A screw pin anchor shackle with a 3.25 T WLL is side-loaded to 90 degrees. What is the shackle capacity in this configuration?

When a screw pin anchor shackle is side-loaded, its working load limit (WLL) is significantly affected. The WLL when the load is applied at a right angle (90 degrees) to the pin is typically reduced due to the alteration of the load distribution on the shackle.

In this case, when a shackle with a 3.25 T WLL is side-loaded to 90 degrees, the capacity is not simply the full working load limit. Instead, a reduction factor is applied to account for the increased stress at that angle.

Typically, the reduction factor for a shackle being side-loaded at 90 degrees can be approximately 0.5. Therefore, the effective capacity can be calculated by multiplying the original WLL by this reduction factor:

3.25 T WLL * 0.5 = 1.625 T.

This calculation confirms that under a side load of 90 degrees, the capacity of the shackle is 1.625 T, making it the correct answer. This understanding is crucial for safe rigging practices, ensuring that the equipment remains within its safe working limits, especially in altered loading conditions.