When you go to see a thrilling event, whether it’s at a stadium, theatre or for a lecture, you hope to see it as clearly as possible. But did you ever stop to think about what holds up the tiered seating in an arena? The rows of seats are topped by the precast raker beam, a special part of the structure. Although invisible to many, concrete beams give extra support for tiered seating at big venues, making them both scientifically and practically important.
What Exactly Are Precast Raker Beams?
A raker beam is basically a precast concrete beam slanted at an angle. These beams are angled differently from horizontal beams to match the slope of seating at stadiums and auditoriums. Their main task is to support riser units, providing much-needed steady support for all of the seating.
Raker beams are different from other beams because of their detailed design. Most of the time, their drawn design includes specific notches or grooves to ensure risers cannot move around. When these beams are carefully engineered, the seating matches exactly, so everyone can enjoy a safe and comfortable time at the event.
Where Are Raker Beams Used?
Raker beams are essential for supporting tiered seating wherever it is used. One can find them in these situations:
- Sports stadiums and arenas: Supporting thousands of seats allows each fan, no matter where they sit, to enjoy the game.
- Indoor arenas and multi-purpose halls: For indoor arenas and multipurpose halls, flexibility of arrangement matters most.
- Auditoriums and performing arts theatres: Helping an audience see performances perfectly by offering the proper sightlines.
- Lecture halls and assembly spaces: Ensuring lectures and events in these spaces are easy to see and hear.
Any building with seating that steps up or tilts down almost always uses raker beams underground.
The Advantages of Using Precast Raker Beams
Precast raker beams offer many advantages to modern construction projects.
- Machines make construction finish early and with high accuracy:
Since raker beams are made at a factory before being delivered, they can be made with careful measurements and strong quality control. After casting and setting, the beams travel directly to the construction site and can be immediately mounted. It significantly shortens the time needed for construction and lowers the costs for skilled workers at the site.
- Having Reliable and Secure Seating:
The riser units and seating modules rely on raker beams for important structural support. Because they are angled, they successfully spread load and help keep everyone seated safe, no matter how many spectators there are. For crowds to stay safe and enjoy their time, the structure must be stable.
- Providing support for both complex and custom types of geometry:
Stadiums and theatres usually have seats organized in more complicated ways than in simple straight rows. Most amphitheaters use curved or circular seating and the raker beams are specifically engineered to fit them. The risers are designed to fit smoothly and maintain the same step heights and angles because of the notches and slopes.
- Long-Lasting Durability:
Raker beams that are made from precast concrete don’t easily deteriorate when exposed to weather, use and natural environments. Whether placed inside or outside, they preserve their solid structure and strength for several decades.
How NEOS Engineering Services Excels in Raker Beam Detailing
The team at NEOS Engineering Services realizes that small details are important for the success of any stadium or theatre seating project. It is our duty to ensure that the precast raker beams are precisely modeled and perfectly adjusted for the whole structure. This is how our contributions made a difference:
- Matching the beams to the seats and risers is important, so every angle and notch is modeled correctly.
- The points where forces are applied and supports are arranged must be done correctly so that the load is transferred and the structure is safe.
- We ensure that our designs do not meet with problems when fitted between support columns, spandrels or seating blocks.
- To ensure building, we make detailed shop drawings that guide both factories and site installation.
Working so carefully ensures both smooth construction and seating that is strong and lasts a long time.
Final Thoughts: Building Better Stadium Experiences with Raker Beams
Regardless of how they’re seen by the crowd, precast raker beams play an important role in the construction of most modern stadiums and theaters. By combining smart engineering with effective construction methods, they enable architects and builders to design remarkable, safe and durable tiered seating that all spectators can enjoy.
Delivering clarity and confidence is important to us at NEOS Engineering Services, making our clients feel assured from the early concept through to the finished construction of raker beams. Because of what we offer, sites can be built at a faster pace, properly and with greater technological abilities.
The next time you enjoy a great view at the game, remember there is a strong precast raker beam below you, continually supporting the structure.