TRD Ballasting Tool

The Ballasting Tool developed by the Tent Rental Division of IFAI is an online calculator derived from a study completed with Clemson University Department of Engineering, Clemson, S.C. The tool helps tent rental companies determine best methodology for using ballast units to anchor frame tents and clearspan structures and determine the expected mean coefficient of friction for water barrels, concrete barrels and concrete blocks on dry asphalt, wet asphalt, dry smooth concrete, wet smooth concrete, dry rough concrete, wet rough concrete, grass, dirt and gravel.

To access the ballasting tool, go to the “members only” section of the TRD website. TRD membership is required to access the tool.

Ballasting for safety and safety when ballasting

June 1, 2016  |  On the Job, Safety & Codes

Learning to ballast with concrete? Follow these steps to ensure safe and efficient jobsite practices. My crew has forgotten how to use a sledgehammer. Well, not really, but it could happen. In my local tent rental market, ballasting is common. So common that the top priority for my management team h…
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Code revisions underway

June 1, 2016  |  On the Job, Safety & Codes

Triggers for site-specific engineering top the tent-related proposals taken up at the ICC’s Committee Action Hearing. With debate and voting at the April Committee Action Hearing (CAH), the International Code Council (ICC) took its first step in revising codes as part of the Group B I-Code Develop…
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Let there be light

May 12, 2016  |  On the Job

“Romantic, dreamy lighting is one of the biggest trends we see [in tented events],” says Sarah Miller of Caplan Miller Events in Austin, Texas. “I love ‘layering’ lighting by incorporating chandeliers, pendants, and sconces with functional lighting such as pin spots and Lekolites.” “Li…
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Tent codes under scrutiny at upcoming hearing

April 19, 2016  |  On the Job, Safety & Codes

Proposed changes to codes governing tent installations will be discussed at the International Code Council (ICC) Group B Committee Action Hearing in Louisville, Ky. The hearing is set for April 17–27, with proposals related to tent codes most likely to be heard on April 19 and 20. Any individual c…
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OSHA: Circus tent in fatal New Hampshire collapse not erected correctly

April 1, 2016  |  On the Job, Safety & Codes

A Sarasota, Fla.-based circus operator is contesting more than $33,000 in fines proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following the collapse of a circus tent in August 2015. OSHA cited Walker International Events with 14 serious violations. The collapse killed a father…
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On trend

April 1, 2016  |  On the Job

Welcome to the redesigned InTents, your complete source for events in tents. Sailcloth, two-story (and three-story!) structures, pagodas, glass walls, high-end flooring—the list goes on. In 2016, the tent and event industry has more varied and creative options than ever. As the only publication de…
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Evacuation planning

April 1, 2016  |  Features, On the Job, Safety & Codes

It’s human nature to seek cover in an emergency. A solid evacuation plan helps to ensure attendees of tented events find shelter in a safe location. (Hint: Not the tent!) The collapse of the roof structure of a stage at the Indiana State Fair nearly five years ago served as a catalyst for discussi…
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TRD submits code changes

March 29, 2016  |  Industry News, News, On the Job, Safety & Codes

Proposed changes to codes governing tent installations to be discussed at the April ICC Committee Action Hearing. IFAI’s Tent Rental Division (TRD) submitted four proposals for changes in codes that relate to tent installation, plus an appendix proposal, as part of the Group B I-Code Development C…
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Industry Q&A with Gary Feuerborn of All Seasons Event Rental

January 25, 2016  |  Industry News, News, On the Job

Gary Feuerborn, vice president of All Seasons Event Rental, Kansas City, Kan., began working with the owners of the company in 1982 as a way to work his way through college. After graduation, he went into business with his cousin, but in 1997, he returned as general manager to All Seasons—which ma…
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Safe driving in winter weather

December 1, 2015  |  On the Job, Safety & Codes

Lives can be saved by following safe winter driving practices. Employers cannot control roadway conditions, but they can promote safe driving by ensuring that their commercial drivers recognize the hazards of winter weather and are properly trained for driving in those conditions. Here are some tips…
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