CHAPTER 6 RIGGING

Rigging is the method of handling materials using fiber line, wire rope, and associated equipment. Fiber line and wire rope were discussed in chapters 4 and 5. We will now discuss how these materials and equipment can be used in various tackle and lever arrangements to form the fundamental rigging necessary to move heavy loads. Additionally, we discuss the makeup of block and tackle, reeving procedures, and common types of tackle arrangements. Information is also provided on other common types of weight-handling devices, such as slings, spreaders, pallets, jacks, planks and rollers, blocking and cribbing, and scaffolds.

SAFETY is paramount in importance. You will be briefed throughout this chapter on safety measures to be observed as it pertains to the various operations or particular equipment we are discussing. Also, formulas are given for your use in calculating the working loads of various weight-moving devices, such as hooks, shackles, chains, and so on. SAFE rigging is the critical link in the weight-handling process.

BLOCK AND TACKLE

The most commonly used mechanical device is block and tackle. A block (fig. 6-1) consists of one or more sheaves fitted in a wood or metal frame supported by a shackle inserted in the strap of the

Figure 6-1.-Parts of a fiber line block.

block. A tackle is an assembly of blocks and lines used to gain a mechanical advantage in lifting and pulling.

The mechanical advantage of a machine is the amount the machine can multiply the force used to lift or move a load. The strength of an individual determines the weight he or she can push or pull. The ability to push or pull is referred to as the amount of force the individual can exert. To move any load heavier than the force you can exert requires the use of a machine that can provide a mechanical advantage to multiply the force you can apply. If you use a machine that can produce a push or pull on an object that is 10 times greater than the force you apply, the machine has a mechanical advantage of 10. For example, if the downward pull on a block-and-tackle assembly requires 10 pounds of force to raise 100 pounds, the assembly has a mechanical advantage of 10.

In a tackle assembly, the line is reeved over the sheaves of blocks. The two types of tackle systems are simple and compound. A simple tackle system is an assembly of blocks in which a single line is used (fig. 6-2, view A). A compound tackle system is an assembly of blocks in which more than one line is used (fig. 6-2, view B).

Figure 6-2.-Tackles: A. Simple tackle; B. Compound tackle.