Why is load monitoring so important?
Tens of tons of equipment are hung above people in live events.
Anytime a load is suspended using multiple lift points there exists the potential for a structure to become “statically indeterminate,” making it impossible to calculate the loads on each point; this is known as unpredictable load distribution. Even if a truss/structure appears to be leveled, it is no indication that it is balanced from a load distribution point of view; these circumstances can easily lead to an overload. This is dangerous and in extreme cases can result in truss collapse. The combination of enormous loads suspended above people and the potential for unpredictable load distribution creates an absolute necessity for load monitoring.
For more information on unpredictable load distribution, click here.
Load monitoring systems, like the Ron StageMaster detects all overloads, including those caused due to unpredictable load distribution, and thus prevents potential accidents. They enable the rigger to take immediate preventive actions and balance the load before an overload can occur. Load monitoring systems can also provide “black box” capability, allowing operators to analyze months worth of load data and history.
Beyond Safety – Benefits
The Ron StageMaster can do a lot more than protect people, venue infrastructure, and expensive equipment. Constantly monitoring loads on stage can allow venues to host larger, heavier, more dynamic shows and widen the scope of their activities. Being protected from overload accidents can protect the venue from potential litigation, damages, reputation risk, and prevent costly shut-downs and downtime. Some current StageMaster operators have also increased their revenues by allowing customers to pay for load cell use, and some customers report increases of $500,000 or more per each hall or venue. Ownership of a sophisticated load monitoring system also shows customers that a venue is safety oriented and an adopter of the latest technologies.
The Load Monitoring Revolution
Eilon Engineering launched the first generation of the Ron StageMaster in 2006 after many years of developing cutting edge load monitoring solutions for customers like NASA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin. Since then, the Ron StageMaster has been adopted by some of the most prestigious venues, tours, and rigging companies including: The Orange County Convention Center, The Boston Symphony, The AT&T Performing Arts Center, The Royal Shakespeare Company, and many others.
As awareness of the problem of unpredictable load distribution grows, so will the use of load monitoring systems like the Ron StageMaster. In some countries legislation has even been enacted requiring riggers to confirm the weight of each and every load that will be suspended above people. Continuous load monitoring allows these riggers to streamline their operation and measure the weight of each and every piece of equipment while lifting. It is only a matter of time before load monitoring systems become a regulated requirement for any venue that suspends equipment above people.
See us at VenueConnect 2015, Booth #659.
Eilon Engineering – Who We Are
Ron StageMaster – Safety Above All
