Understanding the Different Structural Support Systems Used for Concert LED Displays
Large LED screens have become one of the defining features of modern concert stages. They provide live video, visual effects and digital stage backgrounds that allow audiences—even those far from the stage—to enjoy the performance.
To most spectators, every LED screen appears similar.
However, from an engineering perspective, different LED screens are supported using completely different structural systems depending on their location, function and loading requirements.
During the construction of the 2026 Guangzhou Pearl Beer Festival Music Festival, three distinct LED support methods were observed:
The main stage background LED screen was supported directly from the stage platform.
The side LED screens and FOH LED screens were supported by Ringlock structures with steel levelling beams.
The long LED banner installed above the stage opening was supported by an aluminium frame attached to the roof apron structure.
These observations illustrate an important engineering principle:
Large LED screens are not supported by a universal structure. Their support method is determined by location, function and structural requirements.
The relationship between these different structures can also be understood through Understanding the Layout of a Large Stadium Concert, where the main stage, FOH and auxiliary structures are explained together.
Engineering Observation
Three different LED support systems were identified during this project.
LED Position
Primary Support Structure
Main stage background LED
Stage platform
Stage side LED screens
Ringlock structure
FOH front and rear LED screens
Ringlock structure
Long LED banner above stage
Aluminium frame fixed to roof apron
Although every screen displayed video content, each required a different engineering solution.
Why Doesn't Every LED Screen Use the Same Support System?
LED screens differ significantly in:
Size.
Weight.
Installation height.
Viewing direction.
Maintenance access.
Structural environment.
Therefore, engineers select the most suitable supporting structure rather than applying one standard solution.
Temporary event engineering is based on choosing the right structure for each function rather than forcing every component onto the same framework.
Main Stage Background LED Screens Are Supported by the Stage Platform
One of the most noticeable observations during this project was that the large background LED screen behind the performers was positioned directly on the main stage platform.
Instead of hanging entirely from the roof, the screen transferred most of its vertical load directly into the stage deck.
This provides several advantages.
Direct Load Transfer
The dead weight of the LED wall is transferred through the supporting frame directly into the stage platform.
This avoids placing unnecessary additional load on the roof structure.
Improved Stability
A ground-supported LED wall experiences less movement than a fully suspended screen.
This is especially beneficial for very large displays where image alignment is important.
Easier Maintenance
Technicians can access the rear of the screen directly from backstage without working at roof level.
This simplifies:
Module replacement.
Cable maintenance.
Signal inspection.
Power servicing.
Because the screen is integrated into the stage platform, it also works naturally with the backstage circulation system described in How Is a Concert Backstage Area Organised?.
Side LED Screens Use Ringlock Structures
The LED screens positioned on both sides of the main stage required a completely different support system.
Instead of relying on the stage platform, these screens were installed on independent Ringlock structures.
These structures provide:
Vertical support.
Lateral stability.
Maintenance platforms.
Equipment access.
Ringlock systems are particularly suitable because they can easily accommodate different screen sizes while remaining modular.
Steel Levelling Beams Create a Flat Installation Surface
Another important observation was that the LED cabinets were not fixed directly onto the Ringlock ledgers.
Instead, steel square tubes were installed horizontally at the base of the screen.
These steel members acted as levelling beams.
Their functions include:
Creating a perfectly straight mounting line.
Distributing the weight of the LED cabinets.
Correcting minor construction tolerances.
Providing accurate alignment for installation.
Large LED walls require extremely precise positioning.
Even small deviations at the bottom can accumulate over the height of the screen and affect the final appearance.
Therefore, the levelling beams play an important role in achieving a flat and stable display surface.
FOH LED Screens Also Use Ringlock Structures
The Front of House (FOH) area contained additional LED screens positioned on both the audience-facing and stage-facing sides.
These screens were also installed on Ringlock structures.
Unlike the main stage background screen, FOH screens are independent installations serving different purposes.
For example:
Audience-facing screens may display live video or event information.
Stage-facing screens may function as confidence monitors or production displays.
Since FOH towers already require structural support for cameras and production equipment, integrating LED screens into the Ringlock framework provides an efficient engineering solution.
