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Wind loads – d&b T-Series User Manual

Page 40

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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