CORDSTRAP STANDARD

Recommended pre-tension in lashing application

CSS2020001-A-

1.1. PURPOSE 2.3. PRE-TENSION

This standard discusses the definition of pre-tension and Lashings transfer forces under a certain elastic elongation
why it is important for lashing application. It also provides a only, so pre-tension is required to counter cargo movement
recommendation in line with rules and regulations. in direct securing and realize additional force down in
friction securing. In addition, lashing will relax under
1.2. SCOPE tension, which can be countered by applying sufficient pre-
This standard is intended for Cordstrap lashing systems tension.
only.
Stress Relaxation
1.2.1. List of Applicable Products When lashings are under tension, the applied tension will
Core lashing products: CC Strap 105, Cordlash 105, decrease over time. This effect is called 'stress relaxation'. *
Cordlash 150, Cordlash 200, Cordlash 750, Cordlash 1500, This is a natural effect of that happens with any fiber, but the
core buckles: HDB10C, HDB10N, HDB12C, HDB12N, use of High-Tenacity Polyester fibers limits the stress
HDB15N, Dynablock® 10, Dynablock® 12-150, Dynablock® relaxation to a maximum of 30% loss of the initial applied
12-200, Dynablock® 15, Dynablock® 20, and buckle hooks: tension.†
CBH10, CBH12, CBH15, CBH20, CDBH12. This effect should be taken into consideration when
securing. Most of the stress relaxation will take place in the
2.1. PREFACE first minutes after applying the tension. It is therefore
Pre-tension is the tension that is applied to a (lashing-) recommended practice to apply tension at least 2 times
system, with the purpose to minimize cargo movement. Pre- (preferably 3). Allow the lashing some time to settle,
tension is applied using a manual, battery driven or depending on the lashing type.
pneumatically driven tool (tensioner). Typically, the pre-
tension drops over time due to relaxation of the lashing Note: If loaded more than the specified MSL or when the
material and/or due to settling of the cargo when in transit. lashing is repeatedly re-tensioned, elongation may become
This can affect the quality of the securing arrangement. permanent resulting in slack during the journey.

2.2. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND Recommended pre-tension

Practical securing1 of cargo may be approached by two In line with the CTU code2, the initial pre-tension should
distinguished principles, which may be used individually or never be lower than 10% of the MSL and should never
combined: exceed 50% of the MSL.
• Direct securing is affected by the immediate transfer of
forces from the cargo to the CTU by means of blocking, • Direct securing3: Although achievable pre-tension can vary
lashings, shores or locking devices. The securing capacity is per application, the Cordstrap recommendation is 25% of
proportional to the MSL of the securing devices. Lashings the MSL. This is a practical guideline in line with rules and
used for direct securing will inevitably elongate under regulations.
external forces, thus permitting the package a degree of
movement. a good pre-tension in lashings will contribute to Note: Care should be taken not to exceed 50% of MSL.
minimizing cargo motions
• Friction securing is achieved by so-called tie-down or top- • Friction securing4: the pre-tension of tie-down lashings
over lashings which, by their pre-tension, increase the does not fall under the regulatory limitation stated above
apparent weight of the cargo and thereby the friction to the for direct lashings, but the Cordstrap recommendation is
loading ground and the tilting stability. The securing effect 25% of the MSL.
is proportional to the pretension of the lashings. Anti-slip
material in the sliding surfaces considerably increases the Note: Care should be taken not to exceed 50% of MSL. Care
effect of such lashings. Lashings used for friction securing should be taken to establish this pretension on both sides
should be able to maintain the vital pre-tension for a longer of the friction securing arrangement as far as is practical.
period and should not fall slack from minor settling or
shrinking of the cargo.

* †
Often the term 'creep' is used, but this is in fact a different effect. As a reference, Polypropylene fibers show a far more dramatic stress
relaxation, up to 80%

Cordstrap Standard - Recommended pre- FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Date of publication: August 12, 2020
tension Lashing - CSS2020001-A Page: 1 of 2
2.5. RECOMMENDED APPLICATION 2. Single lashing pre-tension FS = FL
Cordstrap best practice regarding pre-tension:
• As a general rule, a pre-tension of 25% of the MSL of
the securing system is recommended (See Table 1 in FL
FS
Fact Sheet CSF2020001). Consider when using frictional
securing, the securing effect is proportional to the
tension applied.
• The pre-tension should never be lower than 10% of the
MSL.
• The pre-tension should never exceed 50% of the MSL. FS : Pre-Tension : Buckle
• Select a tensioner that can achieve the recommended : Bucklehook
pre-tension and fits to the lashing dimensions. FL : Lashing tension
: Anchorpoint
• Take care the tensioner is in good condition, and the : Force direction
: Lashing
gripper foot is clean of debris.
• Position the tensioner at sufficient distance from the
buckle to allow easy and proper operation of the
tensioner Note that the buckle will move towards the B. MEASURING DEVICE
tensioner when tensioning. Tensitron STXM-2000-1
• Apply at least 2 tension cycles (preferably 3). Allow the
lashing some time to settle, depending on the lashing
C. TERMS
type.
Tension
• When tie-down lashing is used, assure the lashing can
The pulling force transmitted axially by the means of
be tensioned at both sides of the cargo; using 2 buckles
a strap or lashing
or buckle hooks, on either side of the cargo, will allow
Remaining tension
to bring sufficient pre-tension in the system.
The pulling force which remains in the strap or
lashing over time, because of relaxation
Other considerations:
Breaking strength
• When using direct lashing the length of the lashing
The maximum stress in tension that a material is
should be kept as short as possible.
capable of withstanding without the lashing to break
• When using direct lashing the lashing should be as close
MSL=Maximum Securing Load
as possible to the direction of the intended restraining
The maximum allowable force on a securing product
effect.
used to secure cargo, also called LC in Ratchet
• Arrangements of direct securing should be
systems
homogeneous in a way that each side in the
SHF=Standard Hand Force:
arrangement takes its share of the restraining forces
The force that a ‘standard user’ can apply to the
appropriate to its strength.
tensioning device/ratchet. In this case, 50daN, is a
universal standard and used to determine the STF
A. FIGURES value of a device in combination with the webbing.
Pre-Tension is always measured at the ‘end’ of a system. STF=Standard Tension Force
This means; tension measured in 1 lashing does not always The force created by a standard user and
mean it is the pre-tension of the system. transferred to the lashing. This value is strictly used
for Tie Down Lashing.
1. System pre-tension FS = FL1 + FL2; FL1 ≈ FL2
IMPORTANT: Only in an ideal situation without any friction
D. REFERENCES
CTU code relevant sections:
(anchor points, edges) FL1 and FL2 will both be 50%. 1) CTU code, Annex 7: 4.1.3
2) CTU code, Annex 7: 2.4.4
3 ) CTU code, Annex 7: 4.1.4
4 ) CTU code, Annex 7: 4.1.5
FL1 5 ) Standard tension force STF according to EN 12195-2

FS

FL2

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