Pyramid Shape out of Truss

[JohnPartridge]

Hi , For a show in the summer I am looking to build a Pyramid or one side of a pyramid to be used as the main focal point of the event.

 

The dimensions I require haven't been fully decided mainly because I am unsure on the angles I would require the corners to be. Height wise the Pyramid would need to be around 5.5/6.5m High.

 

If the whole pyramid is going to be a pain to build then I would just create a triangle and erect it at the back of the stage.

 

In regards to supporting the truss , I am able to use spansets and choke them onto the main roof beams which will be directly above the desired location for the pyramid.

 

So my question is, how hard would this be create, and what sort of costs are we looking at?

 

I am located in Birmingham.

 

Hope someone can Help

 

John Partridge

[DSA]

This is all possible, but you don't say what you plan to rig off this truss, if anything. With that information, we might be able to help a bit more.

 

But my first thought was trilite, or similar.

 

David

[Network_Josh]

John - Would the truss need to be load bearing at all?

 

Otherwise - I think its quite easy to do, most of it would be standard truss pieces and then you would need proper leg pieces to stand it and a top piece to join it all together.

 

Send me an email (Josh@networkaudio.com) with the exact details in an email and I will put a price together for you

 

Josh

[Seano]

If you have a suitable rigging point directly above the apex of your pyramid, then you don't need to make it a free-standing structure. You can just make it out of standard trussing, using a corner block and 4 hinges.

 

For example, have a look at this pdf:

The corner block goes in the middle with a hinge on each face and a "leg" on each of those. Build it flat on the floor, lift the apex with a motor, job done. If you want to make it really pukka (and look nice) you could also use hinges at the foot of each 'leg'. (If you're not on a solid stage, that'd be a good idea, along with a suitable base, anyway.)

 

The usual caveats about truss loading and rigging apply - if you don't know what you're doing, please call someone who does.

 

hth

Sean

x

 

ps: I'm assuming you'll be rigging at least some lighting on it - an additional advantage of flying the apex with a motor is that you can rig & cable all that at floor height. If you're going to rig any kind of light at the very apex of the pyramid, you really should be picking up that corner block with steels rather than Spansets.

[johnhuson]

Sounds like what you need is one of SSE's Tee-Pee Structures (Go to the structures section of the site). They're made out of Total Fabs Triangular XO Truss, come in different sizes and have a capacity to hang from them when it's up (from memory it's 1T). It's dead easy to erect as you build the front triangle on the ground then lift it up by adding sections to the back leg bit by bit. The guys who deliver it will even erect it for you with a little assistance when it comes to lifting it up.

[JohnPartridge]

Hi , Thanks for the replys so far.

 

Sorry for not adding in the details about load bearing.... I plan only to hang 6 pixelpars so it doesnt have too be able to hold much weight.

 

Thanks people

 

John Partridge

[Network_Josh]

John,

 

Are you looking to hire or buy?

[Wilf dLampy]

The other alternative would be to fly two triangles at angles so their apexes (is apii a word?) are close to meeting at the top.

[JohnPartridge]

Hi , firstly I am looking to hire the truss for 2 weeks at the begginging of the summer holidays.

 

Secondly, how would I make sure that the pyramid fits around the stage? Another problem I am seeing is that the idea of this pyramid is to look like an actual pyramid as the theme of the event is Egyptian.

 

The height of the Building is 8m and the stage will be 8m x 5m.

 

Could someone post some images of the parts which I would require ?

 

 

Many Thanks

John Partridge

[Network_Josh]

How many sides will your pyramid require?

 

Also - do you require the full use of the stage, or can the pyramid legs cut across it so to speak as they raise up into the middle?

 

Josh

[JohnPartridge]

I would like to have a 4 sided pyramid.

 

The legs would have to be "based" in the 4 corners of the stage. The problem with having a square piece of truss at the bottom of the pyramid is that we need to have access from 3 of the 4 sides (not the back).

 

Hope this is clear

 

John Partridge

[Network_Josh]

"The problem with having a square piece of truss at the bottom of the pyramid is that we need to have access from 3 of the 4 sides (not the back)"

 

Sorry - can you explain what you mean by this?

 

Would the truss legs come from the floor or off the stage?

[DSA]

What he means is that the bottom of the "triangles" cannot be braced together with a piece of truss acting as a tie bar, as access is required.

 

Given the weight that is proposed to hang off the structure, I would probably look at trilite with base plates and 120deg corners or similar, and then put stage weights on the base plates, or ratchet strap them to something. In addition it would be sensible (as suggested) to tie in the apex to the grid.

 

Have a think about what forces will be in the structure, look at truss manufacturers websites and speak to a local rigger. I am sure that with a combination of these, you should be able to come up with a solution.

[Network_Josh]

Cheers - I see what he means now

[JohnPartridge]

Thanks for all the reply's so far...

 

I am still trying to work out what angles I need to have each of the corners. What angles does trilite come in? Any recommendations for the angles to make the pyramid look like an actual pyramid, not a fly tower :D.

 

Also , what piece of trilite should I use for the apex (top)?

(I have chosen trilite as this is what most people said I should go with)

 

Also , where can I hire the required pieces (I am located in the midlands)

 

Many Thanks

John Partridge