[SML] Loading Bridge design...

[Bill Sapsis]

Will.

Any structural engineering firm, theatrically based or not, should be able to give you that information.  Here are a couple of theatre based companies to contact.

McLaren Engineering.              Bill Gorlin         bgorlin at mgmclaren.com<mailto:bgorlin at mgmclaren.com>
Clark/Reder                                    Jeff Reder          jreder at clarkreder.com<mailto:jreder at clarkreder.com>
SWA                                                     Steve Walker  swalker at saw-associates.com<mailto:swalker at saw-associates.com>
Theta                                                   Tim Franklin    tfranklin at theta-consulting.com<mailto:tfranklin at theta-consulting.com>

My apologies to the engineers I’ve forgotten.

Have fun

Bill

bill at sapsis-rigging.com<mailto:bill at sapsis-rigging.com>
267.278.4561 mobile

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From: Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> on behalf of "stagecraft at theatrical.net" <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Reply-To: "stagecraft at theatrical.net" <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Date: Monday, June 2, 2025 at 1:12 PM
To: "stagecraft at theatrical.net" <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: Will Leonard <will at istudioprojects.com>
Subject: [SML] Loading Bridge design...

Howdy,

We are doing an install on a building that was built in 1976 & I need some information from the experts on the List:

 With this project, we are having to work with an Architectural Firm who has no theater experience. We are having to explain to them how things are actually work/are used, which is not a problem because this is very common as we deal with remodels, etc.

However, they are trying to tell us that the loading bridge is only designed for a Live Load of 20psf. This means that 1- we cannot build a scaffolding to reinforce the head steel (as they are requiring) but also that 2- the bridge cannot have the stage weights stacked on it as it was (& has been since the building first opened).

What I am looking for is if someone can quote (or direct me to where I can find) documentation that the building codes of the 1970s required Live Load ratings (150 psf? like the stage floor). I don't want the client to not be able to use their newly installed counterweight system because of incorrect information, so I reach out to the group to see if I am crazy.

Let me know what you think (dangerous request I know) ;)
- Will Leonard
Design Manager
C: 281-752-1060


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