Southern Illinois University Press, 2006 eISBN: 978-0-8093-8764-9 | Paper: 978-0-8093-2741-6 Library of Congress Classification PN2091.M3G54 2007 Dewey Decimal Classification 792.025
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Succinct and jargon free, Stage Rigging Handbook remains the only book in any language that covers the design, operation, and maintenance of stage-rigging equipment. It is written in an at-a-glance outline form, yet contains in-depth information available nowhere else. This fully indexed third edition includes three new parts: the first, an explanation of inspection procedures for rigging systems; the second, a discussion of training in the operation of rigging systems; and the third, essential information about the operation of fire curtains. The remaining six parts, as well as the glossary and bibliography, have been updated. This edition also contains a new preface, many new illustrations, and expanded information on Nicopress terminations.
Glerum explains that four main principles make up the core of this book: know the rigging system; keep it in safe working order; know how to use it; and keep your concentration. Glerum applies these principles to all of the major types of stage rigging systems, including block and tackle, hemp, counterweight, and motorized. He describes each type of rigging, then thoroughly reviews the operating procedures and methods of inspecting existing systems.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Jay O. Glerum holds seminars on stage rigging throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. A fellow of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, he has served as chair of the Rigging and Stage Machinery Standards Committee of the Institute and has taught at Seattle University, Marquette University, and the University of Washington. He is president of Jay O. Glerum & Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in consulting for the entertainment industry.
REVIEWS
“Stage Rigging Handbook clearly explains the basics of how to maintain your rigging system and operate it safely. This manual can also be a ready reference and friend when rigging a show. This is a book to always keep handy in a cubbyhole at the end of your pinrail.”—Steve Nelson, Dramatics
— -
“Stage Rigging Handbook should become a standard text for advanced technical students and all individuals concerned with the safe and proper maintenance and operation of stage-rigging systems.”—Derek Hunt, Theatre Design and Technology
— -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Preface to the Third Edition 00
Preface to the Second Edition 00
Preface to the First Edition 00
Symbols and Abbreviations 00
Part 1. Loads and Reactions 00
1.01. The 4 K¿s 00
1.02. Knowing the Rigging System 00
A. Load and Force 00
B. Static Equilibrium 00
1.03. Supporting a Load 00
A. The Engineer and the Rigger 00
B. Seat-of-the-Pants Experience 00
C. Free Body Diagram 00
D. Summation of Forces 00
E. Moment of Force 00
F. Examples 00
G. Continuous Beams 00
1.04. Summation of Forces 00
A. Resultant Force 00
B. The Law of Sines 00
C. Table of Multipliers for Resultant Forces 00
D. Vectors 00
1.05. Bridle Analysis 00
A. Bridle Length Calculation 00
B. Vertical and Horizontal Forces 00
C. Bridle Tension 00
D. Vector Analysis 00
E. Hanging Points of Different Heights 00
F. Ratio of Horizontal to Vertical Distance 00
G. Allowable Loads 00
H. The Effect of Bridles on Hanging Points 00
1.06. Strength of Materials 00
A. Types of Applied Forces 00
B. Stress, Strain, and Hooke's Law 00
C. Yield Point and Elasticity 00
D. Breaking Point 00
E. Allowable Deflection 00
F. Torsion 00
G. Unpredictable Forces 00
