Alustage Heavy Duty Trussing
Alustage Heavy Duty Trussing delivers a modular aluminium framework built to carry sizeable suspended loads in touring, corporate, broadcast, and installed environments. Manufactured in Europe from high-tensile alloy, each section slots together using the familiar Alustage conical coupler method, creating rigid lattice structures with impressive span capability while keeping overall self-weight manageable for transport crews.
Core Construction
Every length uses a four-chord arrangement with diagonally braced web members. The layout distributes tension and compression evenly across the profile, resulting in minimal deflection under working load. Primary tubes have generous wall thickness, providing notable resistance to buckling without adding unnecessary mass.
- Material: EN-AW 6082 T6 aluminium alloy
- Chord diameter range: 48 - 60mm (profile dependent)
- Web member diameter range: 20 – 30mm
- Standard finishes: natural mill or black powder coat
- Connection: conical sleeves, spigots, and safety pins supplied with each segment
Load Handling & Span Guidance
Engineering data supplied by the factory outlines uniformly distributed and point-load tables for every stock length. In practice, the system comfortably bridges eight to fourteen metres between supports when configured as a single beam, while grid or tower formats allow far greater clear spans. Deflection limits are calculated using a 1/200 span ratio unless local regulations stipulate tighter tolerances.
Factors Influencing Capacity
- Total applied mass, including static fixtures and dynamic movement of automated luminaires
- Distribution of weight along the beam or grid
- Environmental forces such as wind uplift on outdoor structures
- Number and location of joints, corners, and lifting points
- Support conditions – ground-stacked towers, roof purlins, or flown motors
Comprehensive assessment by a competent rigger or structural engineer remains essential before final sign-off. Stage Concepts offers calculation assistance and can review drawings to ensure conformity with regional safety codes.
Module Variants
The catalogue contains straight lengths from 0.25 m up to 4 m, plus specialist components for directional changes or non-linear runs:
- Two-way, three-way, and four-way junction blocks
- Adjustable angles for irregular geometries
- Horizontal and vertical curved sections (custom radii available)
- Baseplates with integrated sleeves for tower builds
- Spacer pieces for fine-tuning overall dimensions
Every component aligns with the same coupler pattern, encouraging fast on-site assembly and simplified spare-part stock management.
Application Areas
Because of its mix of strength and portability, Alustage Heavy Duty Trussing is visible across a wide range of disciplines:
Live Performance
Touring headliner rigs often rely on the system to support high-density arrays of moving lights, line-array loudspeakers, and LED backdrops. Quick pin-and-spigot joints limit turn-around time between venues.
Outdoor Structures
Concert roofs, front-of-house towers, and delay platforms benefit from corrosion-resistant alloy and straightforward weather-proof finishing options. With correct ballasting, wind-loaded canopies remain secure throughout changing forecasts.
Broadcast & Studio
Television and film studios select the framework for overhead lighting grids where quiet, vibration-free operation is required. The modular approach also helps when repositioning scenery or adding new set pieces during long production runs.
Exhibition & Retail
Rapid build-and-break cycles demand equipment that can be transported in standard vans, installed with minimal tools, then stored compactly. Alustage components meet these criteria while presenting a clean, architecturally neutral profile.
Sport & Public Events
Scoreboards, timing screens, and commentary positions frequently need elevated placement. The four-chord lattice offers ample headroom for cables and ancillary hardware without obstructing sightlines.
Advantages for Production Teams
- Consistent manufacturing tolerances simplify mixing new and legacy stock
- Straightforward inspection routines; visual checks for dents and connector wear take seconds
- Certificated supporting documentation assists with permitting and insurance submissions
- Wide accessory ecosystem reduces the need for custom adapters
- Light weight relative to steel alternatives eases manual handling and lowers trucking costs
Care & Maintenance
Routine upkeep largely involves basic visual inspection. Look for crushed chords, cracked welds, and elongation around connector holes. Components showing damage beyond cosmetic scratching must be removed from service until a qualified technician deems them safe. After exposure to moisture or coastal environments, rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly before storage to slow oxidisation. Factory touch-up paint is available for powder-coated items.