Bipod Loading

Below are the three basic loading configurations for a bipod in different phases of the rescue evolution. For the purposes of making the calculations as real world as possible, the following assumptions were considered. These we based on conversations with a leader in the rescue community. First, the dimensions of environment: The height of the bipod, when placed vertically, is set at 20 feet. The trees, which represent the necessary anchors for the rigging lines (R1 and R2), are set at 40 feet from the base of the bipod and the rigging lines are secured at the base of these trees. The rescuer is positioned thus that the pull line is basically inline with the rigging line, even through a slight angle is present for clarity. Second, the loading factors: The load being lifted is set at 1000 pounds for this example. Using this number makes its relation to the other numbers easier to understand. (If an actual load is then 2000, one can merely double the loads on the rest of the system.) There is a 5:1 haul ratio between the load and the top of the bipod, making the resulting pull required by the personnel (P) to be 200 pounds. Now, between the top of the bipod and the person, one can place a 2:1 or 3:1 haul system here, and it will reduce the load on the person, but that system will not affect the loading on the bipod. Finally, the angle of the bipod: In these examples we are using the absolute worse case scenario of the frame being 45 degrees from the ground. Angles that place the frame any lower to the ground would result in forces that increase very rapidly with a resulting failure of many aspects of the system including the rigging lines, the horizontal thrust of the bipod with the ground, and the inline forces on the bipod itself. So while in actual rescues it should always be remembered to keep the frame as vertical as possible and that the further one tilts the frame the higher the loads on many elements of the system.

For each of the phases of the rescue below, the loading is stated for each element. "R1" represents the tension on the rigging line (or system) towards the side where the animal is to be delivered. "R2" is the tension in the back rigging line which holds the frame in the last phase of the rescue. "L" is the load, in this case predetermined to be 1000 pounds. "P" is the haul load for the rescuers either directly or through a haul system, here determined to be 200 pounds. And finally, "A" represents the inline loading on the bipod. For this case we are only considering the total load. To take the calculations further and determine the loading on each of the frame legs and the horizontal thrust with the ground would require more information on the angle between the legs and other elements that are beyond the intent of this discussion. Below each diagram, each loading element, other than L and P which are already determined, is shown.

R1 = 1200 pounds        Bipod = 1914 pounds        R2 = Slack

Not only does the bipod take the load, but also the downward forces of the rigging and haul lines.

R1 = Slack        Bipod = 1178 pounds        R2 = 200 pounds

Almost the easiest position on the whole system.
Other than the load, we have the added down pull components of P and R2.

R1 = Slack         Bipod = 2181 pounds         R2 = 1774 pounds

Clearly, this phase of the rescue places the highest loads on the rigging as well as the frame. Fortunately for the patient being rescued, during this time they should be over solid ground should a failure occur. With system failure not an option, however, even for this average sized large animal, the A-frame needs to be strong as well as solid anchor points for both the base of the frame and the rigging!

Further analysis of the system above, especially in this last phase, shows that the 200 pound pull of "P" from the top of the frame is actually adding a significant load to the system. Because of this finding, a different rigging solution was considered. In these examples, shown below, the haul line "P", instead of the direct pull as shown above, is now going through a "change of direction" or "redirect" pulley at the base of the bipod. With the same load "L" of 1000 pounds, and "P" being 200 pounds, this different set up was analyzed below. As before, when the loads are in line with the bipod, the slight angle shown in the diagram is present only for clarity.

R1 = 1400 pounds        Bipod = 2114 pounds        R2 = Slack

R1 = Essentially zero        Bipod = 1200 pounds        R1 = Essentially zero

R1 = Slack        Bipod = 2114 pounds        R2 = 1400 pounds

From this configuration, it becomes apparent that the biggest change in the system loading is with R2, or the back rigging line. The load on this portion has been reduced by 374 pounds, or about a 26% reduction. In addition, because R2 has been lowered, the overall system effect is that the bipod has now a slightly reduced load of about 67 pounds.

From this discussion, it should be clear that using an bipod, while a valuable tool, is not a trivial concern. The loads on this system can be considerable. Another system which must be used with care, in either a human or animal rescue, is that of a high line, a rope that traverses a river or gully where the patient is suspended with a pulley and pulled to one side. Calculation on that example is for another day!