H. Design Factor of Components 00
I. Determining the Design Factor 00
Part 2. Block and Tackle Rigging 00
2.01. Introduction 00
2.02. Anatomy of a Block and Tackle System 00
A. Wooden Blocks 00
B. Metal Blocks 00
C. Other Types of Blocks 00
2.03. Load Distribution on a Block 00
A. Static Load 00
B. Dynamic Load 00
2.04. Mechanical Advantage 00
A. Apparent Mechanical Advantage 00
B. Actual Mechanical Advantage 00
C. Calculating Lead Line Pull 00
D. Mechanical Advantage of Common Systems 00
E. Calculating the Total Load on the System 00
F. Rope and Sheave Wear 00
G. Mechanical Advantage of Complex Systems 00
2.05. Lacing and Reeving of Blocks 00
2.06. Inspecting a Block and Tackle System 00
2.07. Using a Block and Tackle System 00
A. User¿s Checklist 00
B. Attaching 00
C. Operating 00
D. Storing 00
Part 3. Hemp Rigging 00
3.01. Introduction 00
3.02. The Hemp Systems 00
A. Single-Line System 00
B. Multiple-Line System 00
C. Sandbag and Arbor Attachment as Counterweight 00
3.03. The Rope 00
A. Considerations of Rigging Rope 00
B. Types of Natural Fiber Rope 00
C. Synthetic Fiber Rope 00
D. Tensile Strength or Breaking Strength 00
E. Strength and Allowable Working Load of Rope 00
F. Effects of Knotting 00
G. Care of Rope 00
H. Indications of Wear 00
I. Testing a Rope 00
J. Bo'sun's Chair 00
K. Selecting the Right Rope for the Job 00
3.04. Blocks 00
A. Hemp-rigging blocks 00
B. Loads 00
C. Head Blocks 00
D. Loft Blocks 00
E. Spot Blocks 00
F. Mule Blocks 00
G. Idler Pulleys 00
H. Sag Bars 00
I. Snatch Blocks 00
3.05. Pin Rail 00
A. Fixed Pin Rail 00
B. Loose Pin Rail 00
C. Single Pin Rail 00
D. Double Pin Rail 00
E. Pins 00
F. Tying Off 00
3.06. Sandbags and Arbors 00
A. Attaching Sandbags and Arbors with a Sunday 00
B. Attaching Sandbags and Arbors with a Trim Clamp 00
3.07. Jack Line 00
3.08. Spot Line Rigging 00
A. Positioning Loft Block 00
B. Positioning Head Blocks 00
C. Fleet Angle 00
D. Aligning Blocks 00
E. Running Rope 00
F. Attaching Weight to Rope 00
3.09. Operation of Hemp Rigging 00
A. Safety Inspecting All Components 00
B. Untying a Line Set 00
C. Attaching Loads 00
D. Removing Loads 00
E. Trim Marks 00
F. Lashing with Small Stuff 00
G. Retrimming 00
H. Coiling and Dressing 00
I. Showtime Operation 00
3.10. Operation Summary 00
3.11. Historical Summary 00
Part 4. Counterweight Rigging 00
4.01. Introduction 00
4.02. Single Purchase Counterweight System 00
4.03. Double Purchase Counterweight System 00
4.04. Miscellaneous Hardware 00
4.05. Wire Rope 00
A. Properties of Wire Rope for Stage Rigging 00
B. Construction of Wire Rope 00
C. Grades of Wire Rope 00
D. Attaching to Batten and Arbor 00
E. Indications of Wear 00
4.06. Blocks 00
A. Material 00
B. Sizing 00
C. Head Blocks 00
D. Tension Block 00
4.07. Lock Rail 00
A. Lock 00
B. Lock Adjustment 00
C. Load Limit and Identification 00
4.08. Arbor 00
A. Guide Systems 00
B. Pipe Weight 00
4.09. Hand Line 00
4.10. Loading Bridge 00
A. Storing Weights 00
B. Loading and Unloading Weights 00
C. Identifying Load Limits and Weights 00
D. Lead Weights 00
4.11. Loading and Unloading with a Loading Bridge 00
A. Crew Responsibilities 00
B. Communications 00
C. Runaway Set 00
D. Loading 00
E. Unloading 00
4.12. Loading and Unloading without a Loading Bridge 00
A. Partial Loads 00
B. Unbalanced Large Loads 00
4.13. Showtime Operation 00
A. Label Lock Rail 00
B. Use Trim Marks 00
C. Knuckle Buster 00
D. Preshow Testing 00
E. Cuing 00
4.14. Special Counterweight Rigging Problems 00
A. Lighting Battens 00
B. Variable Load 00
C. Increasing Counterweight Capacity 00
4.15. Operation Summary 00
Part 5. Motorized Rigging 00
5.01. Introduction 00
5.02. Systems Descriptions 00
