Architecture Practice Exam

What is a significant disadvantage of using wire mesh slings?

1. They are too flexible for heavy lifting

2. Any broken wire is cause for removal from service

3. They are expensive to manufacture

4. They can only be used once

The correct answer is: Any broken wire is cause for removal from service

The significant disadvantage of using wire mesh slings lies in the fact that any broken wire is cause for removal from service. Wire mesh slings are designed to handle heavy loads, and their integrity is crucial for safety in lifting operations. Even a single broken wire can compromise the entire sling, leading to potential failures during lifting. This strict safety standard ensures that slings must be in optimal condition, thus making them less reliable if wear and tear occurs. The other options may present some concerns, but they don't encapsulate the critical safety issue associated with broken wires in wire mesh slings. These slings are typically quite strong and are intended for heavy lifting, so flexibility is generally not a problem. Their cost may vary, but they are not inherently expensive to manufacture compared to alternative lifting solutions. Moreover, wire mesh slings can be re-used multiple times as long as they remain undamaged, which eliminates the notion that they can only be used once. Thus, the requirement for immediate removal from service whenever a wire breaks highlights the paramount importance of safety in lifting practices.