Visualizing Resultants and Maintaining Stability in Rigging Systems

Excerpt from “A Guide to Artificial High Directionals & Two-Tension Rope Systems”

Rigging stability is both an art and a science. Ensuring your system remains stable requires careful consideration of forces, resultants, and the tools available to manage them. Whether you’re deploying artificial high directionals (AHDs) like the Arizona Vortex or using two-tension rope systems (TTRS), understanding how to stabilize your system is critical for safe and efficient operations.

Key Principles of Stability in Rigging Systems

When designing and deploying a rigging system, visualizing your resultants—the combination of forces acting on your system—is essential. Ensuring these resultants land within the footprint of your rigging setup is the simplest way to maintain stability. However, not all scenarios allow for perfect conditions.

For example, leaning frames extending over edges or gantry poles protruding from the side of a bridge often result in forces outside the footprint. These setups require compensatory measures to counteract the instability. Two common approaches include:

• Strong Oppositional Forces: Using guying systems to counterbalance forces acting outside the footprint.
• Compression Legs: Adding structural components to reinforce the system and provide additional stability.

Flexibility Within the Rules

Rigging rules of thumb, such as maintaining resultants within the footprint, provide a foundation for safe operations. However, real-world scenarios often demand creative solutions that bend these rules. Whether you’re adjusting guy angles, reinforcing a leaning A-frame, or managing resultants outside the footprint, flexibility and adaptability are key.

This guide, featured in the Rigging Lab Academy’s premiere course, provides detailed explanations and examples of when and how to safely deviate from standard rigging practices while maintaining system integrity.

Recommended Gear for Your Rigging Systems

The following equipment enhances both efficiency and safety when managing artificial high directionals and two-tension rope systems:

• CMC Arizona Vortex 2 Multipod: Versatile and adaptable, perfect for complex rigging scenarios.
• Rock Exotica Omni-Block 1.1″ Single Pulley: High-efficiency pulleys for smooth hauling operations.
• Petzl Rollclip: Ideal for quick installation at anchor points.
• Petzl Tibloc Ascender: Lightweight and effective for rope ascent.
• Petzl Jag System: Compact haul system for precise control.
• Petzl Axis 11mm Rope: Durable and reliable for a variety of rigging setups.
• Petzl Sm’D Carabiner: Easy-to-use locking system for secure connections.

Enroll Your Team in Rigging Lab Academy

The concepts outlined here are just a fraction of the in-depth instruction available through the Rigging Lab Academy. By enrolling your team, you gain access to courses that teach the fundamentals and advanced techniques of rigging, including artificial high directionals and shared-tension systems.

From learning to visualize resultants to mastering the use of innovative equipment, Rigging Lab Academy offers the tools and knowledge to elevate your rigging capabilities.

For further insights and hands-on training, explore related articles:

• Arizona Vortex Setup Guidelines
• Force Multipliers in Rigging Systems
• Two-Tension Rope Systems Explained

Peace on your Days,
Lance