A. Motorized Counterweight Systems 00
B. Dead-Haul Winch Types 00
5.03. Motor Types 00
A. AC Electric Motor 00
B. DC Electric Motor 00
C. Servo Motor 00
D. Hydraulic Motor 00
5.04. Electric Winch Components 00
A. Motor 00
B. Gear Reducer 00
C. Brakes 00
D. Drum 00
E. Controls 00
F. Rigging Components 00
5.05. Hydraulic Winch Components 00
5.06. Hand Winch 00
5.07. Operation of Motorized Rigging 00
A. Safety Inspect All Components 00
B. System Capacity 00
C. Loading and Unloading 00
D. Show Time Operation 00
5.08. Operation Summary 00
5.09. Safety Inspection Summary 00
Part 6. Cutting and Knotting Rope, Attaching Loads, Special Problems 00
6.01. Fiber Rope 00
A. Cutting 00
B. Knots 00
6.02. Wire Rope 00
A. Cutting 00
B. Unreeling and Uncoiling 00
6.03. Terminating 00
A. Wire Rope Clips 00
B. Compression Sleeves 00
C. Trim Chains 00
6.04. Bolts 00
6.05. Attaching Loads 00
A. Curtains 00
B. Drops 00
C. Vertical Framed Scenery 00
D. Horizontal Framed Scenery 00
E. Point Loads 00
6.06. Special Problems 00
A. Breasting 00
B. Tripping 00
C. Guiding 00
D. Dead Hanging 00
E. Flying People 00
Part 7. Inspecting Rigging Systems 00
7.01. The Second K¿Keep the Equipment in Safe Working Order 00
7.02. Frequency of Inspection 00
A. Daily 00
B. Scheduled 00
7.03. Preparation 00
A. Rail Log 00
B. Repair List 00
C. Inspection Checklist 00
7.04. What to Look For 00
A. Overstressed Components 00
B. Impact Loading 00
C. Fatigue 00
D. Loose or Missing Bolts 00
E. Defective Hardware 00
F. Corrosion 00
G. Incorrectly Installed Hardware 00
H. Wrong Hardware for the Job 00
I. Organic Degradation 00
7.05. Inspection Procedure 00
7.06. Fire Curtain Inspection Checklist 00
7.07. Hemp System Checklist 00
7.08. Counterweight Checklist 00
7.09. Motorized Checklist 00
7.10. Installers¿ Checklists 00
Part 8. Operation and Training 00
8.01. ETCP Certification 00
8.02. Venue Specific Training 00
8.03. General Subjects that Pertain to All Rigging Systems 00
A. Paperwork 00
B. Rail Operation 00
C. Operating a Line Set 00
D. Loading Bridge Procedure 00
E. Mid Rail (Jump Rail) Operation 00
F. Motorized Rigging Operation 00
G. Runaway Procedure 00
H. Knot Tying 00
I. Fire Curtain Operation 00
J. Grid Operation 00
K. Hemp Set Operation 00
8.04. Keep Your Concentration 00
Part 9. Fire Curtains 00
9.01. Fire Protection Curtains 00
9.02. Codes and Regulations 00
A. Building Codes 00
B. Life Safety Code 00
C. Authority Having Jurisdiction 00
9.03. Water Curtains 00
A. Water Deluge 00
B. Water Spray 00
C. Maintenance and Testing 00
9.04. Fabric Curtains 00
A. Types of Fabrics 00
B. Curtain Types 00
C. Curtain Construction 00
9.05. Operation Devices 00
A. Release Lines 00
B. Manual Release Devices 00
C. Automatic Release Devices 00
D. Overbalance Systems 00
E. Deceleration Devices 00
9.06. Motorized Fire Curtains 00
Glossary 00
Selected Bibliography 00
Index 00
Southern Illinois University Press, 2006 eISBN: 978-0-8093-8764-9 Paper: 978-0-8093-2741-6
Succinct and jargon free, Stage Rigging Handbook remains the only book in any language that covers the design, operation, and maintenance of stage-rigging equipment. It is written in an at-a-glance outline form, yet contains in-depth information available nowhere else. This fully indexed third edition includes three new parts: the first, an explanation of inspection procedures for rigging systems; the second, a discussion of training in the operation of rigging systems; and the third, essential information about the operation of fire curtains. The remaining six parts, as well as the glossary and bibliography, have been updated. This edition also contains a new preface, many new illustrations, and expanded information on Nicopress terminations.
