What does constructional stretch refer to in ropes?

Constructional stretch refers to the type of stretch in ropes that occurs due to the internal construction and configuration of the rope itself. This stretching happens when the rope is first put under load and is considered non-recoverable. It means that once the fibers and the way they are woven together settle into place, the lengthening of the rope during the initial loading does not completely return to its original length once the load is removed. This characteristic is important in scenarios where the rope is being used for rigging applications, as it can affect the overall length available for safe operations after the initial stretch has occurred.

In contrast to this option, other types of stretches, such as elastic stretch, involve fibers that can revert back to their original length once the load is released. Understanding the difference between constructional stretch and other forms of stretch is vital for riggers to ensure safety and proper performance of rigging systems over time.