Failure of a Climbing Treestand Due to Corrosion and Selective Leaching of Cable’s Galvanic Layer: Failure Analysis and Experimental Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v42i1.895Keywords:
Treestand, Forensic Engineering, Corrosion, design defect, steel cable failure, galvanic corrosion, cyclic voltammetryAbstract
Both supporting cables of a climbing treestand failed when a user stepped onto the stand’s foot platform. Analysis of the failed cables revealed extensive corrosion and selective zinc leaching of the galvanized steel cables due to an electrical connection between the treestand cables and the steel frame. Experimental measurements of corrosion rates were performed through accelerated immersion tests utilizing mass-loss and DC current measurements as well as cyclic voltammetry. Results indicated a ~79% to 300% increase in the rate of corrosion as measured by millimeters of cross-sectional area reduction per year. Flaws in the design that led to the creation of a galvanic cell between the treestand cable and its frame are discussed, and alternative designs are proposed. Finally, the manufacturer’s failure to properly account for anticipated use environment of the treestand in its design while being aware of similar prior incidents as well as their over-reliance on warnings are presented.
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