Glerum explains that four main principles make up the core of this book: know the rigging system; keep it in safe working order; know how to use it; and keep your concentration. Glerum applies these principles to all of the major types of stage rigging systems, including block and tackle, hemp, counterweight, and motorized. He describes each type of rigging, then thoroughly reviews the operating procedures and methods of inspecting existing systems.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Jay O. Glerum holds seminars on stage rigging throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. A fellow of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, he has served as chair of the Rigging and Stage Machinery Standards Committee of the Institute and has taught at Seattle University, Marquette University, and the University of Washington. He is president of Jay O. Glerum & Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in consulting for the entertainment industry.
REVIEWS
“Stage Rigging Handbook clearly explains the basics of how to maintain your rigging system and operate it safely. This manual can also be a ready reference and friend when rigging a show. This is a book to always keep handy in a cubbyhole at the end of your pinrail.”—Steve Nelson, Dramatics
— -
“Stage Rigging Handbook should become a standard text for advanced technical students and all individuals concerned with the safe and proper maintenance and operation of stage-rigging systems.”—Derek Hunt, Theatre Design and Technology
— -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Preface to the Third Edition 00
Preface to the Second Edition 00
Preface to the First Edition 00
Symbols and Abbreviations 00
Part 1. Loads and Reactions 00
1.01. The 4 K¿s 00
1.02. Knowing the Rigging System 00
A. Load and Force 00
B. Static Equilibrium 00
1.03. Supporting a Load 00
A. The Engineer and the Rigger 00
B. Seat-of-the-Pants Experience 00
C. Free Body Diagram 00
D. Summation of Forces 00
E. Moment of Force 00
F. Examples 00
G. Continuous Beams 00
1.04. Summation of Forces 00
A. Resultant Force 00
B. The Law of Sines 00
C. Table of Multipliers for Resultant Forces 00
D. Vectors 00
1.05. Bridle Analysis 00
A. Bridle Length Calculation 00
B. Vertical and Horizontal Forces 00
C. Bridle Tension 00
D. Vector Analysis 00
E. Hanging Points of Different Heights 00
F. Ratio of Horizontal to Vertical Distance 00
G. Allowable Loads 00
H. The Effect of Bridles on Hanging Points 00
1.06. Strength of Materials 00
A. Types of Applied Forces 00
B. Stress, Strain, and Hooke's Law 00
C. Yield Point and Elasticity 00
D. Breaking Point 00
E. Allowable Deflection 00
F. Torsion 00
G. Unpredictable Forces 00
H. Design Factor of Components 00
I. Determining the Design Factor 00
Part 2. Block and Tackle Rigging 00
2.01. Introduction 00
2.02. Anatomy of a Block and Tackle System 00
A. Wooden Blocks 00
B. Metal Blocks 00
C. Other Types of Blocks 00
2.03. Load Distribution on a Block 00
A. Static Load 00
B. Dynamic Load 00
2.04. Mechanical Advantage 00
A. Apparent Mechanical Advantage 00
