Vectorworks Braceworks alongside Broadweigh Load cells

A real-world comparison.

In 2016, we were honored when asked to become a beta tester for the Braceworks add-on module for Vectorworks.  We stayed with the beta testing program until the release of Braceworks in 2018. Since its release, the Braceworks module has undergone significant improvements.  In 2021, we purchased (40) Broadweigh load cells and are now running real-world comparisons between VW Braceworks and our load cells. The nerd in me finds this extremely interesting. Seeing the results firsthand, the Braceworks software is highly accurate.  We recently had a production where the venue allowed us 3,000lbs per point. One of our biggest challenges was that our spans between rig points were right at 47 feet. After setting up the drawing in Braceworks, we knew a 20.5-inch box truss would suit our needs. We also learned that we would need 2 tons in the middle of the 47-foot spans.

The Braceworks module calculation results for our heaviest rigging point were 2,649.98lbs. We placed Broadweigh load cells below each of the hoists.  Our results were quite impressive. The load cell, positioned in line with our heaviest point, was reading a weight of 2,411.32lbs.  After subtracting the weight of the 2-ton hoist. We showed a 2.66-pound difference between real-world weights and Braceworks software calculations.

This is a serious confidence booster!!! Out of 15 rig points, all hoist readings are lighter than our Braceworks calculations.  "It was a personal success to see the calculation results; It’s great to see that the Braceworks software calculations were accurate and aligned closely with the real-world weights measured by the load cells. It's always satisfying when technology performs as expected and gives us confidence in our rigging setups. Our testing was successful and reassuring.

Broadweigh systems provide a clear picture of what’s always happening on your rig. The Braceworks module gives us the confidence to know what we're doing before we go.