The Vertical Test Environment

[bonner1040]

TreeStuff, Rock Exotica and All Gear are building a large drop structure called the Vertical Test Environment. Rock Exotica and All Gear have partnered with us on the VTE in order to help drive testing and demonstration to a new level.

We plan to use the VTE not only for dynamic drop testing, but for live demo. We will have the ability to install tree branches onto the VTE and then cut them, using similar branches placed the same way to perform repeat examples showing multiple methods for the same scenario.

Here are some 3d Renders of what we are building.

Thoughts? Criticism? Questions?

 

[John_KAYS]

That is awesome... I want one! But I guess that would be considered a and I couldn't get free shipping, so never mind.

How tall is that... 30'?

Looks incredibly cool. Thanks for sharing.

 

[bonner1040]

30' tall by 30' wide.

You might be able to borrow some time on it

 

[treebing]

cool, whats the MBS on that thing?

 

[bonner1040]

A LOT!

 

[macswan]

Pretty cool.

It's just a render, so who knows what the real thing is to look like, but I would think more attachment points for climbers would be useful.

 

[bonner1040]

How so Mac?

 

[John_KAYS]

This isn't criticism, I am just thinking...since you asked. I love the idea of this thing and how it looks.
So when drop testing...if the line breaks where does the object go? Is there a cage or another form of control? Or can the object hit the frame and run away?

And to echo what Mac said...if it is used in demonstrations with climbers etc...could there be a pivoting arm on the top for a TIP? I guess the climber could be suspended for the ceiling too.

How tall is your ceiling?

I know...it's a beautiful drawing... but it helps illustrate my thought...kind of.

 

[Pelorus]

Looks interesting, and a worthwhile project.
The square corners on the bottom look unfriendly to the attachment strap on a lowering device? (? )
edit - just noticed those things sticking up at the bottom are bollards not rollers, duh!

 

[RopeShield]

30' drop isn't much of a run to show wear, forces and heat up? Does this need to be portable?

 

[DSMc]

Think about making it from multiple sections of sleeved round tubing. It could then be fully adjustable in height and limb/arm placement. Opposing cables with turnbuckles would facilitate adjustability and be far lighter than bar stock.

 

[macswan]

How so Mac?

It doesn't look like there a lot of options to hang from. It you were doing a demo, or even facilitating tests of some sort. it would be cool to just have attachment points all over it. So one could easily transfer their PSP way from a test or out of the way of something you want people on the ground to see.

 

[macswan]

I think the attachment of branches is a very cool concept.

 

[bonner1040]

To answer some of the questions. I really like the idea of a rotating arm, not sure if I can figure it easily enough. Im going to try.

No ceilings. Lives outside. Powdercoated inside and out.

The thought was that the bollards at the top would be tie in points. How would you facilitate tying in?

 

[bonner1040]

The B struts are actually larger than represented relatively. They are 12" flange bean and will have perpendicular supports bisecting the space underneath as well.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

This looks like a great start!

 

[Treezybreez]

Somehow there needs to be a lake or swimming pool Incorporated.

 

[Magnum783]

To answer some of the questions. I really like the idea of a rotating arm, not sure if I can figure it easily enough. Im going to try.

No ceilings. Lives outside. Powdercoated inside and out.

The thought was that the bollards at the top would be tie in points. How would you facilitate tying in?

Nick I will email you Tuesday with the grainger PN you need for the top and then just attach a piece of sch80 pipe and gusset and it will work like a champ. Just like jib crane easy work man. We have jib cranes 40' tall with an arm span of of 16-20' lifting 1-4 tons daily. You have my number if you need the info sooner.
Jared

 

[SumoClimber]

If you're looking for a jib arm on top, there's a ton of manufacturers out there. Gorbel TetherTrack is the one I've used before. Helped install a system at a milk plant for truck inspection.
As long as the tower is made strong enough, there shouldn't be any issue mounting jibs. I'd even consider going with two jibs, possibly with power rotation. That way you'd have the safety jib that you only connect people to and then the rigging jib, for regular loads.

 

[Magnum783]

Able howe, Columbus Mckinon the list goes on. I work on cranes like that every day. You are completely correct two would be awesome one for people and one for things.