Engineering Principles, Dimension Planning, Load Considerations and Installation Methods
Circular lighting truss structures have become increasingly popular in modern event design because they provide a unique visual effect and flexible lighting arrangement.
Compared with traditional straight lighting truss systems, a circular truss creates a continuous lighting ring that can provide:
360-degree lighting coverage
Balanced visual appearance
Flexible fixture positioning
A central design element for stages and venues
They are widely used in:
Concerts
Weddings
Corporate events
Exhibition halls
Nightclubs
Television productions
Architectural events
However, designing a circular lighting truss is not simply a matter of connecting straight truss sections into a circle.
A professional circular lighting truss structure requires careful consideration of:
Application requirements
Overall dimensions
Inner and outer diameter
Truss size selection
Load distribution
Connection method
Suspension system
Installation environment
A well-designed circular truss should achieve a balance between appearance, structural performance, installation efficiency, and project cost.
1. Define the Purpose of the Circular Lighting Truss
Design Starts With Application, Not Shape
One of the most common mistakes when designing a circular truss is starting with the diameter before understanding what the structure needs to achieve.
The first question should be:
What is the circular truss required to support?
Different applications require different structural solutions.
Decorative Circular Truss
Some circular truss structures are mainly designed for visual effects.
Typical characteristics:
Lightweight decoration
Small lighting fixtures
Limited loading requirements
Focus on appearance
Examples include:
Wedding decoration rings
Exhibition displays
Brand activation structures
For these applications, a lightweight aluminum truss system is usually sufficient.
Circular Lighting Ring Truss
When the structure supports professional lighting equipment, the design requirements become more demanding.
Possible equipment includes:
Moving heads
Beam lights
Wash lights
LED fixtures
Cable systems
The designer must consider:
Fixture weight distribution
Mounting positions
Dynamic loads
Cable routing
For professional lighting applications, selecting the correct truss specification is more important than simply choosing the largest diameter.
Bolt connection systems are often more suitable for environments where installation space is limited.
Typical applications include:
Indoor venues
Exhibition halls
Studios
Fixed installation areas
Advantages include:
Precise connection
Compact installation requirements
Better suitability for restricted working areas
The choice between spigot and bolt connection should consider:
Installation environment
Assembly frequency
Available working space
Transportation requirements
5. Design the Lighting Layout and Load Distribution
Circular Design Requires Balanced Loading
One major advantage of circular lighting truss is the ability to create a balanced 360-degree lighting layout.
However, the circular shape does not automatically guarantee balanced loading.
The designer should consider:
Fixture spacing
Equipment weight
Cable arrangement
Symmetrical distribution
Avoid Concentrated Loads
A common mistake is installing too many heavy fixtures in one area.
For example:
Multiple moving heads installed on one side
Large cable bundles concentrated at one point
Uneven accessory distribution
These conditions create uneven loading and may affect structural behavior.
A professional lighting layout should distribute weight as evenly as possible around the circle.
6. Consider Suspension and Rigging Design
For suspended circular truss structures, the suspension system is a critical design element.
Important considerations include:
Number of suspension points
Position of lifting points
Load distribution
Motor capacity
Rigging components
Common suspension methods include:
Three-point suspension
Four-point suspension
Multiple lifting points
The goal is to ensure that the circular structure remains balanced during lifting and operation.
7. Common Circular Lighting Truss Design Mistakes
Mistake 1: Designing Only Based on Diameter
A customer may focus only on:
"How big should the circle be?"
But ignore:
Truss size
Load capacity
Installation clearance
The final structure must consider both geometry and structural requirements.
Mistake 2: Confusing Inner Diameter With Outer Diameter
This can cause installation problems, especially in indoor venues.
Always confirm:
Required internal space
Actual external footprint
Mistake 3: Selecting Truss Size Without Considering Load
A visually attractive design may fail if the structure cannot safely support:
Lighting fixtures
Accessories
Cables
Additional equipment
Mistake 4: Choosing Connection Type Without Considering Installation Conditions
A connection system suitable for outdoor touring may not be the best choice for a restricted indoor environment.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Weight Distribution
A circular truss still follows structural principles.
Uneven loading creates unnecessary stress.
8. A Practical Circular Lighting Truss Design Process
A professional design process usually follows these steps:
Step 1: Define Application
Determine:
Event type
Indoor or outdoor
Required visual effect
Step 2: Calculate Equipment Load
Identify:
Lighting fixtures
Accessories
Cable weight
Step 3: Select Truss Size
Choose:
290mm
390mm
Larger truss systems
according to structural requirements.
