When it comes to live events, safety and spectacle go hand in hand – and at the core of every suspended light, screen, or set piece is a discipline that’s often invisible but absolutely essential: load calculation.
You may wonder what load calculation is. Load calculation in rigging refers to the mathematical assessment of how much weight a structure, truss, or anchor point can support safely. This includes not only equipment weight (lights, screens, speakers) but also dynamic forces like wind, movement, vibration, and human interaction.
Think of it as engineering insurance: before a single object is lifted, riggers must calculate how every component will behave under stress.
Why it matters
1) Safety first. Any miscalculated load – no matter how small – can lead to equipment failure, collapses, or injuries. Proper planning keeps every point and beam within safe limits.
2) Compliance. Authorities, venues, and international safety bodies (like NRC and IRATA) require qualified professionals to perform and document load assessments. These are non‑negotiable standards.
3) On‑site efficiency. Calculating loads during design makes on‑site rigging smoother: the team knows the gear, the weight distribution, and how to avoid overloading trusses or winches.
Creative freedom with confidence
With certified load plans in place, designers can push boundaries—flying LED walls, moving stages, aerial acts—knowing the technical foundation is solid.
How we do it at iRIG
At iRIG, load calculation isn’t just a step—it’s a foundation. Our engineering team collaborates early, transforming ambitious ideas into technically safe realities. Every project starts with a rigorous, certified load plan.
Before anything goes up, we ensure it can stay—safely.