B. Actual Mechanical Advantage 00
C. Calculating Lead Line Pull 00
D. Mechanical Advantage of Common Systems 00
E. Calculating the Total Load on the System 00
F. Rope and Sheave Wear 00
G. Mechanical Advantage of Complex Systems 00
2.05. Lacing and Reeving of Blocks 00
2.06. Inspecting a Block and Tackle System 00
2.07. Using a Block and Tackle System 00
A. User¿s Checklist 00
B. Attaching 00
C. Operating 00
D. Storing 00
Part 3. Hemp Rigging 00
3.01. Introduction 00
3.02. The Hemp Systems 00
A. Single-Line System 00
B. Multiple-Line System 00
C. Sandbag and Arbor Attachment as Counterweight 00
3.03. The Rope 00
A. Considerations of Rigging Rope 00
B. Types of Natural Fiber Rope 00
C. Synthetic Fiber Rope 00
D. Tensile Strength or Breaking Strength 00
E. Strength and Allowable Working Load of Rope 00
F. Effects of Knotting 00
G. Care of Rope 00
H. Indications of Wear 00
I. Testing a Rope 00
J. Bo'sun's Chair 00
K. Selecting the Right Rope for the Job 00
3.04. Blocks 00
A. Hemp-rigging blocks 00
B. Loads 00
C. Head Blocks 00
D. Loft Blocks 00
E. Spot Blocks 00
F. Mule Blocks 00
G. Idler Pulleys 00
H. Sag Bars 00
I. Snatch Blocks 00
3.05. Pin Rail 00
A. Fixed Pin Rail 00
B. Loose Pin Rail 00
C. Single Pin Rail 00
D. Double Pin Rail 00
E. Pins 00
F. Tying Off 00
3.06. Sandbags and Arbors 00
A. Attaching Sandbags and Arbors with a Sunday 00
B. Attaching Sandbags and Arbors with a Trim Clamp 00
3.07. Jack Line 00
3.08. Spot Line Rigging 00
A. Positioning Loft Block 00
B. Positioning Head Blocks 00
C. Fleet Angle 00
D. Aligning Blocks 00
E. Running Rope 00
F. Attaching Weight to Rope 00
3.09. Operation of Hemp Rigging 00
A. Safety Inspecting All Components 00
B. Untying a Line Set 00
C. Attaching Loads 00
D. Removing Loads 00
E. Trim Marks 00
F. Lashing with Small Stuff 00
G. Retrimming 00
H. Coiling and Dressing 00
I. Showtime Operation 00
3.10. Operation Summary 00
3.11. Historical Summary 00
Part 4. Counterweight Rigging 00
4.01. Introduction 00
4.02. Single Purchase Counterweight System 00
4.03. Double Purchase Counterweight System 00
4.04. Miscellaneous Hardware 00
4.05. Wire Rope 00
A. Properties of Wire Rope for Stage Rigging 00
B. Construction of Wire Rope 00
C. Grades of Wire Rope 00
D. Attaching to Batten and Arbor 00
E. Indications of Wear 00
4.06. Blocks 00
A. Material 00
B. Sizing 00
C. Head Blocks 00
D. Tension Block 00
4.07. Lock Rail 00
A. Lock 00
B. Lock Adjustment 00
C. Load Limit and Identification 00
4.08. Arbor 00
A. Guide Systems 00
B. Pipe Weight 00
4.09. Hand Line 00
4.10. Loading Bridge 00
A. Storing Weights 00
B. Loading and Unloading Weights 00
C. Identifying Load Limits and Weights 00
D. Lead Weights 00
4.11. Loading and Unloading with a Loading Bridge 00
A. Crew Responsibilities 00
B. Communications 00
C. Runaway Set 00
D. Loading 00
E. Unloading 00
4.12. Loading and Unloading without a Loading Bridge 00
A. Partial Loads 00
B. Unbalanced Large Loads 00
4.13. Showtime Operation 00
A. Label Lock Rail 00
B. Use Trim Marks 00
C. Knuckle Buster 00
D. Preshow Testing 00
E. Cuing 00
4.14. Special Counterweight Rigging Problems 00
