Context: Safety testing of mine shaft elevator rails is routinely undertaken. The method involves destructive testing of a segment of the cable. The ends of the segment are frayed, then set in conical zinc molds. Each end of the segment is then secured in a large, hydraulic stretching machine. The segment is then placed under increasing load to the point of failure. Data about elasticity, load, and other factors is compiled and a report is produced. The report is then analyzed to determine whether or not the entire rail is safe to use.

Question: What part of the mine shaft requires routine testing?
Answer: elevator rails

Question: What type of testing is done to the an area of the cable?
Answer: destructive testing

Question: What is  the first step in destructive testing?
Answer: The ends of the segment are frayed, then set in conical zinc molds

Question: Afterwards, what type of machine is the segment secured in?
Answer: hydraulic stretching machine

Question: What types of information are collected in the process?
Answer: Data about elasticity, load, and other factors is compiled