By Jeff M. Reder, P.E and Dan Peak
ed. This is especially prevalent in the entertainment
industry where time tables are tight, problems appear
suddenly, and answers are needed immediately. This is
an extremely dangerous situation. Providing information early and completely can help keep an event on
schedule and everyone on site safe.
When determining the safety and stability of any structure, entertainment or otherwise, every engineer will
conduct the same process:
1) Calculate the anticipated loads on each element, such as the self-weight of each element,
movable loads such as lights and speakers, or
wind loads based on expected wind area and
wind speed.
2) Determine how those calculated loads will
travel through elements to the ground (or surrounding structure).
3) Prove that each structural element is strong
enough to resist the calculated loads.
Each of those steps takes time. Depending on the
complexity of the system, the process can involve
a quick mental calculation or days of analysis. Every
stage, truss, deck, and tower used in any event should
have undergone this process, either years before in
a testing facility or moments before on a calculation
pad. Regardless of which extreme of that timeframe
is followed, it always starts with clear communication
between the event management team, stagehands,
and the engineer.
In addition to communication prior to an event, communication during an event is of equal importance.
The operation management plan for an event often
includes special instructions which should be followed
religiously to prevent dangerous situations from evolving. From a structural perspective, such actions can
include checking rigging elements for damage and
tightness, ensuring ballast is on firm ground, or monitoring the weather for excessive wind speeds. These
actions are very dependent on well planned communication between the field team and the design team.
Everyone can do their part to keep both attendees and
staff safe at every event. When it comes to event structures, make sure your design and site team is aware of
every new load, every changed layout, and any component that could catch some wind. It’s through intentional communication that we, as design professionals,
can do our job right to keep everyone safe.
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