From: WynnLindyB@aol.com
Date: Wed, 17 May 2000 21:55:28 EDT
Subject: Re: Dance Floor Canopy Calculation Needed
To: highlight@home.com

Hi Brenda,

Don Barrucci is correct about the leverage of the canopy.  We built a 35 x 35 
full canopy one time that was a real handful.  We used 50# base plates with 
an extra 25# barbell weight laid on the plate to the outside corner.  We 
still wound up taping the plates to the floor just for insurance.  

The other thing to remember about the leverage (torque arm effect) is that 
the poles in the columns themselves are going to bend, also.  I would use 1" 
electrical conduit for the poles.  I always use 3/4", but with that much pull 
they bend.  You can even slip a smaller pole inside the main pole to add 
stiffness.  

This is a situation where you can never really 'over build' for the event.  
Remember that the longer the corner pole, the more pull at the corners.  
6'-7' is not a bad height to stay with.  The rest of the canopy is going to 
go way up, especially if your end lines are not really tight.  That's a huge 
canopy.  

Hope this helps. 
Good luck,

Wynn
Wynn and Lindy Bell, cba's
The Final Touch Balloon Decor
Portland, Or
503 579 9499
www.finaltouchballoons.com