Circus Loads

[Toby43]

Hi all,

Anyone have information regarding magnitude of loads to consider in the assessment of structures to support "trapezes" and similar Circus activities ("Silks etc...). I have a client wishing hang a trapeze off an existing roof structure. I am having trouble pinning down appropriate design loads - fall arrest systems use 15-20kN from what I can gather, which would "overload" the structure I'm looking at. Any information/experience appreciated.

Thanks
Toby

 

[JStephen]

If that trapeze is a manufactured item made specifically for that purpose, see if the manufacturer specifies rigging hardware and strength requirements for it. Or check the breaking strength of the other components being used.
I can visualize how that just swinging back and forth like a swingset, you'd have fairly low predictable loading. But with a very acrobatic adult on a circus-type trapeze, I would think you could generate some forces akin to what you see in a fall-protection scenario.
Stuff like that has a certain amount of hazard anyway, but by golly, I wouldn't want something I designed to be the weak link in the system.

 

[dik]

There's something funny about those loads...

Dik

 

[EngineeringEric]

Entertainment loads have a FS of 10x. that means higher than OSHA fall protection in many cases.

Look up ESTA. Entertainment Service Technology Association

http://tsp.esta.org/tsp/documents/published_docs.php

These are who will help you the most!

 

[Toby43]

Thanks everyone
EngineerEric,
Thanks for the link, looks along the lines of my needs
Cheers
Toby