The basic principle.
Traction lifts use suitable suspension members, such as steel wire ropes or purpose-designed coated belts. Their construction must suit the sheaves, terminations and loading arrangement.
A wire rope contains many wires arranged into strands. A belt may contain load-carrying cords within a coating. The coating or visible surface is not a complete description of the load-bearing structure.
One journey creates repeated bending.
As suspension members pass over sheaves, they bend and straighten while carrying tension. Geometry, loading and condition influence their service behaviour.
Follow the relationship.
- Suspension memberCarries tension.
- Sheave contactTransmits or redirects force.
- TerminationTransfers force into the supported structure.
Connect it to the lift.
Load sharing, wear, corrosion and damage require assessment using the correct criteria. Belts and ropes are not interchangeable merely because they fit a space. Some systems use specific monitoring methods alongside inspection.
A closer look
Suspension tension can vary with position and dynamics. Equal-looking members do not prove equal load sharing, and a general lesson cannot supply discard criteria for every design.
Check your understanding
Can the condition of every internal load-bearing element be judged from a quick surface glance?
Reveal the explanation
No. Construction and the prescribed inspection or monitoring method determine what evidence is needed.