Challenge:
Our client built a 52-foot high x 44 ft diameter stage set-piece, which resembles the center portion of the CN tower in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for a live show in that city. The set-piece also serves as a stage deck platform for performers to stand on during the show. The set-piece was fabricated from a 12-inch square aluminum box truss backbone frame with wood panels and framing, forming the contoured exterior surface of the set-piece. The set-piece was supported at the base by the stage deck and laterally stabilized by chain hoist motors above, which were suspended from the venue roof steel.
Resolution:
We used the client’s drawings and CAD files to create a structural model of the set-piece truss backbone frame, wood framing and panels, and accessible stage deck areas in order to assess the structural integrity of each system. Dead and live loads were applied to the model. The set decks were load rated based on previous analyses performed by HEA for the stage deck panels being provided. A final report was issued to the client as well as California PE stamped drawings for their use in getting the system approved for construction by the venue and local building and safety authorities.
