Event Materials and Facilities Construction

Question 1

Permits for the Tents

Answer 1

applied through the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)

Depending on the tent size, event duration and event type, a temporary change of use permit must be applied through Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) if an outdoor temporary structure is set-up

Question 2

Approval for the Tents

Answer 2

Tents are erected near the railway protection zones

An approval from LTA is required before temporary structure are erected

Question 3

Types of Tents - Unframed tents

Answer 3

Unframed tents and marquees may use steel or aluminum poles.

Larger structure, steel truss “poles,” to provide the upward thrust required to resist the guy tensioning.

Question 4

Types of Tents - Framed tents

Answer 4

May be supported by steel or aluminum portal or truss structures

Typically rectangular on plan

The fabric covering is typically supported by the framework, which is independently stable

Question 5

4 Critical Elements

Answer 5

Anchors

Wind loading

Flame Retardancy of Materials

Textile Floor Covering for Marquees

Question 6

4 Critical Elements - Anchors

Answer 6

Anchors are a critical aspect of marquee structure

The force that an anchor can withstand is:
Type of Ground
Moisture Content
Inclination of anchor
Depth of anchor
Type of anchor

——– not that important ——-

The type of ground on which the marquee structure is erected has a large influence on the pull-out force that an anchorage can withstand

For most soil types, steel pegs of an appropriate size are suitable. Loose, non-cohesive soils provide the least resistance

Helical or screw anchors or kentledges of an appropriate weight may be required. Concrete and similar bases will require specialist bolting systems of an appropriate capacity

Question 7

4 Critical Elements - Wind Loading

Answer 7

The tent erection site should be sheltered from heavy wind condition

Crews should be trained in active safety management procedures and be well-equipped to carry them out.

If heavy winds are expected, the marquee should be double guyed.

If marquee is risk of collapsing:
The marquee and its immediate area should be cleared of the public

The marquee should be partially dismantled by lowing pole marquees to the ground and removing the canopy of frame marquees

Question 8

4 Critical Elements - Flame Retardancy of Materials

Answer 8

Tent fabric and materials are flame retardant and fire-resistant

Fire safety requirements are applicable to tents and marquees especially where high crowds are expected

Materials that are non-durable flame retarded may affected by weathering.

Fabric should be treated with chemicals periodically to achieve the required level of flame retardancy

Testing should be done once every 2 years or where the fabric is showing signs of wear or tear due to repeated use. And test result must be suitably certified.

All tent / marquee roof & wall panels should be labelled:
-Name of operator Name of proofer / coater manufacturer

-Year of first use

-Flame Retardancy Standard application of fabric

Question 9

4 Critical Elements - Textile Floor Covering for Marquees

Answer 9

Some floor coverings may react in the fire to produce large amounts of heat and smoke, although the rate of the surface spread of flame may be relatively slow

Environment may also have a significant effect on the burning behavior of materials, as the wind can cause a fire to spread more rapidly

It can also blow smoke into escape routes and affect the means of escape.

Question 10

4 Critical Elements - Textile Floor Covering for Marquees May be Reusable Such as

Answer 10

coir or synthetic matting or disposable like lightweight polypropylene carpets.

Question 11

Common Types of Tents

Answer 11

A-Shape Tent

Dome-Shape Tent

Single Slope Tent

Gazebo Tent

Question 12

Common Types of Tents - Gazebo Marquees

Answer 12

Has a unique “pagoda-like” shape roof that is visible from every angle

Used in big and small events along the street and on open fields

Because of curved roof profile, this marquee is able to shed the rainwater very effectively.

Can be combined side by side to increase its roof coverage if needed

Question 13

Common Types of Tents - Gazebo Marquees Advantages

Answer 13

Lightweight construction - Lifting by machinery is no required

Curved profile - Stylish and elegant appearance

Versatility in design - Used in big and small event

Question 14

Common Types of Tents - A-Shape Tent

Answer 14

With single gradient pitched roof sloping in one or both sides depending on the size and layout of the tent on site

When the cross-sectional width of the tent is fixed, there would be no limit to the length of the tent as long as the ground permits.

