When lifting 100,000 pounds, how many parts of line should the main load block be reeved with?

When lifting heavy loads, such as 100,000 pounds, the number of parts of line reeved through the main load block is crucial for ensuring safety and stability during the lift. The correct approach involves understanding the mechanical advantage gained through reeving.

When a load is lifted using a block and tackle system, each additional part of line effectively reduces the weight that the rigging equipment must support at once. For example, if the total load is 100,000 pounds and the line is reeved with four parts, the load on each segment of the line would be divided by four, thereby equating to 25,000 pounds on each line part. This division increases the safety margin, allowing the rigging system and the crane’s lifting capacity to be used more efficiently without exceeding working load limits.

In this case, reeving the main load block with four parts of line is essential for lifting such a heavy load safely, as it minimizes the risk of equipment failure while complying with safety standards and best practices in rigging. Selecting fewer parts of line could lead to excessive strain on the rigging components, risking line failure or other hazards during the lift.