When utilizing a temporary structure, there are many aspects to consider. In this article, we discuss the relationship between wind load, structural design, and heat mitigation of temporary tent structures.
You may be inclined to think that a tent is a simple, temporary, fabric structure that is thrown together to offer you some sort of reprieve from the outdoor climate. In a sense, sure – you are right. Tents do a wonderful job of offering an interior space in the great outdoors. But, so much more goes into designing these sturdy structures. And, believe it or not, they are engineered to provide you with an incredible space – designed to meet your needs – when and where you need it.
Think about the physics behind designing some of the outstanding permanent structures in your community. Those same laws of physics are used to design temporary tent structures. It is necessary to consider wind load and the structural design to determine the best way to maintain appropriate temperatures within the tent itself.
While it may be a bit technical, let’s take a look at how to calculate this wind load on temporary tent structures – and discover just how it affects temperature.
The Effect of Wind Load on Tents
Wind load refers to the amount of force or pressure that a building can withstand. Rewinding to your old math class, wind pressure can be determined using the following equation, where V is the speed of the wind in miles per hour (MPH): P = 0.00256 x V2. And there are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration when trying to determine the amount of pressure a building can withstand.
Every structure designed by American Pavilion has been engineered to meet industry-standard wind load requirements. Each structure has been carefully designed to meet the exponential increase in wind loads that the structure may experience. The tent is tailored to withstand increased wind load by modifying width, length, and/or height. For example, a temporary structure with 13′ legs (versus 10′ legs) requires a much larger aluminum beam to counter the additional wind loads.
The fact is, you can’t simply design a structure without taking wind load into account. Otherwise, one strong gust could cost you – and your business – in a variety of ways.
So, how can we design a tent that will maximize heat mitigation while keeping us safe with wind load expectations?
Heat Mitigation
As the name suggests, heat mitigation is all about finding ways to reduce the amount of heat. Here, we are specifically referring to the heat that finds its way under your tent. How do you manage it? How can it be kept to a minimum?
There are ways to reduce the impact of heat within your tent – especially during the hottest outdoor seasons. An HVAC system can be provided to keep your tent at the perfect temperature, but oftentimes, it may not be needed for a particular use. For those who do not need an HVAC system, American Pavilion offers other highly cost-effective alternatives to mitigate heat.
This leads us to the question:
Can Taller Buildings Help Control Temperatures?
The area in the top peak of the tent can be referred to as the attic area. And, if you’ve ever had an attic in your home, then you know how hot they can get. Let’s start by saying now that the attic area of all roofs will hold a lot of heat. However, there are some differences.
Structures with high peak roofs are found to have a lag in heat from the morning time up until mid-day. This lag is anywhere between 3°F to 5°F. It is during the mid-day hours in which all peaks will reach their heat capacity.
So, can taller buildings help with heat mitigation? In a sense, yes. But other cooling efforts should be considered. Typically, these high peak structures are used in snowy climates as they are designed with a pitch that doesn’t allow heavy snow to buildup and cause destruction. They also have a shedding capacity to minimize or eliminate the need for heating.
High pitch structures simply look nice – and they offer great curb appeal. Unfortunately, as with everything, there is a downside. When any structure increases in height, it also becomes subject to increased wind. This same rule can be applied to tented structures. Therefore, you will have to weigh your options.
The Best Options for Heat Control
Tented structures come with a variety of options that can provide a reprieve from the heat. Some options may be about the material and others may be the use of fans. We’ve put together a list of the most effective options for heat control in your tent.
White Fabric: Most tents you see at events, on construction sites, etc. are designed with a white fabric. This intentional choice of fabric is due to its ability to minimize the sun’s direct rays. In turn, it keeps the area under the tent cooler.
Ferrari Blackout Fabric: This fabric helps reduce temperature and blocks virtually all of the sun’s direct UV rays.
Facilitated Ventilation: Ventilation under the tent is important to reduce heat buildup. To give a little boost, high-powered fans can be used.
Natural Ventilation: Keeping your tent structure open can help ventilate the space and reduce heat.
Increase Roof Pitch: As we discussed above, taller tents could help with heat control to some degree.
Choosing one, all, or any combination of these options can lead to a reduction of heated temperatures under your tent structure.
Keep an Ambient Temperature in Your Structure
Did you know that it is possible to keep a very welcome temperature within your structure without the need of an HVAC system? Sure, a climate control system is a great addition, but this also means investing in an added accessory and an increased cost.
There are many ways in which you can keep an ambient temperature within your structure. As we’ve talked about, choosing the right material for your roof – such as white Ferrari blackout fabric can help cut back on the absorption of the sun’s heat. Remember – the more UV resistant the fabric, the more heat resistant it will be, too.
But, when it comes to normalizing the interior temperature of your tent and get it closer to the ambient outdoor temperature, you may want to add a few simple cooling options.
- Add dehumidifiers to the tented space and you have a very cost-effective way to reduce humidity and make the space much more comfortable.
- Create a misting system by adding chilled water to fans.
- Or, opt for an air conditioning system that will be, perhaps, the most highly effective way to reduce heat.
Conclusion
The next time you see a temporary tent structure – or decide to invest in one for yourself – hopefully, you’ll have a better understanding of how their wind load and structural design work to help with heat mitigation. Keep cool!
