The importance of wind load zones for event tents and storage halls
Event tents and storage halls must be able to withstand various environmental influences to ensure the safety of users and stored goods. A key factor here is the consideration of wind load zones, which are defined by law in Germany. This article highlights the importance of wind load zones for tent structures and provides insights into the specific requirements and certifications necessary for safe operation.
What are wind load zones?
Wind load zones are geographical areas that are defined on the basis of average wind speeds and climatic conditions. In Germany, four wind load zones are defined by law, which are categorised in relation to wind speed and other factors such as terrain and height structure. The average wind speed of wind load zone 1 is 22.5 m/sec, wind load zone 2 with 25.0 m/sec, wind load zone 3 with 27.5 m/sec and the highest wind load zone 4 with an average of 30.0 m/sec. These zones are decisive for determining the wind load effect on buildings, including tent structures.
Wind load zone 4
Wind load zone 4 is the zone with the highest wind load requirements. Wind speeds of over 30 m/s occur here, which corresponds to a base wind speed pressure of 0.56 kN/m². This zone mainly comprises coastal regions such as Schleswig-Holstein, the Baltic coast in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony. In these areas, tent structures are exposed to enormous forces comparable to gusts of wind force 10-12.
Effects on tent structures
Tents and lightweight halls must be designed to be safe and stable in order to withstand the wind loads, similar to fixed structures made of reinforced concrete. Particularly in wind load zone 4 regions, manufacturers offer reinforced tent variants that fulfil the increased requirements.
The basic construction of these tents consists of a stable aluminium structure that is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Reinforced steel inserts and larger base plates are used for additional safety. These constructions ensure a high level of stability even in extreme weather conditions.
Safety requirements and certifications
Increasingly severe weather conditions and the new DIN EN 13782 standard have increased the requirements for tent structures. In order to meet these requirements, tent hire companies and building authorities must pay particular attention to safety. This includes TÜV-approved type statics and site-specific statics for special solutions.
TÜV-approved type statics
All hall systems from well-known manufacturers have a TÜV-certified structural analysis, which can be used to submit a building application. For temporary structures in accordance with DIN EN 13782, which do not require a building permit, building authorities require proof of stability for tent structures over 75 square metres.
Practice: Event tents in wind load zone 4
Manufacturers such as Röder offer various tent solutions for the requirements of wind load zone 4. These include the H-Line lightweight hall and large tents as well as the Holiday and Holiday Bodega party tents, which are specially designed for smaller spans (e.g. up to 12 m and 10 m spans respectively).
Requirements for structures in wind load zones
Nature is constantly changing, and with it the demands on buildings are also changing. Wind and snow load specifications that were often ignored in the past are now more important than ever. Continuous review and further development of existing structures ensures maximum stability.
Advice and certifications
Before purchasing a tent, customers should seek detailed advice on the necessary certifications and local requirements. Manufacturers offer detailed information and personalised advice to ensure the right design for each region.
Conclusion
Event tents and storage halls must fulfil the requirements of the respective wind load zone in order to guarantee safety and stability. Manufacturers such as Röder offer a variety of solutions that have been specially developed for these conditions. Through continuous development and rigorous testing of structures, we ensure that customers always receive the safest and most reliable tent solutions. Our trained customer advisors are available for further information and personalised advice. They will help you select the right tent or hall system for your region and requirements.
Author: Hendrik Neb has been Area Sales Manager North Germany / Scandinavia at the RÖDER Group since January 2022, where he is an expert in temporary and permanent hall constructions and professional tent systems. Previously, he worked for six years as Area Sales Manager Europe North at HALTEC Hallensysteme GmbH, specialising in aluminium and steel hall constructions.
