Wind loads – d&b T-Series User Manual
Page 40
6. Wind loads
When planning an open-air event it is essential to obtain current
weather and wind information.
When loudspeaker arrays are flown in an open-air environment,
possible wind effects must be taken into account. Wind load produces
additional dynamic forces acting on the rigging components and the
suspension, which may lead to a dangerous situation.
If according to the forecast wind forces higher than 5 bft are possible,
the following actions have to be taken:
- The actual on-site wind speed has to be monitored permanently. Be
aware that wind speed typically increases with height above ground.
- Suspension and securing points of the array should be designed to
support double the static load in order to withstand any additional
dynamic forces.
WARNING!
Flying loudspeakers overhead at wind forces higher than 6 bft
is not recommended.
If the wind force exceeds 8 bft there is a risk of
mechanical damage to the components which may
lead to a dangerous situation for persons in the
vicinity of the flown array.
- Stop the event and make sure that no person remains in the
vicinity of the array.
- Lower and secure the array.
The following wind speed scale according to Beaufort provides an
impression of the effects of the different wind forces (bft).
bft
knots
km/h
mph
Description
Effects on land
0
0-1
0-1
0-1
Calm
Smoke rises vertically.
1
1-3
1-5
1-3
Light Air
Direction of wind shown by smoke drift, but not by wind vanes.
2
4-6
6-11
4-7
Light breeze
Wind felt on face; leaves rustle; ordinary vanes moved by wind.
3
7-10
12-19
8-12
Gentle breeze
Leaves and small twigs in constant motion; wind extends light
flag.
4
11-16
20-28
13-18
Moderate breeze
Raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved.
5
17-21
29-38
19-24
Fresh breeze
Small trees in leaf begin to sway; crested wavelets form on
inland waters.
6
22-27
39-49
25-31
Strong breeze
Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telegraph wires;
umbrellas used with difficulty.
7
28-33
50-61
32-38
Near gale
Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt when walking against
the wind.
8
34-40
62-74
39-46
Gale
Breaks twigs off trees; generally impedes progress.
9
41-47
75-88
47-54
Severe gale
Slight structural damage occurs (chimney-pots and slates
removed).
10
48-55
89-102
55-63
Storm
Trees uprooted; considerable structural damage occurs.
11
56-63
102-117
64-72
Violent storm
Accompanied by wide-spread damage.
12
> 64
> 117,0
> 72
Hurricane
Heaviest damage and destruction.
Tab. 1: Wind force and its effects on land
T-Series Rigging manual
(1.1 EN)
Page 40 of 44