A. Lighting Battens 00
B. Variable Load 00
C. Increasing Counterweight Capacity 00
4.15. Operation Summary 00
Part 5. Motorized Rigging 00
5.01. Introduction 00
5.02. Systems Descriptions 00
A. Motorized Counterweight Systems 00
B. Dead-Haul Winch Types 00
5.03. Motor Types 00
A. AC Electric Motor 00
B. DC Electric Motor 00
C. Servo Motor 00
D. Hydraulic Motor 00
5.04. Electric Winch Components 00
A. Motor 00
B. Gear Reducer 00
C. Brakes 00
D. Drum 00
E. Controls 00
F. Rigging Components 00
5.05. Hydraulic Winch Components 00
5.06. Hand Winch 00
5.07. Operation of Motorized Rigging 00
A. Safety Inspect All Components 00
B. System Capacity 00
C. Loading and Unloading 00
D. Show Time Operation 00
5.08. Operation Summary 00
5.09. Safety Inspection Summary 00
Part 6. Cutting and Knotting Rope, Attaching Loads, Special Problems 00
6.01. Fiber Rope 00
A. Cutting 00
B. Knots 00
6.02. Wire Rope 00
A. Cutting 00
B. Unreeling and Uncoiling 00
6.03. Terminating 00
A. Wire Rope Clips 00
B. Compression Sleeves 00
C. Trim Chains 00
6.04. Bolts 00
6.05. Attaching Loads 00
A. Curtains 00
B. Drops 00
C. Vertical Framed Scenery 00
D. Horizontal Framed Scenery 00
E. Point Loads 00
6.06. Special Problems 00
A. Breasting 00
B. Tripping 00
C. Guiding 00
D. Dead Hanging 00
E. Flying People 00
Part 7. Inspecting Rigging Systems 00
7.01. The Second K¿Keep the Equipment in Safe Working Order 00
7.02. Frequency of Inspection 00
A. Daily 00
B. Scheduled 00
7.03. Preparation 00
A. Rail Log 00
B. Repair List 00
C. Inspection Checklist 00
7.04. What to Look For 00
A. Overstressed Components 00
B. Impact Loading 00
C. Fatigue 00
D. Loose or Missing Bolts 00
E. Defective Hardware 00
F. Corrosion 00
G. Incorrectly Installed Hardware 00
H. Wrong Hardware for the Job 00
I. Organic Degradation 00
7.05. Inspection Procedure 00
7.06. Fire Curtain Inspection Checklist 00
7.07. Hemp System Checklist 00
7.08. Counterweight Checklist 00
7.09. Motorized Checklist 00
7.10. Installers¿ Checklists 00
Part 8. Operation and Training 00
8.01. ETCP Certification 00
8.02. Venue Specific Training 00
8.03. General Subjects that Pertain to All Rigging Systems 00
A. Paperwork 00
B. Rail Operation 00
C. Operating a Line Set 00
D. Loading Bridge Procedure 00
E. Mid Rail (Jump Rail) Operation 00
F. Motorized Rigging Operation 00
G. Runaway Procedure 00
H. Knot Tying 00
I. Fire Curtain Operation 00
J. Grid Operation 00
K. Hemp Set Operation 00
8.04. Keep Your Concentration 00
Part 9. Fire Curtains 00
9.01. Fire Protection Curtains 00
9.02. Codes and Regulations 00
A. Building Codes 00
B. Life Safety Code 00
C. Authority Having Jurisdiction 00
9.03. Water Curtains 00
A. Water Deluge 00
B. Water Spray 00
C. Maintenance and Testing 00
9.04. Fabric Curtains 00
A. Types of Fabrics 00
B. Curtain Types 00
C. Curtain Construction 00
9.05. Operation Devices 00
A. Release Lines 00
B. Manual Release Devices 00
C. Automatic Release Devices 00
D. Overbalance Systems 00
E. Deceleration Devices 00
9.06. Motorized Fire Curtains 00
Glossary 00
Selected Bibliography 00
Index 00
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC