Side boom rigging

[Rob]

I'm working with a friend at a new facility. The architects want to
install: "18' lighting pipes referred to as "pipe booms"...They are to
be attached to the floor using a threaded flange and tied of using a
heavy duty rope to a location above the stage"

My concern and the concern of the lighting install company is:
"...that the pipe is too long and has too much load for the specified
flange attachment (5" floor flange). We recommend a larger floor base
which will offer better stability for a pipe of that length and
eliminate the chance of causing damage to the floor and also the
possibility of a more rigid attachment point for the top of the pipe
in addition to the rope tie off."

The architects claim this is a 50 year old practice used in other
sites. I think it sounds suspect-- it would not be my choice. Any
comments?

[cphan]

A 5" floor flange is inappropriate to attach an 18' pipe to the deck
without additional ridged rigging. I would suggest purchasing some
boom bases so that you have the flexibility to strike or reposition
these as you see fit. Even with a full size boom base you'll still
need to rig the top of the pipe to the grid when they are in use.