Truss Corner Damage - 2nd Opinion

[Jambo_UK]

Evening Blue Roomers.

 

After a second opinion. We have had a truss corner damaged somehow, at the end of last years summer season.

 

The damage looks like it is be beyond repair, see photos and we in the process of getting it replaced.

 

https://uc951e6b2e1bd40f92a0c3ebd775.previews.dropboxusercontent.com/p/thumb/AAyrSWFZ6w-jhmHRUa7OX5q1OUFyqvFfc5M-67nVa2fXUQcrYspou0MuugEsbXrU2ig8jFozUugrZcdidwP6nnqyG4h6P83IFDQeKqgmRUkvXyek1LQslf02urgmp78iRCcNnb_9mkmbSCfAen0lTV5TSOLkhjS9xp61otjFNkCUlx_W7sm4TKBkEGVv6COk0aZilyYxeHxwyGjigW3PGkY0YdTafJmkYUgrZpCHGStfwZiH6kmuXuI_kZLUV_QHg8XowHiB32rOwUXiawJtr_XolHRH6Hs0N43_WyUHswVjvRihyjMqBPP_L8PRLjU84We3ce7gMC7aqrUMjSqqY-HsS_8z_rULxfq7qUbxZxynLw/p.jpeg

 

https://uc03c2a9d6b3112da749d14c3ed8.previews.dropboxusercontent.com/p/thumb/AAy6HWTSPfQZcCNu0QJe47zmcXSmqmQS_sTtqk5qKGAcej0Xaaij5ttQaVdnv3OUEB6HnF6zVcai8BR_fK_YcyHWloCyMqr-IYbTkHm0Hg7v5Js85e1-CF6tJlyjcBp_eXizwlBCBq7Ni1BwVr-HVxp_FGHSaIgX0qY3KE7HrlD8aXcdbGe0gGWIuT1znTPjmgNz0cy1y55iNUhZXXAZZSfqIRjwzsUFbDL8LvHmljC02j8PYPfXEELKvhSLkmKYFGjpeJU_7GuS2lbumJAIcT8jxfA9h0TC9u0T_zvwm9fnIHexnjBdD9c2L4djWYQ73G1UhuZJIPVl6VMFSMeUB1CgH6HZmyN9CFLb-MXl6gBSnofRsZrlDWl3XQgpVjuF_A6F6_9bp-lDjAPT-68TxzvgVjBxLtqPtmcXS8xUfyhQCBAhsmeSDeqGrMYxpejgTEi7UTheZdlfex5RaK3i61fj/p.jpeg

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/faliu2f4fiec357/AABFM_fP_RRkazG85y6IEGsxa?dl=0 (Link to Photos)

 

The damage is a deep cut that has put about a 2mm into the side wall of the Truss and various scratches in the same location, It hasn't pierced through the tube. The truss is AluStage's Q290.

 

Been told by our chippy who welds, he could just weld it over and that would seal the damage but just wanted to get a 2nd opinion on if its safe to do so in the UK Event Environment, as I think it would be seem as a modification and void the certification on the part.

 

As I have always been trained damage truss, once damaged doesn't have a repair path just straight to metal recycling and replace it. If it is ok to weld it, I may get it welded and keep as a spare.

 

Thanks in advance

[david.elsbury]

It looks like it’s massively on the piss too (technical term there). Certainly doesn’t look straight. Has it had some massive impact damage too?

[Jambo_UK]

It looks like it’s massively on the piss too (technical term there). Certainly doesn’t look straight. Has it had some massive impact damage too?

 

Nope it is a custom piece of truss work so the angle is meant to be like that. It has a 82 degree pitch. It is not an off the shelf 90 degree.

Edited April 4, 2020 by Jambo_UK

[sguy42]

Evening Blue Roomers.

 

After a second opinion. We have had a truss corner damaged somehow, at the end of last years summer season.

 

The damage looks like it is be beyond repair, see photos and we in the process of getting it replaced.

 

https://uc951e6b2e1bd40f92a0c3ebd775.previews.dropboxusercontent.com/p/thumb/AAyrSWFZ6w-jhmHRUa7OX5q1OUFyqvFfc5M-67nVa2fXUQcrYspou0MuugEsbXrU2ig8jFozUugrZcdidwP6nnqyG4h6P83IFDQeKqgmRUkvXyek1LQslf02urgmp78iRCcNnb_9mkmbSCfAen0lTV5TSOLkhjS9xp61otjFNkCUlx_W7sm4TKBkEGVv6COk0aZilyYxeHxwyGjigW3PGkY0YdTafJmkYUgrZpCHGStfwZiH6kmuXuI_kZLUV_QHg8XowHiB32rOwUXiawJtr_XolHRH6Hs0N43_WyUHswVjvRihyjMqBPP_L8PRLjU84We3ce7gMC7aqrUMjSqqY-HsS_8z_rULxfq7qUbxZxynLw/p.jpeg