Question 15

Common Types of Tents - A-Shape Tent Advantages

Answer 15

Easy installation and dismantling, transportation and storage

Lightweight construction

Variety of shape and sizes

Tent coverage can be extended by allowing a single slop tent to add-on

Question 16

Common Types of Tents - Dome Shaped Tent

Answer 16

Similar to A-shape Tent except that it peaks is round

It is semi-circle and gives a better appearance as compared to the A-Shape Tent

Slightly more difficult to set-up due to it shapes.

Components are slightly different as the steel members are manufactured with a curve profile so that the “ultimate” circular pattern will be achieved.

Installation and fixing are similar to A-Shape Tent where members are connect with bolts and nuts.

Question 17

Common Types of Tents - Truss Roof Tent

Answer 17

Made of specially designed, fabricated and assembled truss and beams

Allow the roof to be of much larger span, height and strong enough to carry heavier loads under the roof ceiling.

Four corner masts will be used to provide the support of the roof at the four corners of the stage or covered area.

As this roof is large and heavy, the assembly of the whole roof could be done at ground level or stage level.

After all the rigging of members and hanging of fixtures and fittings are done, the trussed roof is hoisted up to the top of the masts by wires or motorised hoists which are installed near the top or the masts.

Question 18

Curved Barrier Advantages

Answer 18

Dissipate audience surges away from the center of the stage

Assists means of escape

Provide a wider front row sight line

Improves performer safety by placing a greater distance between the stage and barrier, therefore making it difficult for attendees to reach the stage

Provides a wider area for stewards and first aiders to operate within the pit ( area between the stage and front of stage barriers is called pit )

Question 19

Design Consideration for Grandstand

Answer 19

Should be designed in accordance with the appropriate standards and Code of Practices.

The layout of the spectator deck must provide for the safe ingress and egress of spectators

Barriers to the perimeter of the structure and within the spectator deck must be provided to protect people from falling

The supporting structure of the grandstand must resist the static and dynamic forces

Question 20

Design Consideration for Grandstand Depend:

Answer 20

• Number of spectator seating planned for
• Seating requirement and arrangement
• Seating areas, walkway / gangway requirements
• Any special equipment

Question 21

Design Consideration for Grandstand - Seating Layout

Answer 21

A seating place is required to provide a minimum “viewing standard” together with a sufficient level of safety for the spectator body

“viewing standard” refers to the ability of spectators to see a pre-determined local point in the activity area. Also known as a “straight line”.

Seating must be fixed firmly to the ground, floor or decking.

Shall be an unobstructed way or space of at least 300mm between the back of one row of seats and the row of seat immediately behind it

Maximum number of chairs in a roll shall not exceed 12 for aisle on one side and 28 for aisle on two sides.

The seating area assigned to each people shall not be less than:
- 700mm deep ( with backrest )
- 600 mm deep ( with no backrest )
- 500 mm wide ( with arm rest )
- 450 mm wide ( with no arm rest )

Question 22

Design Consideration for Grandstand - Means of Escape

Answer 22

Any escape from a grandstand should be integrated with the building space in which the grandstand is located.

The grandstand should not obstruct fire exits or limit the width of fire escape routes.

The escape routes shall have a minimum width of 1.2 m and must be unobstructed at all times.

Exit from the grandstand should be evenly distributed and adequate so that spectators can evacuate during emergencies

A minimum of 2 exits and each exit shall be at least 1m wide

The exits should allow spectators to reach a place of safety place or a final exit safely, without local overloading

Staircases or passageways within grandstands should be of minimum 1.2m width and should not narrow into “funnels” so as to cause crowds to compress on their journey to the final exit.

Handrails of adequate strength is to be provided

The minimum height of handrails should be 1m high unless stated

All decking, aisles and steps on grandstand should be made from or covered with non-slip materials and have adequate non-slip, light colour step nosing

Question 23

Design Consideration for Grandstand - Fire Safety Requirements

Answer 23

Exit doors shall open in the direction of egress

The door accessories such as handlers used for keeping the door closed shall readily give way upon light pressure being applied by one person from the inside

Fire extinguisher ( Product Standard Bureau - PSB approved type ) shall be provided at suitable position, permitted by the local authorities, and shall be properly labelled and serviced at least once a year

Artificial lighting and fire extinguishing equipment, if provided are to be provided to the satisfaction of the fire authority

Cooking is not allowed in, or within 9m of the grandstand structure

Smoking is not allowed within the structure and the venue operator shall take all reasonable precautions

Loose or flammable materials should not be left in, on or near grandstand

Generators, if provided, shall have at least 2 fire extinguishers (PSB approved) placed in the vicinity of the generators.

