Birdcaging in Wire Rope

Abstract

In many cases, wire rope is subjected to impact loads which send axial and torsional responses up and down the rope. If the loads are severe enough, the outer strands can separate from the core in a permanent manner and thus render the rope useless. Such a phenomenon is generally known as birdcaging. A bird cage is a term often used to describe the permanent appearance of a wire rope forced into compression. Figure 7.1, taken from the Wire Rope Users Manual [4], depicts such an event.