HISTORY OF ROPES

Published On:Jan 12,2018

HISTORY OF ROPES DID YOU KNOW? Some animals were the first to use ropes. They used the long strands of vines and other plants to climb trees and swing from one branch to another. Ropes are one of the oldest human artefacts. Ropes were made earlier in the history of mankind. However, these ropes made from organic materials would decay very easily. Natural rope fibres survive in waterlogged or very dry conditions. The earliest rope was made of papyrus in about 500bc.the hierarchical structure was similar to a modern 3 strand rope. The earliest record of making rope is on a tomb in Thebes from the Egyptian 5th dynasty which has the inscription”twisting the ropes for boat building”. ROPE MATERIALS
  • The rope makers in Thebes used strips of leather.
  • Ropes were made of heather in Orkney islands.
  • In luxury furnishings, silk ropes were used.
  • Ropes were also made from soft vegetable fibre or hemp.
  • Cotton was used for cheaper soft ropes.
  • Manila hemp or other materials were extracted from the leaves of tropical plants.
PRINCIPAL PROPERTIES OF ROPES
  • Ropes made from the natural fibres are attractive due to
    1. Ease of handling,
    2. Good gripping surface
    3. Knot retention
    4. Low recoil energy
    5. They are not melting
    6. Low cost
  • Ropes made from the synthetic are attractive due to:
  1. High Strength
  2. Ease of handling
  3. High Abrasion resistance
The ability to stretch under load can be a beneficial property. Many situations occur where shock loading may occur and the elasticity of the rope reduces the peak forces. Eg. Fall protection in mountaineering.