FAQ

How can I determine the surface of a tent?

  • I am organizing a standing reception: count 0,70 m² per person
  • I am organizing a walking dinner: count 1 m² per person
  • I am organizing a seated dinner: count 1,5 m² per person

Can a tent be completely darkened?
Yes, this can be accomplished by using non-translucent fabrics for the roof. For the side panels, PVC panels or fabrics can be used. These materials do not let light through. In addition, the tent can be completed with black or white lining.

A beautiful garden, a breathtaking view... how can I include these in a temporary structure?
Use transparent fabric, a transparent gable, or transparent side panels.

If I need more height above the podium, do I have to elevate the whole hall?
No, you only need to equip the podium with a heightened structure. The rest of the building can keep the usual height. Both parts connect seamlessly with each other.

The terrain is visibly sloped; can we still build a tent on it?
Absolutely; depending on the slope, we will find the most appropriate system to level out the ground.

Can the tent be installed on my elevated patio?
Yes. If possible, our tents are anchored in the ground with stakes of approximately 1 m. If stakes are not an option, we can always work with counterweights.

How long does it take to erect a tent?
Our team of experienced installers can build a 1000 m² tent without a floor in one day. If a floor must be installed, they erect a 500-m² tent in one day.

What’s the average life of a Veldeman Fabric Structure?
The fabrics have an engineered lifespan of 17 to 20 years. All ours fabrics are made of a high quality PVC and it’s common knowledge that the fabrics have an extremely high lifespan. Our aluminum frames are maintenance free, made of T6-6061 extruded aluminum, the best for structural framing, and practically corrosion free. Our steel framed structures utilize a complete enclosed beam concept that keeps the steel (epoxy painted or galvanized) secure against the elements of weather. Because of this type of enclosed beam system, our structure should last as long as or longer than traditional steel framing.

Is there a warranty?
We are proud to offer our clients industry leading warranties and worldwide service for all of our products. Extended warranties and service plans are available as an option.

Can the structure be protected against vandalism? Can the PVC sidewalls be replaced by any hard material?
Yes. We always can offer by installing hard panels (steel, hard PVC, wood, glass windows) in the sidewalls, the facility can be protected against vandalism. This alternative reduces the risks of vandalism. Height of the anti-vandalism panels can be chosen. Hard panels can be offered in different heights.

Can the structure be insulated? Can condensation be avoided?
By using a double skin or an inflatable roof in combination with insulated panels, the structure can be insulated. Condensation can be avoided. Extra insulation material can be installed in between the double skin. Additional advantage of the double skin is to avoid condensation.

How long has the Veldeman Group been in business?
The Veldeman group, active in more than 20 countries, is for three generations already, specialist in design, production, rental and sales for different applications.

Will a membrane structure meet wind and snow load requirements for my area?
We have designed, engineered and installed our products in over 30 countries throughout the world and in the most extreme climates. From the heavy snow areas of British Columbia and Russia to southern Florida where the wind design load are high. Typical structure designs meet with extreme wind and snow complying with the stringest international Codes (British: BS, German: DIN, French: NV65, American: ASCE etc).

How long will it take to install my structure?
Installation rates vary based on site and weather conditions in addition to structure design; however, we lead the industry in efficiency and speed of installation. Typical installations on a flat level site range from 200 sq m per day for SFS (Steel) Series structures to up to 1,000 sq m per day for TFS (aluminum) and AH Series structures. We can provide a full crew to build your facility or provide a timeline and equipment / manpower requirements to help aid in the construction process.

What’s the delivery time of a Veldeman structure?
The average delivery time, depending on the type of structure, will be 8 à 10 weeks after confirmation of the order. Of course we always give the opportunity to rent a structure out of our rental stock.

How are they shipped?
It can be shipped on a single truck or standard 40’ container.

What if I need something custom made?
We are here to listen, evaluate and then provide cost effective solutions that will meet your timeframe, budget and exact needs. Our in-house Engineering and Design Team utilizes state of the art AutoCAD systems that allow us to provide timely and accurate solutions.

How does the appearance remain so rigid?
All structures incorporate a mechanical tensioning system to stretch the membrane over the structure (or module) so as to create a taught, wrinkle free finish. Once it has been stretched, the membrane will remain in tension throughout the life of the structure.

What is the average lifetime of a hall?
Since an aluminium structure is very resistant to normal wear and tear, it has a very long lifetime. Twenty years is certainly not an exaggeration. Fabrics have an average lifetime of 5 to 10 years, depending on use and maintenance.

What is the difference between translucent and non-translucent fabric? What are their respective properties?
For years, Veldeman Structure Solutions has offered two types of fabrics: translucent and non-translucent. Both fabrics have different properties:

  • Translucent fabric is lighter in weight. It weighs approximately 650 g/m². Non-translucent fabric weighs approximately 800 g/m². Therefore, translucent fabric is significantly easier to handle.
  • Non-translucent fabric has the advantage that the dirt doesn't show as much as on a translucent frabic, for the simple reason that when the sun shines on a translucent fabric, dirt is more visible.

 

To benefit from the advantages of both types of fabrics, it is also possible to use a combination of fabrics within one same hall. For example, translucent fabric can be used for the roof to benefit from sunlight while non-translucent fabric can be used for front and side panels to reduce maintenance.

Which type of cassette flooring is the best? Strips (with small boards) or Betonplex?
In this case also, both systems have different properties.

  • Betonplex flooring has a point load of approximately 350 kg/m². If a betonplex flooring breaks, you have to replace a whole floorboard. In addition, this type of flooring system cannot be used for every application. Of course, you can always use carpet in combination with this type of floor.
  • Flooring with small boards has a point load of approximately 210 kg/m². This base has the advantage that if you break a strip, you only have to replace that strip and not the whole board. In addition, this floor is attractive and can be used without carpet in many instances!

 

What are the anchoring methods?

  • Stake
    • Various traction resistances depending on the length and surface
    • Must be installed with sledge-hammer or motorized hammer
  • Screw anchors
    • Spiral shape for optimal resistance in loose ground
    • Must be installed with screw in attachment (manually)
  • Chemical anchors
    • Mostly used for (semi-) permanent application on a concrete slab or foundation
    • The anchor is installed with chemical mortar in concrete
  • Concrete blocs
    • Only used as a temporary solution and when stakes are not an option

 

What are windbracings? What is their purpose and are there alternatives?
A windbracing is actually a structure made of rods or cables forming an inflexible framework. Its purpose is to distribute the wind load evenly throughout the structure. The first and last sections must always be equipped with wind additions. In the middle sections, a maximum of 5 sections can be built without wind additions. Wind frames are an alternative to wind additions. If you want a section without wind additions, you must install wind frames in two consecutive sections to ensure the same stability.

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