General concept of mooring chains

Lashing chains are mechanical elements used to secure, hold or fix loads during their transport or storage, thus guaranteeing their stability and safety. They are designed to resist traction forces and prevent movements or falls that could cause material damage or risks to people.

In the context of construction and logistics, lashing chains are essential to maintain the integrity of heavy and bulky objects, facilitating their handling and avoiding accidents. Its design and selection depend on the type of cargo, transport conditions and current regulations.

Materials used in manufacturing

Mooring chains are mainly made of high-strength steel, which can be stainless or galvanized to increase its durability and resistance to corrosion. The steel used usually has specific characteristics to withstand high loads without deforming or breaking.

There are variants with heat treatments that improve its hardness and elasticity, allowing the chain to absorb impacts and dynamic stresses during transport. In addition, some models incorporate special coatings to protect them in aggressive environments, such as exposure to chemical agents or extreme weather conditions.

Strength and load capacity

The resistance of a mooring chain is measured through its maximum working load (CMW) and minimum breaking load (CMR). The CMW is the maximum safe load the chain can withstand during use, while the CMR is the limit where the chain could fail structurally.

To guarantee safety, a safety factor is applied that usually varies between 4 and 6, depending on the use and the applicable regulations. This implies that the maximum working load is a fraction of the minimum breaking load, ensuring an adequate margin to avoid failure.

Link dimensions, material thickness, and steel type directly influence these characteristics, making it crucial to select the appropriate chain for each specific application.