The trusses used outdoors are basically load-bearing frames designed specifically for open-air events like music festivals, outdoor parties, Aluminum Alloy Stage Truss and open-air exhibitions. The most important thing about them is that they have to handle three big headaches: getting hit by wind and rain, dealing with corrosion from the environment, and coping with uneven ground. They not only need to stay steady without wobbling, but also hold up to regular use and not rust. They must not only ensure structural stability but also possess anti-aging and anti-rust capabilities.Aluminum trusses are the most common type, Backdrop Truss for Photo Booths while corrosion-resistant steel trusses are used in some ultra-heavy-load scenarios. Core Requirements for Outdoor Trusses
1. Must Be Wind and Rain Resistant
The greatest risks outdoors are strong winds and rain:
When wind speed reaches ≥ Level 5, trusses must withstand lateral wind loads (calculated based on the local basic wind pressure; Background Truss for Stage Design an additional 30% load margin is required in coastal areas) to prevent being blown over or shaken. Rainwater can cause metal rust and wood rot, so the Truss material and surface treatment must have waterproof and anti-corrosion properties. 2. Must Adapt to Complex Ground Conditions
Outdoor venues are mostly grasslands, Adjustable Background Truss dirt roads, or temporarily paved ground, which cannot be fixed as precisely as indoor floors. To prevent the truss from tipping over due to ground settlement or slipping, it is necessary to use ground counterweights (e.g., water-filled sandbags, cast iron weights, each weighing ≥ 50 kg) or ground anchors (driven into the ground for fixation, suitable for long-term outdoor construction). 3. Must Be Easy to Transport and Temporarily Assemble
Most outdoor venues lack heavy hoisting equipment, Lightweight Backdrop Truss System so trusses need to be lightweight (each section weighs ≤ 20 kg, manageable by 2–3 people) and have a simple connection method (pin connection is preferred to avoid on-site welding). Also, these trusses need to be detachable—only then can you fit them into a regular truck, and you’ll save a good chunk on shipping costs too. Structure and Accessories: Details That Determine Outdoor Safety
1. Prioritize Triangular-Section Trusses
The triangular structure is a "geometrically invariant system," Background Truss for Exhibitions with far better lateral displacement and torsion resistance than square or circular tube trusses, effectively resisting shaking caused by strong winds. For example, the canopy frames of main stages at outdoor music festivals almost all use aluminum triangular-section trusses, which are paired with diagonal braces to form a "triangular stable structure." Outdoor Concert Truss Under wind loads, the deflection can be controlled within 1/300 of the span (e.g., deflection ≤ 33 mm for a 10 m span). 2. Essential "Wind-Resistant and Tipping-Resistant" Accessories
Ground Counterweights: Each truss column must be equipped with ≥ 2 water-filled sandbags (or cast iron weights) of 50 kg. The counterweights should be placed tightly against the bottom of the columns to avoid "top-heaviness." For grassy venues, wooden boards should be placed under Adjustable Outdoor Truss Design the counterweights to increase the contact area and prevent sinking into the soil.
Diagonal Braces and Guy Wires: When the span exceeds 12 m or the wind speed reaches ≥ Level 6, diagonal braces must be added to the side of the truss (one every 5 m, connected to the ground or adjacent trusses). Guy wires should be added to the top (pulled to ground anchors at an optimal angle of 45° to enhance wind-resistant tension).
Waterproof Junction Boxes: Easy Assembly Outdoor Truss If lighting or audio equipment is hung on the truss, all wire connections must be wrapped in waterproof junction boxes to prevent short circuits caused by rainwater infiltration (even though aluminum trusses are insulating, there is still a safety risk of wire leakage).
3. Connection Method: Pin Connection as the Main Choice, Bolt Connection as a Supplementary Option
For temporary outdoor construction, pin connection is preferred (fast assembly and disassembly, no tools required, suitable for tight schedules). However, models with "safety latches" (e.g., rotating locking tabs) must be selected to prevent pins from falling out due to wind-induced vibration.
For long-term fixed outdoor use (e.g., scenic spot canopies), bolt connection can be chosen Quick Setup Outdoor Truss (more stable, reducing later maintenance). However, stainless steel bolts must be used to avoid rust and seizing.
Usage and Maintenance: Avoid These Common Outdoor Mistakes
1. Do Not Ignore "Wind Load" Calculation
Before outdoor construction, the local weather forecast must be checked. If the wind speed reaches ≥ Level 8 (approximately 17.2 m/s, equivalent to Level 5–6 wind), construction or use is strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, wind loads should be calculated—for example, Rugged Outdoor Event Truss the rated load capacity of outdoor trusses in coastal areas needs an additional 30% increase (to cope with gusts during typhoon season) to prevent "trusses selected based on indoor loads being blown down outdoors."
2. Conduct Timely Maintenance After Rainy Use
For aluminum trusses, simply wipe the surface with a dry cloth after rain (to prevent dust in residual rainwater from clogging pin holes).
For steel trusses, the anti-corrosion coating must be inspected after rain. If there is wear, rust-proof paint should be touched up promptly (especially at connection joints, where rainwater easily accumulates and causes rust).
3. Avoid "Single-Point Overload" and "Exceeding Span Limits"
The hanging points of outdoor trusses must be located at the "top chord joints" (joints are the core of force bearing); equipment must not be hung in the middle of the rods.
Do not use trusses beyond their span limits. For example, the maximum safe outdoor span of a 400×400 mm aluminum triangular truss is 15 m. If the span exceeds 15 m, intermediate support columns must be added; otherwise, deformation will occur due to excessive deflection.
Wuxi Zhongshengwei Metal Products Co., Ltd.
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