Managing Resultants in High Directional Setups

Written By: Lance Piatt

Managing Resultants in High Directional Setups

Visualizing Stability

The most straightforward method to ensure the stability of a high directional system is to visualize the resultant and confirm that it falls within the system’s footprint. This footprint encompasses the area defined by the system’s base, including anchors, legs, or any supporting structure.

Guiding for Stability

To provide additional security, guiding systems can be integrated into the rigging setup. These systems act as a safety net, ensuring that stability is maintained even if conditions shift unexpectedly during the operation.

Counteracting External Forces

When the resultant falls outside the footprint, as in scenarios like gantry pulls or leaning frames, it’s crucial to understand and address the forces involved. External forces acting on the system must be counteracted to prevent instability or collapse.

Employing Oppositional Forces

Strong oppositional forces are the primary means of managing resultants that extend beyond the system’s footprint. These forces can be applied through guy systems or by adding compression legs to the structure. Such adaptations ensure the system remains balanced and functional despite the challenging setup.

Adapting to Unconventional Scenarios

In certain situations, unconventional solutions may be necessary. For example, adding a side post or an additional leg to a high directional setup can provide the extra stability required. This flexibility is key to handling dynamic and non-standard rigging scenarios effectively.

Practical Applications of Resultant Management

Example: Managing a Gantry Pull

In a gantry pull setup, the resultant often falls outside the system’s footprint due to the horizontal forces involved. By integrating strong guy lines and distributing load forces through additional anchor points, the system can remain stable and secure.

Example: Leaning Frame Over an Edge

When a leaning frame is used to extend over an edge, the resultant naturally shifts outward. To counteract this, additional compression legs or tiebacks can be employed to redistribute forces and prevent tipping.

Summary: Balancing Stability with Adaptability

The simplest way to ensure stability in high directional setups is by aiming for a resultant that lands within the system’s footprint. However, this ideal scenario isn’t always possible. When the resultant falls outside the footprint—whether due to environmental factors or specific rigging configurations—stability can still be achieved with the right approach.

Strong oppositional forces, guiding systems, and adaptable solutions such as added structural elements are invaluable tools for maintaining balance. It’s important to recognize that while there are standard rules of thumb in rigging, flexibility and critical thinking are just as vital. By prioritizing safety and understanding the forces at play, rescue teams and riggers can confidently navigate even the most complex scenarios.

Peace on your days,
Lance

About The Author:

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.