Motivated by concern about life safety, inconsistent or nonexistent building code enforcement and a lack of appropriate design guidance, a group of structural engineers has crafted the first-ever environmental hazard load-resistance requirements tailored specifically to public-occupancy temporary structures, such as outdoor stages and tents. The provisions, proposed for the 2024 edition of the model building code, are out for public comment until June 20.
Entertainment-sector special-event interests say the loading requirements, which are stricter than those currently used, would increase the cost of stages and place a serious economic burden on the outdoor-event business.