Assessing Mechanical Safety - L-Acoustics arcs wide Rigging Manual

2.2

Assessing mechanical safety

In order to assess the actual safety of any array configuration before implementation, refer to the following warnings:
Rated working load limit (WLL) is not enough
The rated WLL is an indication of the element resistance to tensile stress. For complex mechanical systems
such as loudspeaker arrays, WLLs cannot be used per se to determine the maximum number of enclosures
within an array or to assess the safety of a specific array configuration.
Mechanical modeling with SOUNDVISION
The working load applied to each linking point, along with the corresponding safety factor, will depend on
numerous variables linked to the composition of the array (type and number of enclosures, splay angles) and
the implementation of the flying or stacking structure (number and location of flying points, site angle). This
cannot be determined without the complex mechanical modeling and calculation offered by SOUNDVISON.
Assessing the safety with SOUNDVISION
The overall safety factor of a specific mechanical configuration always corresponds to the lowest safety factor
among all the linking points. Always model the system configuration with the SOUNDVISION software and
check the Mechanical Data section to identify the weakest link and its corresponding working load. By
default, a stress warning will appear when the mechanical safety goes beyond the recommended safety level.
Safety of ground-stacked arrays in SOUNDVISION
For ground-stacked arrays, a distinct stability warning is implemented in SOUNDVISION. It indicates a tipping
hazard when the array is not secured to the ground, stage or platform. It is user responsibility to achieve full
anchorage and to ignore this warning.
Consideration must be given to unusual conditions
SOUNDVISION calculations are based upon usual environmental conditions. A higher safety factor is
recommended with factors such as extreme high or low temperatures, strong wind, prolonged exposition to
salt water, etc. Always consult a rigging specialist to adopt safety practices adapted to such a situation.
ARCSWIFO_RM_EN_3.0 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 7