 

https://uc03c2a9d6b3112da749d14c3ed8.previews.dropboxusercontent.com/p/thumb/AAy6HWTSPfQZcCNu0QJe47zmcXSmqmQS_sTtqk5qKGAcej0Xaaij5ttQaVdnv3OUEB6HnF6zVcai8BR_fK_YcyHWloCyMqr-IYbTkHm0Hg7v5Js85e1-CF6tJlyjcBp_eXizwlBCBq7Ni1BwVr-HVxp_FGHSaIgX0qY3KE7HrlD8aXcdbGe0gGWIuT1znTPjmgNz0cy1y55iNUhZXXAZZSfqIRjwzsUFbDL8LvHmljC02j8PYPfXEELKvhSLkmKYFGjpeJU_7GuS2lbumJAIcT8jxfA9h0TC9u0T_zvwm9fnIHexnjBdD9c2L4djWYQ73G1UhuZJIPVl6VMFSMeUB1CgH6HZmyN9CFLb-MXl6gBSnofRsZrlDWl3XQgpVjuF_A6F6_9bp-lDjAPT-68TxzvgVjBxLtqPtmcXS8xUfyhQCBAhsmeSDeqGrMYxpejgTEi7UTheZdlfex5RaK3i61fj/p.jpeg

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/faliu2f4fiec357/AABFM_fP_RRkazG85y6IEGsxa?dl=0 (Link to Photos)

 

The damage is a deep cut that has put about a 2mm into the side wall of the Truss and various scratches in the same location, It hasn't pierced through the tube. The truss is AluStage's Q290.

 

Been told by our chippy who welds, he could just weld it over and that would seal the damage but just wanted to get a 2nd opinion on if its safe to do so in the UK Event Environment, as I think it would be seem as a modification and void the certification on the part.

 

As I have always been trained damage truss, once damaged doesn't have a repair path just straight to metal recycling and replace it. If it is ok to weld it, I may get it welded and keep as a spare.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Is it repairable - probably

 

Could you find a company who could do it and certify it so everyone's insurance companies were happy with the result at less than the cost of a replacement (even for a custom part) - probably not

 

I'd just buy a replacement (and I have a specialist welder on my team certified for for structural work)

[paulears]

A proper repair by a certificated welder would almost certainly be possible. I can't weld but my recent experience is that the people that can, are amazingly talented and do this kind of thing daily - and can test and certificate, without breaking a sweat. The people I met a month or two ago repair things for the offshore and food industries we have in high numbers here - and you need to find one. Your chippy can probably do it - but can he produce a piece of paper confirming the structural integrity? The proper professional firms can, and do regularly.

 

However, many are now closed, apart from emergency work, and many welders have been laid off, not furloughed as they tend to be on short term contracts that haven't been renewed.

[kerry davies]

Even if you could get it welded and even if the welder was capable of certificating it the manufacturer's instructions might still invalidate repair of any kind. Personally I would try to contact AluStage for advice if that is even possible during this lockdown. That would be with a view to returning the piece to them for repair if at all possible. If they do allow local repair then, as Paul writes, find a specialist who can certify the work, AluStage are keen on that sort of thing from checking their website.

 

I would be thinking right now that buying a replacement was going to be the probable outcome as sguy suggests.

[sunray]

Evening Blue Roomers.

 

After a second opinion. We have had a truss corner damaged somehow, at the end of last years summer season.

 

The damage looks like it is be beyond repair, see photos and we in the process of getting it replaced.

 

Personally I'd only consider sending it to AluStage for repair, especially as its a custom piece. It will come back from them in perfect condition.

[xllx]

When I used to be responsible for a large stock of truss, the only way I would consider repairing something like that is to return to the manufacturer (in our case Slick Systems).

 

We had a good relationship with them, so were happy to accept their opinion whether something was a write off or repairable.

 

Occasionally we would modify a length that was damaged at one end by having it cut down and reterminated. Obviously thet doesn't apply in this case.

 

My gut feeling is that that piece is repairable, but for peace of mind, insurance liability etc, I would only consider getting the manufacturer or their authorised representative to look at it.

[jacethebase]

Sorry to say.

 

If I were called in to do an inspection and found this section of Truss I would condemn and Red tape it if I trusted the rental house. If I did not trust them I would Still Saw the ends off.

 

Welding and repairing? NO!

 

If you want a repair you send it back to the manufacture. Of whom I would be fairly sure will tell you to just buy a new one. On the design specs of which have been signed off will not have a weld or repair halfway down a load bearing leg.

 

Think about it like this. That corner from Alu-Stage is going to be £500 tops? If it gives way when and the structure is compromised, if people get hurt £500 will be less than the Excess. Let alone getting fisted by HSE.

 

Please only take advice about rigging from people that are either A - Qualified or B - Vast experience.

Edited April 26, 2020 by jacethebase