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Wire Rope Clamping

Bootheal

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2015
Messages
322
Location
Jackson, MO
Working on a personal pond project. Have acquired a few used floating concrete docks approximately 8’ x 8’. Each block is cast with a 5/8” hole, the length of the blocks on each side. Cable is intended to thread through each block and secure a group of blocks together.

To keep tension on the cables, I plan to use a vehicle coil spring on each of the two cables. Springs will be on the exposed end. I’m considering using 3/8” cable.

Main question is, each cable is going back to a precast concrete block (deadman). This will eventually be underground. What kind of lifespan would you expect for the cable and clamps???

Will a galvanized cable with smaller wire (more flexible) be better or worse in this application?

Will the clamps loose their grip and allow the cable to slack? I think I saw recommended 4 clamps - just add a couple more for giggles?

Is there a better way?2A206D79-6B36-42F2-8E49-13E176688D21.jpegCE2FC1BA-B3FA-4408-865C-CCD4B20439D2.jpeg
At the first joint, there’s a 6x8 to space the block off enough to prevent concrete to concrete contact. 2nd joint only has a 2x8 spacer. Planning on a group of three blocks total.

The base of the anchor block is at full pool. Emergency spillway is 1’ higher (not expecting to ever have this activate) so although unlikely, it could possibly float. Takes about 12” of water to float a unencumbered block. Not sure what dirt packed around three sides would add to the block ballast. So the deadman is a CYA plan.

Thoughts on any of this? Especially, the cable underground.

I’m already thinking about partially leveling #2 & #3 blocks to help with tensioning the springs and allow the water level do it’s thing, eventually!

Appreciate any suggestions. Working with cable is not something I’ve done. Don’t have a swedging crimping tool, so trying to make all connections mechanical.

Mike
 

Bootheal

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2015
Messages
322
Location
Jackson, MO
Addition thought!

Is there an issue with welding a nut to the ends of the finished cables?

Just a little more security from the rope wanting to slip in the clamp.

I have the thimble and u-bolt style cable clamps and also four-3bolt guy clamps for termination.
 

skyking1

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2020
Messages
7,463
Location
washington
I know it's counterintuitive, but I suggest looser is better than tighter. There's no preventing some action on the joints, and if you have it too tight it's just going to wreak havoc on your fasteners. When we tie up a barge for example we don't make it super tight because we're just going to kill the lines.
 

terex herder

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2017
Messages
1,778
Location
Kansas
How long galvanized cable will last in earth contact depends on your local soil. Next to the water where it will dry and rewet, probably not long. Larger/fewer strands will last longer in corrosion, fail quicker from bending. The wire rope clips will not be your weak point if the correct number are used correctly. Never saddle a dead horse.
 

Delmer

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2013
Messages
8,863
Location
WI
Simple solution. Stainless steel cable and clamps and forget about it unless you're a young man.

I like the spring tensioner, make it tight enough to be comfortable and it will still have give. Clamps are fine, four is overkill.
 

cfherrman

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2022
Messages
1,664
Location
Hays, Kansas
2 or 3 clamps should be fine, never saddle a dead horse.

Might look at other pond docks, I don't think you need a tension system and I don't think you want it tight as the water level will rise and fall

I'm fairly sure the length and weight of the cable is the tension system, you just need to make sure the dead man is far enough away.
 

Bootheal

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2015
Messages
322
Location
Jackson, MO
Hmmm!!!

I'm fairly sure the length and weight of the cable is the tension system, you just need tomake sure the dead man is far enough away.

I just set the deadman this morning before going to a birthday party! Definitely not as you suggested.

I will look into the SS cable. Good ideas. Thanks
 
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