Question 24

Design Consideration for Grandstand - Fire Safety Requirements

Answer 24

Exit doors shall open in the direction of egress

The door accessories such as handlers used for keeping the door closed shall readily give way upon light pressure being applied by one person from the inside

Fire extinguisher ( Product Standard Bureau - PSB approved type ) shall be provided at suitable position, permitted by the local authorities, and shall be properly labelled and serviced at least once a year

Artificial lighting and fire extinguishing equipment, if provided are to be provided to the satisfaction of the fire authority

Cooking is not allowed in, or within 9m of the grandstand structure

Smoking is not allowed within the structure and the venue operator shall take all reasonable precautions

Loose or flammable materials should not be left in, on or near grandstand

Generators, if provided, shall have at least 2 fire extinguishers (PSB approved) placed in the vicinity of the generators.

Question 25

Design Consideration for Stairs and Ramps

Answer 25

Stairs should be provided with adequate access by means of ramps and/ or stairways. It is good practice to provide for at least 2 means of access/ egress for movement of people and fire safety reasons

It is recommended that all stairs access / agress should comply with the BCA regulations. Care must be taken to attach the stairs to the stage securely for safety reasons. Handrails may be provided for stairs of heights exceeding 1.2 m from the ground.

Ramps for equipment access to stages often terminate at the bottom on a loading and unloading area. Designers need to consider the probability of vehicles reversing into the structures, especially at night or wet weather conditions where visibility is poor.

The gradient of any ramps should be gradual enough to enable the equipment to be moved safely. Specific safety measures will required if the gradient is steeper than 1:5

Ramps should not be longer than 8 meters between horizontal landing areas. Landing areas should be at least 1 m in lengths in the direction of the travel and at least as wide as the access way/ramp.

The surface of ramps and stairs, particularly those which could become wet, should be covered with a non-slip material

Nosing strips, if provided, should be between 50 mm and 65 mm in width, and of a colour that contrasts with the steps to make the drop more visible. Painting of a nosing strip to achieve the colour contrast is not acceptable.

Handrails should be provided to, at least one side of the stairs, if there are more than 5 steps to prevent falls.Handrail size should be 32 mm to 50 mm in diameter. The height of the handrail shall be at least 1 m high

Adequate handrails should be provided to all ramps. Ramps should have suitable rails to restrain equipment on wheels.

Edges should be clearly marked as the lighting level can change abruptly

Question 26

Design Consideration for Stages

Answer 26

Care must be taken to ensure that sufficient bolts are used to join the stage support together.

Unacceptable to join adjacent legs with PVC tapes, plastic cable ties or other non-structural components as this will affect the structural integrity of the stage.

Products from different manufacturers should not be mixed, even though they look similar, unless it has been fully considered by the stage designer.

Systems with scaffold tube legs will required diagonal bracings to bring the horizontal loads down the ground if the stage supports are used above a particular height

Aluminum and steel tubes should not be mixed in the same structure because aluminium has lower strength than steel

Question 27

Types of Barriers

Answer 27

Pedestrian Barriers

Mesh Panel Fencing

Hoarding

Steel Panel Systems

Roadway Panel Systems

Front-of-Stage Barriers

Multi-Barrier Arrangements

Question 28

Types of Barriers - Pedestrian Barrier

Answer 28

Known as police barriers or royal barriers.

Is a steel frame barriers used extensively for street events where there is a need to very quickly deploy long lengths of barrier to keep the crowd separate from the parade.

Usually 1.1m high and come in various length from 1.5m to 3.5m, and can be held in larger stacks ready for easy deployment.

They are free standing, and can be supported on flat or arched feet at ends.

It is useful where there is no crowd pressure involved.

They are used to purely to define “no go” areas for public.

They have little structural strength to resist the crowd.