Different Locations Require Different Engineering Solutions
The support methods used during this project can be summarised as follows.
LED Location
Supporting Structure
Engineering Reason
Main background LED
Stage platform
Direct load transfer and easy maintenance
Stage side LED
Ringlock structure
Independent support and modular flexibility
FOH LED
Ringlock structure
Integrated with production towers
Roof banner LED
Aluminium frame on apron
Lightweight overhead installation
The same display technology was used throughout the venue, but each installation was optimised for its specific structural environment.
Engineering Lessons from This Project
Several important engineering principles can be drawn from these observations.
1. LED Screens Should Be Supported According to Their Function
There is no universal support method.
Each location requires its own structural solution.
2. Ringlock Structures Are More Than Scaffolding
Ringlock systems can safely support LED screens, maintenance platforms and production equipment while remaining modular.
3. Levelling Is Critical
Before LED cabinets are installed, a precise supporting beam must first establish a straight reference line.
This ensures the finished screen remains flat and visually continuous.
4. Lightweight Structures Reduce Roof Loading
When screens are suspended overhead, aluminium framing helps minimise additional dead load on the roof system.
Conclusion
Although large concert LED screens appear similar to audiences, they rely on very different structural support systems depending on their location.
During the Guangzhou Pearl Beer Festival Music Festival project, three primary support methods were observed.
The main background LED wall transferred its load directly to the stage platform.
The side stage and FOH LED screens were supported by Ringlock structures using steel levelling beams to achieve accurate alignment.
The long LED banner above the stage opening was mounted on a lightweight aluminium frame fixed to the roof apron.
Together, these solutions demonstrate a fundamental principle of concert engineering:
LED screens are not designed first. Their supporting structure is.
Only after selecting the appropriate structural system can engineers create LED installations that are stable, safe, easy to maintain and visually precise.
The 4m × 6m Hybrid Ringlock FOH Control Booth is a customized Front of House structure for concert, festival, live-event, and production-control applications.
The main booth structure is built from a modular Ringlock system, while the pitched roof uses a separate aluminum frame. This combination allows the booth body, working floor, enclosure, and roof components to be supplied as one coordinated temporary-event package.
The confirmed dimensions for this configuration are:
Width: 4m
Depth: 6m
Overall structure height: 3m
Side / eave height: 2m
Roof ridge height: 2.5m
The structure also includes roof tarpaulins, side and rear/front curtain panels, aluminum roof beams, platform planks, diagonal bracing, and steel ballast-pipe components according to the supplied BOQ.
DragonStage supplies other modular temporary structures through our Ringlock Structure System product range.
The 4m × 4m Multi-Level Hybrid Ringlock FOH Control Tower is a customized Front of House control structure designed for concerts, festivals, live productions, and other temporary event applications.
This product combines a Ringlock main tower structure with an aluminum roof frame and weather-cover system, creating a compact but elevated technical-control tower for audio, lighting, video, or show-operation use.
The confirmed project dimensions are:
Width: 4m
Depth: 4m
Overall maximum height: 7m
Side height: 6m
Roof low point: 6m
Roof high point: 7m
This makes it a sloped-roof hybrid FOH tower, with the roof rising from the lower side to the higher side.
According to the supplied BOQ, the structure includes the Ringlock main body, internal planks, ladder-access components, aluminum roof beams, side-wall curtain posts, roof tarpaulin, side and front/back curtains, ballast-pipe components, and a lower auxiliary base structure.
Professional Rental LED Screen Pad Block Mounting System - Precision Adjustable Spacing Bracket with Locking Nut for Stage Truss Video Wall Installation
The 24ft × 24ft Flat Roof Aluminum Truss System is a customized four-tower event truss structure with a 20ft tower height, designed for temporary stages, lighting installations, concerts, performances, corporate events, and other event-production applications.
The system uses four vertical aluminum truss towers supporting a square flat-roof truss framework. Internal cross truss members divide the overhead area into multiple rigging zones, allowing the roof framework to be configured around the actual lighting and event-equipment layout.
The drawing also shows a tower lifting arrangement with sleeve blocks, allowing the assembled upper truss grid to be positioned on the vertical towers as part of the installation process.
