Field measurement of cable tensions for skyline logging systems

In recent years, a great deal of research in North America has been directed toward refining methods of assessing the load-carrying capability of skyline systems. Little effort has been directed, however, toward field measurement of cable tensions for skyline logging systems to facilitate initial tensioning of unloaded skylines or to provide means of field checking to see whether skyline systems are overloaded. The two surest methods of preventing overloads are to have continuous-reading tension meters on the line or to have self-regulating mechanisms, such as adjustable skyline brakes or tensioning devices. Often these devices, however, are not available. This paper describes two alternative methods of measuring skyline tension and their application