Question 29

Types of Barriers - Mesh Panel Fencing

Answer 29

Consist of tubular steel frame with an infill of wire mesh.

Typically 3.5m long by 2m long high.

Supported by inserting end uprights (vertical elements) into block units that act as weight.

Block unit may be made of concrete or heavy plastic

Block unit have various holes to allow for fixing or middle fixing

Extensively used around event sites during the construction of event facilities, where the fence line have to be open quickly or where the site boundary may be changing very quickly

These systems have no structural strength to resist crowds and require diagonal braces or struts, to resist wind loading in situations where signs or other covering reduces the permeability of the panels.

An anti-climb version is available

Question 30

Types of Barriers - Hoarding

Answer 30

General description applied to the events industry to panels similar to the mesh panel, with two clear differences.

The mesh infill is replace by a solid infill and the panel width is reduced to 2m, due to the extra weight

Hoarding is available in height 2m and 2.4m

Due to impermeability of the infill, these systems have to use rakers at every panel joint, which are anchored by ground pins or kentledge units, depending on the ground conditions.

Even with all the rakers in place, these system have limited resistance to lateral loads

The support arrangement, specified by the manufacturer must be closely followed to achieve the state capacity.

Care must be taken to ensure the supports and are not removed as removing any one of them will destabilise the entire structure

Question 31

Types of Barriers - Steel Panel Systems

Answer 31

Widely used as a perimeter enclosure for events where there is a wish to control admission

Offer a high degree of security

Formed from a plastic coated flat steel sheet covering on a fabricated steel frame.

The frames are bolted together and overlap and are secured to the ground

Typical panel size is 3m high x 2.4 m wide.

Can be designed to withstand 25m/s wind gusts and resit crowd pressure of 1.25kN/m applied at 1.5m above ground.

An essential safety feature is the bolt connection between panels, lapped to prevent any gaps

Rakers at every joint are essential at the base of the panel frame.

This enables a substantial length of fence to operate in tension along the length of the fence in an event of a localised failure

Missing bolts will negate this feature

Question 32

Types of Barriers - Roadway Panel Systems

Answer 32

Used as the “ultimate” fence system, offering very high loadings

Interconnection between panels is usually by an H-profile sleeve that located the edges of two adjacent panels

Heavy duty rankers and extensive ground pinning are essential due to the self-weight of the panels and the potential applied loading

Question 33

Types of Barriers - Front-of-Stage Barriers

Answer 33

Considerable structure strength, and should be designed to resist the highest loading applied by crowds

Used at the front of the viewing areas where large crowds are expected

A number of different systems but they are generally heavily constructed barriers in 1m sections constructed of steel or aluminium and specifically designed for purpose

It is shaped like an “A frame” with built-in steps, for stewards to be able to get up and reach into the crowd on a footplate at the front to maintain stability

Must be erected and connected together strictly in accordance with the manufacturers’ specification.

To prevent any sliding, overturning, lift or collapse of front-of-stage-barriers, these barriers are designed to function by using the weight of the crowd on the footplate

Question 34

Types of Barriers - Front-of-Stage Barriers

Answer 34

Considerable structure strength, and should be designed to resist the highest loading applied by crowds

Used at the front of the viewing areas where large crowds are expected

A number of different systems but they are generally heavily constructed barriers in 1m sections constructed of steel or aluminium and specifically designed for purpose

It is shaped like an “A frame” with built-in steps, for stewards to be able to get up and reach into the crowd on a footplate at the front to maintain stability

Must be erected and connected together strictly in accordance with the manufacturers’ specification.

To prevent any sliding, overturning, lift or collapse of front-of-stage-barriers, these barriers are designed to function by using the weight of the crowd on the footplate

Question 35

System Trusses Include:

Answer 35

• “T” Beam Trusses

-Triangular Cross Sectional Trusses

• Square Cross Sectional Trusses
• Circular Trusses

Question 36

System Trusses

Answer 36

Often used in the construction of the stage so that event lighting and sound equipment can be installed to complement stage performances

Made of steel or aluminum alloy circular hollow sections for their lightweight and strength

The trusses are welded in a modular segments and can be joint-up to form a bigger frame

Base plates, ends, corner connections and junction connectors are available for assembling the truss sections.

