Temporary Structure

[rheim]

an engineering firm from Germany designed provisions to support a stage for pop concerts. They asked me to help with transforming the design to US standards, as the band will tour the United States. Do these temporary structures also need to be stamped and approved in each state, or is there some kind of regulation that they can use the same "master document" everywhere they set up the stage? Could this be a LNA issue rather than a building department problem?

Thanks for any input

 

[Ron]

Many jurisdictions don't pay a lot of attention to such temporary structures; however, there have been a couple of recent failures of such structures with catastrophic results.

Fundamentally, yes they are structures that are subjected to the same loads as permanent structures, so signing and sealing in each jurisdiction should be required. I would suggest that you get a tour agenda and contact all the building departments in each venue.

In some states they would consider it a manufactured product and it might have to go through an approval process (Florida is one such state).

 

[MiketheEngineer]

We have found that most jurisdictions require permits and therefore appropriate engineering and local seals.

And remember - even though they might be "temporary" - they can still get "permanent" type loads.

 

[PeterStock]

Plus the assembly and disassembly add there own loads as well as wear and tear. This is more of a risk than a permanent structure.

Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services

http://www.infotechpr.net

 

[zdas04]

Wouldn't this structure come under the same regulations as a Carnival ride that is torn down and set up in another city every week? Seems like that would be a good place to start looking for applicable regulations.

David

 

[JAE]

Some recent pop stars are getting older and much heavier so when the jump way up in the air and come down on the stage - PLOP! It ain't pretty. Impact might be a consideration.



(disclosure: the above statement is a farce. Please disregard that engineer behind the curtain).

 

[PeterStock]

Also these structures need fireproofing. As shown by the fire in Warwick RI at a Great White concert a few years ago. About 100 dead. Although that was not from a temporary structure, the use of pyrotechnics at a concert is common and must be taken into consideration.

Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services

http://www.infotechpr.net

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Also these structures need fireproofing. As shown by the fire in Warwick RI at a Great White concert a few years ago. About 100 dead. Although that was not from a temporary structure, the use of pyrotechnics at a concert is common and must be taken into consideration.

That was an enclosed, permanent structure that had locked the rear doors. There was only one way in and one way out. Add to that they used foam for sound proofing that wasn't flame retardant, so it went up like a 6 month old Christmas tree.

Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com

 

[rheim]

JAE

while this is certainly a valid statement, I did some research about the relation of belly size, grade of arthritis, and air resistance on the way up depending on launch speed. This led me to the conclusion that in all likelihood they will not jump as high as in their hey days. This probabply will balance the effect of increased weight.

 

[JAE]

rheim - you are probably right. In addition - back in the 1980's they wore a lot of slick polyester and spandex...much more than today - so air resistance was less and achieved height in jumps were extraordinary.

There's nothing much worse than the sight of a 65 year old rocker pop star queen jumping 13.42 inches off the ground wearing a light blue spandex jump suit with lightning bolts stiched into it on the sides and their belly flopping to the beat of "Bridge over Troubled Waters" while the music they are actually playing is something akin to "Smoke on the Water".

 

[kelowna]

If you ask me these stars are so full of hot air that the real issue here is uplift restraints.

 

[desnov74]

rheim
Each juristiction will be different. Even if you have a PE for each state, check with the local AHJ(authority having juristiction) if a permit is required. Generally in the US local codes are either ICC or NFPA based. Both nfpa 101 and 5000 address temporary structures, as does the IFC. The size and occupancy load generally determine if you need a permit. Size, spacing, extinguisher, egress and other requirements are listed by/limited by occupant load. Here in the US the membrane material by reference must meet NFPA 701 for material flame testing.

It would probably best to develop a general specification based on NFPA 101 and ICC codes, then that can be modified by local engineers if a permit is needed. Many national manufacturers of pre-fab buildings offer services or offer to work with architect or engineer.