Company:
Tropical J

Project Details

Fabric 1

Soltis Proof 502
Producer/Manufacturer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Engineer Name 1
Ian Robertson, PhD

Engineer Company 1
Ian Robertson, PhD

Design Name
Gary C Barnes

Design Company
Tropical J's, Inc

Architect Name
NA

Architect Company
NA

Fabrication Name
Tropical J's, Inc.

Fabrication Company
Tropical J's, Inc

Subcontractor Name
NA

Subcontractor Company
NA

Graphics Name
NA

Graphics Company
NA

Project Manager Name
Gary C Barnes

Project Manager Company
Tropical J's, Inc

Installation Name
FBI Hand Gun Range

Installation Company
Tropical J's, Inc


Please describe the project specifications

Simple three-posted galvanized steel frame cable tensioned canopy with SergeFerrari 502 cover. Attached to a 40ft container, the canopy faces into strong offshore winds that have destroyed previous fixed and retractable canopies. Customer was looking for something that would not fail quickly as previous designs quickly had. He needed to shield and protect FBI students attending hand gun live-fire courses.


What is unique or complex about the project?

We took the job because it would be simple to manufacture, and we saw an opportunity to use penetrators by American Earth Anchors in lieu of concrete footings. We knew we’d have a problem with concrete footings because we didn’t think we could find a small concrete company whose workers could pass the military’s security screening. Also, tight security would make it difficult to get digging equipment on base for this small project and manually digging thru the earth that was filled with lava rock would be impossible. Although, the use of American Earth Anchor penetrators would be the answer, they also presented an issue of attaching the heavy 2-7/8" posts we normally use to the installed penetrators. Accordingly, we designed a leveling "top hat" looking bracket we cut from stainless steel and manufactured in our shop. End result is a very happy customer with a very wind resistant cable tensioned canopy.


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