Tie-back, weight down, out-rigging, strutting, bracing or anchoring may be used to stabilize the structures.

Question 37

Masts and Towers

Answer 37

Usually made from prefabricated proprietary or patent truss sections

When supporting equipment, they should restrained by cable supports or attached to a weighted base, to prevent them from swaying

Towers usually fitted with high-level platforms for workers and equipment

Rakers, outriggers and stabilisers are used to stability reasons

Kentledge and guy may be used outside the base area to ensure stability.

Prefabricated mobile access towers should be used following the manufacturer’s instruction
manual

If weighted bases are added to the bottom of the tower, it should be done carefully so that the elements of the tower or mast are not overstressed.

Towers are sometimes used to support lighting and sound equipment

Barriers should be placed around guy lines and equipment if they are placed near them.

Adequate stewarding should also be provided to ensure that the guy lines are not tampered with.

Question 38

Purpose of Barriers

Answer 38

To secure one’s property, theft, unauthorised entry, equipment and against trespasses

To manage and influence the behaviour of crowds - to prevent people from climbing over the barriers and putting themselves at risk of falling

To relieve and prevent overcrowding and the build-up of crowd pressure

To provide physical security, as in the case of a high-perimeter fence at outdoor events

To shield hazards from people

Question 39

Risk Factor to Consider When Using Barriers

Answer 39

Planned use of barriers layout

Ground conditions and topography

Presence of underground services and the use of pins to secure barriers

Weather

Load on the barriers

Audience number and behaviour

Question 40

Inspection of Barriers

Answer 40

All connecting bolts are properly fitted and correctly installed

Barriers have no protruding objects or rough edges to prevent bodily injuries

Rubber matting and other materials are provided to improve fictional resistance. - If provided, ensure rubber matting are correctly located beneath the barriers’ footplates and are in accordance with the manufacturer’s details

Barriers are located accurately in accordance with the agree site plan

Question 41

Selection of a Scaffolding System

Answer 41

Commonly used in the event industry

Allows the efficient erection and dismantling of the scaffold structure

Is an important factor as the time for setting-up and tearing down for event structure are short

Requires an understanding of the site conditions and the work to be undertaken

Scaffold are made of either the “tube and coupler scaffold” or proprietary system.

Question 42

Selection of a Scaffolding System Depend on:

Answer 42

• The weight of workers, tools, materials and equipment to carried by the scaffolding system
• Site conditions
• Height to which the scaffold may be erected
• Type of work to be done
• Duration of the work
• Requirements for pedestrian traffic through and under the scaffold area
• Means of access to the scaffold
• Any special erection or dismantling requirements
• Availability of scaffold system

Question 43

Stability

Answer 43

The stability of scaffold structures should be checked by calculation

Can be provided:
- Suitable base area

• Outriggers / Stabilisers
• Guy rope ( cable, ropes, wire )
• Kentledge
• Anchoring into the ground or combination of the above

Question 44

Scaffold Inspection - When?

Answer 44

Ancillary and special structures constructed from scaffold tubes and couplers should be inspected by a scaffold supervisor once every 7 days and/ or after every heavy downpour

Question 45

Scaffold Inspection Guideline

Answer 45

• Metal scaffold tubes are corroded to the extent of rust flaking or severe pitting of the surface should be cleaned of all loose material
• Particular attention on the 75 mm length at the scaffold tube ends as this tends to corrode more than the remainder of the tube
• Tubes should be free from cracks, and should have the ends cut square, smooth and free from cracks, Sections of tubes, that have been partly sawn, seriously deformed or creased by abuse, should be cut-out and crapped.
• Tubes that have become thin or split at the ends should be shortened by an appropriate amount

-Bent tubes should be straightened so that they do not deviate more than 5mm from a straight line in any 2m length.

• Fittings such as base plates, couplers should be inspected. They should not be used if they are damaged. Otherwise, their efficiency is reduced. It is necessary to check that threads are not damaged. Any damage item should be replaced. If it is not possible, the defective item
  should be secured against re-issue
• Base plates should be checked for the integrity of the welds, the squareness of the base to the stem, and flatness of the plate