Point Load
Point load refers to the concentrated weight applied at a single rigging point when supporting an LED wall or truss. Calculating accurate point loads is essential for venue approval—a 5,000 lb wall hung from 4 points creates 1,250 lb point loads before accounting for bridle angles, which increase actual loads on attachment points.
Point Load Calculations for LED Rigging
Point loads represent the concentrated forces applied to individual rigging attachment points. Accurate point load calculations are fundamental to safe LED wall installations and venue approval processes.
Understanding Point Loads
When an LED wall flies from multiple points:
Total Load: Complete system weight (panels + truss + hardware)
Distribution: How weight divides among attachment points
Actual Point Load: Force on each point after geometric factors
Basic Calculation
For evenly distributed loads:
Point Load = Total Weight ÷ Number of Points
Example:
- LED wall system: 4,800 lbs
- Four pick points, evenly spaced
- Basic point load: 1,200 lbs each
Factors Affecting Real Point Loads
Uneven Weight Distribution: Asymmetric walls shift load to some points
Truss Deflection: Bending changes load distribution
Bridle Angles: Angled cables increase point loads
Dynamic Loads: Movement adds temporary force
Safety Factors: Design loads exceed calculated loads
Bridle Angle Effects
Cables or steel at angles increase vertical point loads:
| Bridle Angle | Load Factor | 1000 lb Base = | |--------------|-------------|----------------| | 90° (vertical) | 1.00 | 1,000 lbs | | 60° | 1.15 | 1,154 lbs | | 45° | 1.41 | 1,414 lbs | | 30° | 2.00 | 2,000 lbs |
Calculation Methods
Rule of Thumb: Quick estimates for simple configurations
Spreadsheet: Basic calculations with standard formulas
CAD Software: Precise geometric analysis
Rigging Software: Dedicated programs (VectorWorks, AutoCAD with rigging plugins)
Structural Engineer: Required for complex or high-stakes installations
Venue Coordination
Information typically required:
Point Locations: X/Y coordinates in venue reference system
Point Loads: Weight at each point in pounds/kilograms
Attachment Method: Shackles, spansets, direct to beam
Total System Weight: Combined weight of entire rig
Point Designations: Labeling system for documentation
Safety Factors
Professional rigging uses significant safety margins:
5:1 Hardware: Rated hardware has 5x working load capacity
Dynamic Factors: 1.2x or greater for moving loads
Engineering Reserve: Calculations stay well under limits
Venue Limits: Never exceed stated venue capacity
Documentation
Maintain records of:
- Weight calculation worksheets
- Venue approval communications
- Point location diagrams
- Hardware certifications
- Rigging plots and drawings
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate point loads for my LED wall?
Divide total wall weight by number of pick points for basic calculation. However, uneven weight distribution, bridle angles, and truss deflection all affect actual point loads. For accurate calculations, use rigging software or consult with a structural engineer.
How do bridle angles affect point loads?
Steeper bridle angles increase point loads significantly. A 60° bridle angle adds 15% to loads, while 45° adds 41%. At 30°, loads increase by 100% (double). Always keep bridle angles above 45° when possible to minimize load amplification.
What information do venues need about point loads?
Venues typically require: load at each point, point locations in the venue coordinate system, attachment method, and total system weight. Many venues have rigging plots showing available points and capacity limits.
Related Terms
Flying
RiggingFlying refers to LED walls suspended from overhead rigging points using chain hoists, motors, and ri...
Bridle
RiggingA bridle is a rigging configuration using two or more cables, chains, or spansets connected from mul...
Working Load Limit
RiggingWorking Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum recommended load that rigging hardware should support during...
Truss
RiggingTruss is aluminum or steel structural framework used to support, hang, or ground-mount LED video wal...
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