Ground preparation and site conditions

Ground preparation for indoor events

One-time cleaning of space done before and after construction of event structure as work is contained within venue

Site survey for indoor events

Done when organisers receive venue. Notes taken on transportation/delivery of goods, details on goods lifts, floor loadings and door sizes

Steps for setting indoor events

Obtain info on venue, mark out layout positions using chalk, use tape and string to mark out exact spot and number it, lay floor finishes and protect floor with plastic sheets

Ground preparation for outdoor events

Includes covering stage for concerts and covered area provided for event staff. Site survey usually done 2 to 8 months before event

Purpose of outdoor site survey

Establish locations for barriers and fencing, prepare ground for construction by considering utilities, mark out planned layout of event facilities and analyse venue constraints.

Factors to consider when doing outdoor site survey

Availability of space, ground conditions, traffic routes/emergency exits, proximity to noise sensitive buildings, topography, location of services/utilities

Basic principals of event structures

Event structures should be supported by foundations that can withstand load. Structures usually have steel poles fitted on steel baseplates, sitting on timber spreaders to spread load evenly

Sloping/uneven ground

Flat base for structures needed, stability of sloping ground checked by competent person and care needed to obtain full or even contact with ground,

Site Drainage

Location of event structure should not be prone to floods, water should not erode ground. If cannot, hard foundation which is deep and wide to prevent undermining

Inspection for drainage

Structures should be inspected after erection for movement or displacement. Important as structure may become unstable and collapse if soil capacity lowers

Drains for events

Needed for collection, filtering and discharging of waste water, Discharge of waste water into water canals/rivers/drains regulated by environmental protection and management act (EMPA) and environmental protection and management (trade effluent) regulations

Design of drainage pipes

Need to ensure smooth flow in discharge points (manholes), pipes should have adequate gradient

Gradient

Vertical amount which pipes falls over a distance. Gradient = fall/distance

Distance

Refers to the distance between section of pipes or between manholes. Distance = fall/gradient