DanielDeibler
10-06-2007, 07:25 PM
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http://i13.tinypic.com/68m05es.jpg
The following is an improved (but still untested)procedure for mounting a banner on the outermost steel girder beneath an overpass without a fence. This is for those people who have been hanging up banners on overpasses. If you're going to continue to do this, please switch to this method in order to do it safely and not risk banners falling on traffic.
http://i14.tinypic.com/4q4g9x1.jpg
The image above (made entirely in MSPaint), illustrates the setup for the banner.
The major change is that you do not need to buy autoretracting badge reels to get rid of the string used to lower the banner. Simply use a long loop of string to lower the banner, rather than a single strand. When the banner is mounted, cut the string and pull it up, leaving absolutely nothing on the banner.
For one banner, you will need:
- Four 1/16" thick 3/4" diameter neodymium magnets (about $3 total) (This was chosen based on estimated calculations of magnetic pull force. Neodymium magnets usually more than twice this size are used in computer hard drives to stabilize the reading head, so old hard drives are a good source for free neodymium magnets.)
These are used to secure the banner to the girder.
- String (fairly strong)
- Duct tape (for keeping the magnets on the banner while it is being lowered)
- Scissors (for cutting the cord)
- L-shaped device shown in image (used to push the banner inward)
- 3 people
-In Shop-
Step 1: Put everything in place as shown (real descriptive, I know)
Step 2: Run a 10-12 foot string through hole in banner, tie together to make a continuous loop. Repeat for second hole.
Step 3: (optional) Attach a wooden dowel or small-diameter pvc tube along the bottom of the banner to keep it straight while lowering the banner (this may create the need for slightly larger magnets).
-On Site-
Step 4: 2 people lower the banner down slowly, holding cords at an angle to keep the banner taut, until the top of the banner is about a foot below the bottom of the concrete.
Step 5: 3rd person uses L-tool to push each corner inward (starting with top corners) until that corner's magnet slaps against the girder.
Step 6: Tug on cords to verify that banner is secured.
Step 7: Cut one string of both loops and pull string up and off of the banner.
Done.
Considerations:
Overpass must not have a fence.
Measurements (approximate) should be made of the following: (most can be obtained from your city hall or your state's Department of Transportation)
A. Distance from outermost girder to edge of concrete
B. Distance from top of concrete to bottom of concrete on side of overpass
C. Height of girder (must be greater than the height of the banner)
May want to attach a dowel to the front bottom edge of the banner to keep it taut.
Magnet requirements are estimated.
None of this has been tested.
Verify that anything you plan to do does not violate federal, state, or local laws in your area.
This has been an information-only message.
http://i13.tinypic.com/68m05es.jpg
The following is an improved (but still untested)procedure for mounting a banner on the outermost steel girder beneath an overpass without a fence. This is for those people who have been hanging up banners on overpasses. If you're going to continue to do this, please switch to this method in order to do it safely and not risk banners falling on traffic.
http://i14.tinypic.com/4q4g9x1.jpg
The image above (made entirely in MSPaint), illustrates the setup for the banner.
The major change is that you do not need to buy autoretracting badge reels to get rid of the string used to lower the banner. Simply use a long loop of string to lower the banner, rather than a single strand. When the banner is mounted, cut the string and pull it up, leaving absolutely nothing on the banner.
For one banner, you will need:
- Four 1/16" thick 3/4" diameter neodymium magnets (about $3 total) (This was chosen based on estimated calculations of magnetic pull force. Neodymium magnets usually more than twice this size are used in computer hard drives to stabilize the reading head, so old hard drives are a good source for free neodymium magnets.)
These are used to secure the banner to the girder.
- String (fairly strong)
- Duct tape (for keeping the magnets on the banner while it is being lowered)
- Scissors (for cutting the cord)
- L-shaped device shown in image (used to push the banner inward)
- 3 people
-In Shop-
Step 1: Put everything in place as shown (real descriptive, I know)
Step 2: Run a 10-12 foot string through hole in banner, tie together to make a continuous loop. Repeat for second hole.
Step 3: (optional) Attach a wooden dowel or small-diameter pvc tube along the bottom of the banner to keep it straight while lowering the banner (this may create the need for slightly larger magnets).
-On Site-
Step 4: 2 people lower the banner down slowly, holding cords at an angle to keep the banner taut, until the top of the banner is about a foot below the bottom of the concrete.
Step 5: 3rd person uses L-tool to push each corner inward (starting with top corners) until that corner's magnet slaps against the girder.
Step 6: Tug on cords to verify that banner is secured.
Step 7: Cut one string of both loops and pull string up and off of the banner.
Done.
Considerations:
Overpass must not have a fence.
Measurements (approximate) should be made of the following: (most can be obtained from your city hall or your state's Department of Transportation)
A. Distance from outermost girder to edge of concrete
B. Distance from top of concrete to bottom of concrete on side of overpass
C. Height of girder (must be greater than the height of the banner)
May want to attach a dowel to the front bottom edge of the banner to keep it taut.
Magnet requirements are estimated.
None of this has been tested.
Verify that anything you plan to do does not violate federal, state, or local laws in your area.
This has been an information-only message.