DragonStage manufactures flat roof systems in different dimensions and configurations. See more products in our Typical Flat Roof Truss System range.
The 8.3m Heavy Duty Layher Truss Support Tower System is a professional, high-capacity rigging structure designed for outdoor concerts, large events, and festival stages. Engineered with a stable 6m × 2m base footprint and high-strength modular components, this system provides a secure overhead rigging solution for line array audio speakers, LED screens, and heavy lighting rigs. Its fast pin-and-wedge assembly ensures quick setup and maximum stability for demanding stage applications.
The 24m × 24m x6m Aluminum Truss Tent Structure is a customized outdoor covering solution designed for terraces, resorts, beach areas, hospitality spaces, and temporary event applications.
Based on the customer's requirements, this structure uses a 400mm aluminum screw truss system with a pyramid roof design, supported by 10 aluminum truss columns and covered with a white waterproof PVC tarpaulin.
The open-span design provides a large covered outdoor area while maintaining a clean architectural appearance suitable for outdoor events and commercial spaces.
DragonStage manufactures customized Aluminum Truss structures according to customer dimensions, application requirements, and project conditions.
Professional 12U and 16U flight case rack cabinet for mixers, amplifiers and event audio equipment. DragonStage provides customized rack cases for concerts, touring productions and professional events.
This customized large tunnel event structure combines a 24m wide × 18m deep × 15m high tunnel aluminum truss system with a 21.96m × 14.4m × 2m high stage platform.
The upper structure uses multiple large curved aluminum truss arches connected by longitudinal truss sections, creating a wide-span architectural framework above the event area. The complete system can be supplied together with the elevated stage platform as a customized package for stadium events, ceremonies, concerts, festivals, and other large temporary productions.
The dimensions shown here come from an actual customer quotation requirement rather than a standard catalogue size.
DragonStage manufactures customized Roof Truss systems in different dimensions and configurations according to project requirements.
This customized 12m × 10m Ringlock concert stage system combines a 2m-high main stage, a 2m × 6m runway, four access stairs, three-sided Ringlock wall structures, approximately 4m-wide LED support areas on both sides, and a customized 400 × 400mm aluminum truss package above the stage.For other modular configurations, see our Ringlock Stage System
This 14m × 10m Ringlock concert stage system is a customized large-event stage package combining a steel Ringlock stage platform, aluminum peak roof truss, 6m-wide side structures for LED screens, and dedicated structures for line array suspension.
The main performance platform measures 14m × 10m, with a requested stage height of up to 2m. Ringlock scaffolding is also used to build the surrounding support structures up to approximately 10m high, matching the main stage and the 6m-wide wings on both sides.
Instead of purchasing the stage platform, roof truss, LED supports, and sound-support structures separately, customers can order them as one coordinated event-stage package from DragonTruss.
2m × 2m modular Ringlock audience viewing platform originally configured for socially distanced concert seating areas. The system features a 0.2m-high aluminum pallet platform, three-sided double-rail guardrails, an open rear entrance, adjustable steel base jacks, and a front-facing position for event or sponsor posters.
20m wide × 14m deep × 10m high custom curved roof truss system featuring six main support towers and two 2m-wide side wings for line array systems with manual hoists. Designed as a modular aluminum truss structure for concerts, festivals, live productions, and other large event applications.
This custom mobile DJ table is designed for a customer who needed one standalone DJ workstation rather than a complete stage system.
The table uses the same basic manufacturing logic as a professional aluminum stage platform: an aluminum frame, flat black working surface, rigid support structure, and replaceable modular components. However, instead of stage legs standing directly on the floor, this version is fitted with four lockable caster wheels so the complete table can be moved short distances inside a club without dismantling the DJ equipment.
The finished size is 2200mm wide × 800mm deep × 900mm high, providing a large working surface for multiple DJ players, a mixer, laptop, or controller.
For other aluminum platform products manufactured using similar structural principles, see our Aluminum Stage range.
DragonTruss manufactures integrated stage and truss systems combining modular aluminum stage platforms with aluminum truss structures for event applications.
