner & Seymour T3 T4 T7 — — —

Note: All chain assembly components must be equal or greater in strength to the component chain in the chain assembly.

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21.11.2 Each commodity must be secured in accordance with the appropriate figure covering that commodity, using at least the minimum number of alloy chains required. If sufficient quantity of chain assemblies are not available for the total load securement, it will be necessary to chain-secure all possible locations and cable the balance of the load in ac-cordance with the AAR method covering the commodity involved. If used, the cable must be of equal or greater strength than the 3/8-in. alloy chain.

21.11.3 An equal number of tie-down chains must be attached on each side and end of the commodity to be secured.

21.11.4 Tie-down winches are to be directly in line across the car to prevent possible twisting of the commodity dur-ing any in-transit shocks.

21.11.5 Before making chain hook-up, turn winch drum sufficiently to position approximately 1/2 turn of chain around the drum.

21.11.6 Swivel-type ratchets must be positioned so that the chain extends from the underneath side of the winch drum and at a point closest to the commodity being restrained.

21.11.7 Chain angles and attachment points or locations on the commodity must be made in accordance with the man-ufacturer’s requirements and recommendations. To the extent allowed, apply chains as close to a 45° angle as possible.

21.11.8 After chains are tightened, they should be struck with a hammer or bar to eliminate any possible misalignment of links. Further tensioning may be required to take up any slack that develops due to link alignment.

21.11.9 After final tensioning, all winch assemblies must be adequately locked in position to eliminate the possibility of loosening during transit.

21.11.10 Ratchet pawls must be locked and the winch assembly must be properly raised and locked in the track.

21.11.11 All unused chain tie-down assemblies must be securely positioned to eliminate the possibility of displace-ment over the car side, presenting a potential hazard.

22. WIRE ROPE/CABLE

22.1 Where wire rope/cable is specified under detailed figures, the ends must be overlapped a minimum of 12 in. and must be secured with the number of U-bolt cable clamps as indicated in Table 22.1.

Table 22.1 Wire rope/cable Plow Steel (6 × 7) Hemp Center

Diameter (in.)

Minimum Strength (lb)

Minimum Joint Strength

(lb)

Minimum Number Clips or Clamps

3/8 8,800 7,400 2 1/2 15,500 13,100 3 5/8 24,100 20,400 3 3/4 34,400 29,200 4 7/8 46,400 39,400 4

1 60,000 51,000 4

Plow Steel (6 × 19) Hemp Center 3/8 9,200 7,800 2 1/2 16,200 13,800 3 5/8 25,200 21,400 3 3/4 36,000 30,600 4 7/8 48,700 41,400 4

1 63,300 53,800 4

Note (a). Values shown under “Minimum Breaking Strength” in the above tables are based on 87% of the breaking strength of the wire rope and/or cable as supplied by the manufacturer. The minimum number of clips and/or clamps shown are based on manufacturers’ recommendations.

Note (b). Cable, 3/8-in. diameter (6 × 19), may be substituted by 5/16-in.

galvanized aircraft cable (7 × 19) strand, using tools designed for securing cable with the following approved aluminum connectors: One aluminum connector using a minimum of five mechanical machined broad crimps; or one 2-in. closed aluminum connector using a minimum of two mechanical machined broad crimps; or one 3-in. open sided aluminum connector using a minimum of four mechanical machined crimps.