Holding Down Your Temporary Tent Structures

Anchoring Your Temporary Structures The Scientific Way

There may be a wide variety of reasons why temporary structures are designed. They are typically for the protection of people and materials that are stored within them. Primarily, most people will focus on the specifics of designing such a structure, such as the lighting, flooring or HVAC. The stability, however, is of utmost importance to consider.

Numerous Ways to Anchor a Structure

When you anchor a temporary structure, it produces stability that is seen from the bottom to the top. If possible, most people will want to work with the existing ground but pouring a foundation may also be something that is considered as well. Here are 2 different options for anchoring a structure.

• Staking or otherwise anchoring the structure to the earth
• Using concrete blocks or other structural options to provide anchoring without going subsurface

One of the primary reasons why people consider these types of structures is because they can be built anywhere on any type of surface. You can still have a stable and strong structure under a wide variety of conditions, even without a foundation.

What is the typical method to anchor a temporary structure?

It is necessary to consider the specifics of the site and the use of the structure when determining how to anchor it. Staking or otherwise anchoring the structure to the earth is a common option. Many people use aluminum box frames because they are both durable and lightweight. You can install them quickly and when you do so, they can be used for as long as is necessary.

If a lightweight structure is desired, then strength needs to be a particular concern. The proper engineering needs to take place in order for the anchor to overcome the light weight of the structure. Safety is a primary concern so the structure will maintain integrity in all conditions.

Since the anchor needs to compensate for the weight, how is that factor determined?

Regardless of whether you are using earth anchors or ballasts, it really comes down to how much holding power exists. There is a specific mathematical science behind the structures that are able to determine the stability. For the most part, it is a matter of ensuring that any forces applied against the structure are not greater than the weight and stability of the structure.

There are 2 different types of forces that may affect temporary structures:

Uplift Load

This is an issue when wind pressure results in the structure wanting to lift from its current position.

Shear Load

Sometimes referred to as a lateral load, this is the force that may push against the side of the object and create horizontal force.

It is typically necessary to simulate these various types of forces to determine how much load each type of design is able to withstand. In addition, the dead load of the structure itself must also need to be considered. In some cases, you may have snow or wind that are causing additional dead load.

It is not uncommon for some of these structures to experience extreme forces. An example of this is the extreme uplift load that is put on a structure located within a blast zone. It could be up to 50,000 pounds for every leg of the structure! When you anchor the structure, it creates an opposite force that helps to hold the structure in place. That force keeps the structure stable in the event of any type of load.

It is also important to consider the customization of any temporary structures. When they are customized properly, they can work well for any type of need.

When you use Temporary Warehouse Structures, you can rest assured that you are using a high-quality structure that is engineered to stand up to even the most difficult forces. Regardless of the challenges you are facing on the ground surface or the project, we supply the structure that is perfect for your needs. Not only does it keep your project running, it does so on a budget.

Call us or request a quote today for more information.