WeatherSolve Structures - Ultra Span Productive Environments for all Weathers

Installation and Maintenance

 

Installation

Basically the installation is not complicated, however as with everything there is a learning curve.
For example, hanging a panel of fabric (typically 12ft x 60ft) will take two to three hours for the first one – (2 or 3 man crew) and 45 minutes for the last one.

The following information covers some of the more commonly asked questions.
Please call if you are looking for additional information.

 

Standards
Some details affect strength and durability, others are more aesthetic.

 

Ground

Most systems are set up to follow the ground contour. It looks best if the small variations in contour are evened out so the line flows smoothly. If there is an associated retaining wall, we suggest spending extra effort to make the wall level.

Variations in soil strength can be accommodated, though often it is easier and more economical to modify the ground rather than having several different poles or foundation arrangements.

 

Poles
Unless specified otherwise, install vertical and in a straight line (+/- an inch or two). Apart from appearance, it makes other parts of the installation easier.
Poles may be driven, mounted on concrete or screw-anchor platforms, or installed in a concrete-filled hole. Sand can also be used as backfill.

 

Cables
All cables are connected with proprietary systems to develop the full strength of the cable.
Installation tensions are generally to 20% of the ultimate strength of the cable.

 

Fabric
The fabric is installed taut with few or no wrinkles. The fabric is supplied in pre-finished panels with hem cables etc already inserted. Where possible, connection systems are provided that allow for some flexibility in dimensions so that the fabric may be easily adjusted to be taut.

 

Anchors
Some systems require end anchors or side (guy) anchors. There are many options depending on the load, the installation equipment available and the number required.

 

Personnel Options.

• Utilize your employees with WeatherSolve providing training
• Employ outside contractors with WSS providing training
• Engage WSS or a WeatherSolve agent to provide the installation via one of our already trained installation crews.
• Split up the installation so that one crew is installing poles etc and another is installing cables and hanging fabric.

WeatherSolve provides a set of installation instructions in step-by-step format tailored specifically to your job.

Training involves having a WeatherSolve person on-site at the start of cabling, and staying long enough (or returning) to provide guidance putting up the first panel. This is typically about three days. (To save WSS on-site time, for larger jobs, the cabling may be just a few cables to get enough in the air to install the first panel.)

 

Typical Equipment needed:
Pole and anchor installation is fairly self evident, however the fabric and cable installation is less “usual” for construction contractors.
Cable and Fabric equipment…

• Drills, socket sets, pliers
• Come-a-long capable of pulling about 3000lb
• Bolt cutters- 2 pairs (18” handle is ideal for hem cable in fabric, 24” is best for cutting 5/16” cable- can also use gas axe for main cable and zip-cutter for hem cables)
• Stand or forklift for supporting cable drums while unreeling.
• Man-lift

 

 

Maintenance

WeatherSolve Structures need very little maintenance. We are however dealing with industrial environments and equipment where “stuff happens”, and also with storms where records are still being set.

The following are the general instructions – specific sites and situations may have slightly different requirements.

 

Types of maintenance issues that may be encountered.

1. Mechanical damage (cuts). The fabric has vertical and horizontal threads, which are very strong compared to the threads in say clothing. For this reason, cuts less than about 5ft long usually do not tear and get larger, though they will fray a little as the fabric flaps in the wind.
   
   The only reliable way to repair the fabric is to take the panel down and sew in a patch that is the full height of the panel. At this point it is easier and usually cheaper to simply replace the whole panel.
   
   Regarding the effect of the cut on the wind control efficacy, in general terms a cut simply changes the local porosity. Studies have shown that the windbreak effect is related to the average porosity, and the effect of holes and gaps are quickly averaged out.
   We therefore recommend that small cuts not be patched, and large cuts (say longer than 4ft) be repaired by replacing the panel. The exception is where the cut is adversely affecting the aesthetics or the efficacy of the windbreak.
   
   
2. Burns (fire and exhaust). The fabric is unlikely to burn on its own, but it will melt if placed in a fire or if it rests against something like a vehicle exhaust. The treatment here is generally the same as for cuts. The advantage is that the damaged edge will be cauterized and so is much less likely to fray.
   
   
3. Storm damage- black clips. After a major storm it is a good idea to look at the windbreak to check for possible problems. The first sign of a significant storm is that some of the black clips may have broken. They are set as a release mechanism against overloading the structure.  When they break, it is usual that most of the clips on that panel will break. If there are broken clips simply replace them after the storm has passed. Leaving the occasional broken clip will increase the likelihood that all the clips in the panel will “unzip” in the next storm.
   
   
4. Storm damage- hem cables. If a panel has unzipped, the hem cable will take some of the load, but will stretch and can break if left. Broken hem cables can be rethreaded with a new cable while the fabric is still on the structure. Joining a piece of hem cable is not recommended, but it can be done with a figure “8” knot and clamps holding the two protruding ends back onto the cable.
   
   
5. Other problems. If any problems occur beyond those mentioned here, please contact Mike Robinson on 604 351 1175 asap. A photograph can be very handy to quickly explain the problem and work out the best solution.