Ficha GO Mejora de la unión entre cable de acero y sintético (MUCAS)

Synthetic cables are underused in Catalonia's forestry sector due to high abrasion, short lifespan, and 2–3x higher cost than steel cables. Sector feedback indicates wear and failure occur mainly in the final metres of synthetic cables, prompting the hypothesis that protecting these sections could extend cable life. The MUCAS project develops a steel-synthetic cable joint, placing steel in the wear-prone end to reduce degradation. The joint must withstand operational tension, fit existing machinery, and be easy to install. Pilot testing, field trials, performance evaluation, and results dissemination are planned. Led by SERRADORA BOIX SL and CONSORSI, with FUSTES JANÉ SL and SERRADORA FORESTAL DE CATALUNYA SLU, the project was funded under the 2021 call and launched in September 2022.