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Fabric structures provide crucial support in disasters

April 1st, 2024

This 55-foot-by-103-foot clearspan structure from Warner Shelter Systems Limited (WSSL) served as the mess hall and headquarters for Canada’s Department of National Defence. WSSL also manufactures pole tents and both types have been deployed for disaster-response purposes and utilized as command posts and mess halls and for storage and warehousing. Image: Warner Shelter Systems Limited […]

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The happiness effect

April 1st, 2024

Photography by © 2023 Mark Skalny Photography Tony Ehrbar, owner and CEO of American Tent LLC, in Green Bay, Wis., didn’t realize he wanted to be an entrepreneur until he was 32. Burned out from years of consulting work and dissatisfied with corporate life, he was inspired to take on a new professional challenge after […]

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AI saves businesses time, but it needs to learn physics

April 1st, 2024

In October 2023, Rick Collins, ATA’s IT director, conducted a series of experiments with Midjourney to explore its potential. Using GPT-4, he created descriptions to feed to Midjourney, instructing the latter to generate images of the ideal event tent for hosting 200 attendees Although computers have been working with large amounts of data since their […]

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2024 IBC code changes affect temporary structures

April 1st, 2024

Changes to the International Building Code® text for the 2024 edition involve temporary structures, many of which needed to be set up for more than the previous maximum of 180 days during the pandemic. The limit for a temporary structure in the U.S. is now up to a year. Pictured: An inflatable COVID-19 testing and […]

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From outlet mall to entertainment outlet

April 1st, 2024

Changing buying habits over the last couple of decades have spurred shopping centers to evolve as well. Many have been reimagined and reborn, such as the continuing transformation of the former Chesterfield, Mo., outlet mall into The District. The entertainment hot spot is now anchored by restaurants, a brewery, special events space, concert venue, fitness […]

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Textiles and PFAS: Managing the legal risks

April 1st, 2024

A lack of oil repellency for non-PFAS finishes could lead to flammability hazards for firefighters’ gear if exposed to substances such as diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid, NC State researchers have found in tests comparing PFAS-treated and untreated turnout gear. Future work will explore how much oil repellency firefighters need in the field. Image: NC […]

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