testing fabric to find strength

[wideguy]

I have a huge quantity of ripstop I got free, and it weighs at ~2.2 oz. /sq. yd. but is there a way to test it's strength other than sending it to a lab, or making a sling hammock and having wife and kids climb in until failure?

I've got a two layer DIY hammock made of it, and it's great for my #315 frame. But I'd love to cut weight, and if I coulde go single, that would make me happier while thinking about adding bugnet and zippers etc.

[micks]

look up the producers specs
since u got it free it might be less (old, etc)
what it actually carries varies with what u want to do
u can place sand inside if u have access.
people going inis a way to test if the ground under the h. is soft

[Adeonhisown]

The main standard uses a dogbone specimen.

Cut a section like this and hang weights from it until it rips.

Not sure what that values will tell you.

Better way would be to make a hammock and use it, jumps around and see. Just have something soft user it.

Sent from my 401SO using Tapatalk

[Ratdog]

I load 50-100 lbs more than you (me, dogs, gear) into a single layer 2.2oz hammock without a second thought.

Naturally, there a myriad of possible differences between your fabric and mine, so this anecdotal info is barely useful. If your fabric has any type of a ripstop grid, appears not to be UV damaged, has a nice tight weave, I'd go for it without hesitation.

Your double layer 2.2, for a 4.4oz/sq yd total, tops my 1.9/1.7 double layer (not riptstop, just flat taffeta weave) and I have loaded that hammock with 400+ lbs for month upon month of continuous use.

That double 2.2 has to be pretty stiff. I'm all for support, especially back support for us larger folks but I think for sure you should check out a single layer and see what you think.

Best of luck.

Oh, original question, backyard lab, sacrifice a piece of fabric. Quick gathered end via double sheet bend (no sew method) and start loading bags of concrete into it. Or maybe a 55 gallon drum and fill it with water after it's in the hammock. Finding a way to load more than 500 lbs in there can be a little tricky.

My thought is the fabric will fail from an i perfection long before the weave or thread will give. I honestly believe you'll be more than fin w/ a single layer 2.2. HYOH

[Birdman100]

The main standard uses a dogbone specimen.

Cut a section like this and hang weights from it until it rips.

Not sure what that values will tell you.

Better way would be to make a hammock and use it, jumps around and see. Just have something soft user it.

Sent from my 401SO using Tapatalk

That standard is for solid materials like metals etc. For fabrics one standard is rectangular strip 300x50mm (50 wide), but other widths will do as well.