Operating in the Latin American market, the
Venezuelan based PROmontaje needed a solution to host large outdoor events and
concerts. PROmontaje owns a large event site, just outside Caracas, which they
plan to use for a range of outdoor concerts and sports events. PROmontaje is
the main provider of technical resources for events in Venezuela, and dedicated to supplying the best possible
technical resources for the production of sporting events, shows and corporate
events.
Jean Paul Gaspard of Audio Concept, Prolyte
distributor in Latin America, brought PROmontaje in contact with Prolyte. “I
knew Prolyte was the only truss manufacturer I could trust to deliver a
structure of the size and capacity my customer was looking for” comments Jean Paul
Gaspard, “PROmontaje already owns an ARC roof and barriers from Prolyte, and they
are very happy with the quality of those products and the ease of use”.
The structure PROmontaje was looking for
needed to have enough loading capacity, paired with a large sized stage and
sufficient clearance. Recently, PROmontaje invested in a large sound system by
Meyer, so the roof systems should also be able to accommodate that weight.
Ivo Mulder adds: “This is the first structure
of that size we have delivered to Latin America. Knowing how the market works
there, you know all eyes are on you. We already have experience with the XXL
roof, Arku’s Factory LTD in Finland bought a similar system in 2010, but any
client who is investing in a system of this size always has personal
requirements, furthermore this structure is designed and built following the
new EC9 regulations, which are much stricter with regard to e.g. wind loading.
So, from a design standpoint, we started all over.”
Mulder continues: “Building such a large system, in a country where the
specific parts or tools are not all available of the shelf, requires a lot of
preparation. For Prolyte it’s standard procedure that we instruct the technical
team thoroughly during the initial build of the structure. Together with my colleague
Arend, we planned an 8-day build-up schedule, prior to the inauguration date,
to do all preparations and to execute a step-by-step instruction for all
involved.
Arend Hofstee comments: “The technical staff
of PROmontaje were an absolute pleasure to work with. They really understand
the risks and responsibility involved in building such a large structure. Despite
the language barrier, they listened very intend on all the ins and outs we
discussed, sometimes explained through hand gestures. They also brought in a high dose of fun and enthusiasm!
These are capable guys, we’re convinced to leave the structure safely in their
hands for any future build”.
The XXL roof system is based on 13 CT towers, of which one is a stack tower underneath the back span. The roof has main
grid based on B100RV truss and a pitched roof structure based on B52SV truss, which is the
standard S52SV truss adapted with a main chord of 60 x 6 mm. Layher adapters
guarantee a flawless integration of the towers and the stage. ProLyft Aetos
hoists lift the 17-ton structure in place.
The main roof area can be constructed in 3
different sizes 30m. x 20m, 25m. x 20m, 20m x 20m, the stage a build during the
training measured 30m. by 20m. , realising a clearance of 14m. between the
stage and the main grid. The loading capacity of the roof is approx. 30 ton,
uniformly distributed along the roof.
This system also includes side wings to
accommodate sound and video. The sound wings are suitable for a point load in
the middle of the front span for a main PA of 3 ton and a point load on the
side truss for the side fills of 1,8 ton. Furthermore the construction features
a covered side stage area on both sides. In normal conditions, this structure could
be built in 3 to 4 days with an experienced crew of approx. 20 technicians.
As Angel Gregori Castro explains: “Being used
to other truss systems, we were positively surprised by the flawless mounting
of all the parts and the very precise fitting – despite the high tolerances
used. This is very rewarding – the whole systems is really designed for a user
point of view – it simply works, from the Layher adapters to the towers and
canopies; one perfect structure.”
On the last day, some potential customers
were taken to the site, to have a sneak preview of the structure, get some
first hand information from the Prolyte engineers and hear the experience of
the PROmontaje crew. “Most customers were really impressed by the sheer size of
this structure, as Prolyte representatives we felt really proud to show our
capabilities in this way!”
PROmontaje is really happy with their new
investment and look forward to use this structure for the upcoming events. As
Pablo Bonilla, owner of PROmontaje comments: ”Finally, the XXL Roof system from Prolyte is a
reality. It took almost one year to completion, since we started the discussion
about our wishes and requirements with Prolyte at the Prolight + Sound show
2014 in Frankfurt.
It’s not only about
the roof, it’s about the technology and efforts from two great companies, like
Prolyte and Layher, to be able and willing to develop a structure that is 100 %
compatible with each other. We are very excited to be the first in Latin
America, to have this structure. I would like to express my thanks to all of
the Prolyte family”.