This customized project includes a 9.76m x 9.76m Quick Stage main platform, a 2.44m wide x 3.66m long runway stage, and a 400x400mm spigot truss gantry structure with a 10m width and 5m height.
The system integrates a quick assembly stage platform with a modular truss framework, providing a complete structure solution for event decoration, lighting installation, and potential LED screen applications.
For customized stage structures combining platforms, truss systems, and accessories, DragonTruss provides complete Custom Stage Production services according to project requirements.
This custom black F34 curved truss arch structure was produced based on a customer's requested configuration, combining curved F34 truss elements, F32/F34 box corners, straight truss sections, and outdoor base plates.
Unlike standard straight truss products, curved truss structures require additional manufacturing coordination, including curve fabrication, connector alignment, component matching, and surface finishing. The final structure demonstrates DragonTruss's capability in producing customized aluminum truss solutions beyond standard configurations.
For projects requiring special shapes, customized layouts, or integrated stage structures, DragonTruss also provides Custom Stage Production services based on project requirements.
Section:Square600x760mm Inclined tube: 25x2.0mm Main tube:50x4.0mm Braces:50x2.0mm
This Heavy-Duty Aluminum Box Truss (600x700mm) is engineered for superior structural integrity and massive load capacities. Ideal for professional concert and event stage productions, its robust design supports large-scale lighting truss rigs and LED walls, ensuring a safe and stable environment for any world-class performance.
Section:Square670x1010mm Inelined tube: 30x2.0mm Main tube:50x5.0mm Braces:50x3.0mm
This Heavy-Duty Stage Light Truss (680x1010mm) is engineered for massive spans and extreme loading requirements. Designed for professional concert and event stage productions, its robust rectangular profile ensures maximum stability. It is the ultimate solution for supporting large-scale lighting truss rigs and heavy LED walls safely.
the spigot truss sectional sizes are 830mm wide and 630mm deep. the main tube is 50x4mm or 60x5mm.
This ultra-heavy-duty Aluminum Spigot Truss features reinforced 50x4mm and 60x5mm main tubes, engineered for massive spans and maximum load requirements. Ideal for professional concert and event stage builds, its high-precision spigot connection ensures rapid assembly and unrivaled structural stability for world-class productions.
Section:Square400x400mm Inclined tube: 25x2.0mm Main tube:50x3.0mm Braces:50x2.0mm Material: Aluminum 6061-T6
This versatile 400x400mm aluminum roof screw lighting truss is the industry standard for medium-to-heavy stage rigging. Engineered for exceptional durability, this high-performance aluminum truss system supports heavy lighting and audio equipment with ease. It is the perfect foundation for building safe, professional modular stage systems for any event.
The Square Box Truss F34 Circle Corner 2 Ways 90 Degree is characterized by its square shape and the incorporation of circular corners at two ends, forming a 90-degree angle. This design not only adds an aesthetic appeal to the structure but also enhances its structural integrity. The circular corners help distribute the load more evenly, reducing stress concentrations and improving the overall stability of the truss.
custom Aluminum Top Sections with Steel Wheels for Beam Truss 520x760mm are a popular choice for motor hoisting system due to their durability, strength, and versatility.
This Aluminum Concert Professional Light Truss 18x12x9m seems is a high-quality and durable solution for concert and event lighting setups. The dimensions are suitable for large-scale productions, and the material is known for its strength and lightweight properties. This truss system appears is a reliable option for professional use in the entertainment industry.
A truss circle with a diameter of 2 meters and sectional sizes of 290mm x 290mm, equipped with spigot connectors, is a structural element that offers a high level of strength and stability for various construction projects.
high-grade and lightweight aluminum which is easy for transportation and setup Compatible with all sticks to create an astonishing and custom presentation
Heavy-duty aluminum swivel clamp for outrigger and tower support structures. Made from 6061 aluminum alloy, compatible with 48-52mm tubes, lightweight and durable for event truss, speaker tower and temporary structure applications.
F34 Square Frame Circle Truss Package (8 x 45° Segments) - 6 Meters
it is composed of 8 curved box truss segments with conical connectors to make a 6m (19.68 ft) circle trussing configuration. Constructed of high-grade aluminium
