Specification NDBC-5117 Rev.docx

+ Procedure: NDBC-5117, REV. -

NDBC Procurement Specification for

12-Strand Fish Bite Resistant Rope Version 3

REVISION HISTORY

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

This procurement specification establishes the requirements for 12-strand Fish Bite Resistant Rope Version 3 for use in the mooring of buoys in the ocean environment. The rope is intended to be used in the upper portion of the mooring commonly referred to as the epipelagic zone (typically upper 200 m). This area is prone to attacks by sharks and other fish. This portion of the mooring is also commonly affected by commercial fishing gear (long liners, nets, etc.). Finally, this line will be exposed to typical deck handling gear and the overboard sills of servicing vessels. For this reason, this rope needs to be cut resistant and abrasion resistant. The rope will be deployed in salt and fresh water ranging from warm tropical waters to cold arctic waters.

The following documents were used in developing this specification:

a) Cordage Institute, CI-1201, Fiber Ropes, General Standard

b) Cordage Institute, CI-1305, 12 Strand Polyester

c) Cordage Institute, CI-1500, Test Methods for Fiber Rope

d) Cordage Institute, CI-1906, HMPE Fiber Rope_High Strength Any ambiguity or conflict between this specification and other applicable documents shall be resolved in the following precedence:

a) The issued contract with any amendments or modifications.

b) This specification.

c) Other applicable documents.

5.0 MATERIALS REQUIRED

The rope shall be fabricated from a blend of fibers to meet the performance and functional requirements. The first part of this blend shall consist of a polyolefin fiber produced by gel spinning of an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) feedstock to produce extremely high tenacity fibers. The fibers are also called extended-chain PE (Polyethylene) or HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene). The rope shall be constructed using Dyneema® SK-75/78/99 fibers. The second part shall consist of high tenacity Polyester with a minimum of nine (9) grams per denier for white and eight and half (8.5) grams per denier for black. The rope shall be furnished with a marine finish to reduce friction and enhance cut resistance.

6.0 SAFETY

Since it is the burden of the vendor to provide the testing described in this procedure there are no specific safety concerns. However, if the Government should choose to do lot or sample testing the personnel performing the tests shall comply with the safe practices of NWSM 50-1115 Occupational Safety and Health Manual, the NASA SSP-8715-0001 Safety and Health Handbook, and shall follow whatever specific safety practices are required by the specific test procedures.

The rope shall be made of 12 strands arranged in a twill pattern or diamond pattern. One half of the strands shall be the “Z” twist while the remaining half shall be the “S” twist. The twist and lay characteristics shall be optimal to maximize the rope’s tenacity while maintaining ease of splice ability by standard hollow braid techniques or alternatively with a tuck splice method.

7.2 Performance

The finished rope shall conform, as a minimum, to the physical and performance properties in the following table. Physical properties may exceed the required minimums.

7.3 Put-Up

The rope shall be provided on non-returnable industrial strength shipping boxes/crates.

7.3.1 Length

Each box/crate shall contain a fixed length depending upon the nominal diameter of the rope:

7.3.2 Rope shall be delivered in industrial strength shipping boxes or crates and shall meet the following criteria:

a) Maximum box/crate dimension: 84” long x 48” wide X 48” tall. Box dimensions are variable but shall not exceed 84” long.

b) Box/crate shall be sized to accommodate full put up length of rope.

c) Box/crate shall have a removable lid. Lid shall be secured to prevent removal during shipping.

d) Box/crate material shall be waterproof or have a waterproof coating/sealer.

e) Box/crate shall be capable of being easily moved with a fork-lift without the requirement of special lifting equipment.

7.3.4 Marking

Each box/crate shall be identified with a weatherproof label containing the following information on 2 opposite sides of the box/crate.

a) Name of manufacturer.

b) Month and year of fabrication.

c) Sequential number of the box/crate.

d) Type and nominal diameter of the rope.

e) Length of rope.

f) Contract number.

The supplier is responsible for having all inspections and tests completed by a certified laboratory. The Government reserves the right to repeat any and all inspections listed herein for purposes of acceptance testing.

7.4.2 Testing and Inspections

At least one sample from each mill run lot shall be tested to provide the following data. The samples used shall be free of braider splices.

a) Circumference: A rope sample 12’-15’ long must be attached to one end to a solid fixture and tension must be applied to the other end. The tension applied is to be 200d2 lbs. The circumference is to be measured and recorded according to CI-1500. From these results calculate the diameter.

b) Linear Density: Using the same sample above, while under tension, mark off a 10’ section in the middle of the sample. Remove the tension and then cut out the 10’ section. Weigh this section and calculate the linear density according to CI-1500.

c) Performance: Determine the cycled break strength and extension in accordance with CI-1500. From this test determine the following data: tensile strength, and stress/strain curves for the 1st and 11th cycles.

The manufacturer shall provide copies of the following documentation:

Contract documents should specify the following:

The following deliverables shall be provided at least 7 days prior to shipment of the rope. The manufacturer shall provide to NDBC the documentation required in section 7.4.3a-c. This shall be delivered to:

National Data Buoy Center Attention: Contracting Officer Building 3205 Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000 Upon approval of the above documentation the manufacturer shall submit documentation in 7.4.3d and proceed with delivery of the rope.

APPENDIX A

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE

NDBC-xxx, 12-Strand Fish Bite Resistant Rope Version 3.

Contract #___________________________________

Nominal Diameter (in)

Linear Density (lbs/100 ft)

Tensile Strength (lbs)

Lot Number

I hereby certify that all the information contained above and in exhibits and attachments hereto is true and complete.

Manufacturer Signature: ___________________________________

Date: _____________________ image1.png image2.png