Step 4: Confirm Diameter Requirements
Calculate:
Inner diameter
Outer diameter
Installation clearance
Step 5: Select Connection Method
Choose:
Spigot system
Bolt system
according to installation conditions.
Step 6: Design Installation Method
Confirm:
Ground support or suspension
Rigging points
Assembly sequence
Conclusion
Designing a circular lighting truss structure requires much more than creating a circular shape.
A successful design must balance:
Visual requirements
Structural performance
Equipment loads
Installation conditions
Transportation efficiency
The most important principles are:
Determine the application first.
Select the truss size based on load requirements.
Calculate both inner and outer dimensions.
Choose the connection system according to the installation environment.
A professional circular lighting truss is not simply a ring—it is an engineered temporary structure designed to provide reliable performance while achieving the desired visual effect.
Related Engineering Resources
For further information about truss systems and event structure design:
The DragonStage SCREEN-TOWER-10x6x10m is a temporary LED screen support structure designed for concert and live-event applications. The overall structure measures 10m wide and 6m deep, with a stepped height arrangement of 10m front height, 4m middle height, and 2m rear height. The system uses modular pillars, horizontal pipes, diagonal braces, adjustable bases, steel braces, and section beams to form a large freestanding LED support tower for temporary event use.
The DragonStage 8m × 1m × 6m Modular LED Screen Support Wall is a temporary event structure designed for concert LED screen installations. The system uses modular vertical pillars, horizontal pipes, diagonal braces and adjustable bases to form an 8m-wide, 1m-deep and 6m-high support structure, together with 4 LED pallets and 5 bracket pallet supports as part of the lower screen-support and working arrangement.
The DragonStage 8m × 4m modular LED screen support structure is a temporary concert-use support system built for large LED wall installation. The overall structure is 8m wide, 4m deep, with a 6m-high front row and a 4m-high rear row. The system uses modular ringlock-style pillars, horizontal pipes, diagonal braces, adjustable bases, and dedicated LED pallets with pallet bracket supports to create a temporary LED screen support solution for concerts, festivals, and live events.
this is a indoor use mini stage platforms, its sizes are 3m long 2m wide and 40cm high.
The DragonStage 3m × 2m Mobile Modular Mini Stage Platform is a compact indoor event stage with a confirmed platform height of approximately 0.4m. The 6m² platform is assembled from three 1m × 2m wooden-topped aluminum stage decks, supported by modular 1m and 2m braces, eight support stands, and eight adjustable bases. Its compact size makes it suitable for presentations, small performances, ceremonies, exhibition areas, and other indoor applications.
it is Concert Modular Truss Portable Stage Platform, total sizes are 4m wide and 2m deep with 2 Stairs
The DragonStage 4m × 2m Modular Aluminum Brace Portable Stage is a compact concert and event platform assembled from four 1m × 2m wooden-topped stage decks, aluminum stage braces, nine extendable support stands, nine adjustable bases, and two access stairs. Three height ranges are available: 0.4–0.8m, 0.8–1.2m, and 1.2–2.0m, allowing the same 8m² stage footprint to be configured for different event requirements.
this is 2x1m Aluminum Stage Platform, 2x2m is most welcome used for Concert Event Production, especially for Dj performance on a large stage, here we provide with Different Heights.
The DragonStage Ringlock LED Background Wall with Aluminum Brace Stage combines a 20m wide × 2m deep × 12m high Ringlock background structure with a 20m × 10m × 2m aluminum brace stage and two aluminum access stairs. Designed for concerts, festivals, ceremonies and large temporary productions where a tall stage-background structure is required for LED screen, visual backdrop or event presentation applications.
The DragonStage 14m × 6m × 8m Ringlock Truss Wall with 8m × 4m Aluminum Quick Stage combines a large modular Ringlock wall structure with a compact 0.8m-high aluminum quick stage and two access stairs. Designed for concerts, performances, ceremonies and temporary event installations, this configuration provides a large structural background around a practical modular performance platform.
The DragonStage 36m Ringlock Truss Wall with 21x20m Aluminum Roofing Stage is a large concert-style event structure combining a full Ringlock wall framework, a central aluminum roofed stage, two front LED wing structures, and two aluminum access stairs. The overall Ringlock structure measures approximately 36m wide × 20m deep × 10m high. The central aluminum roofing stage uses a 21m × 20m × 10m truss roof frame, with a 20m × 18m stage platform and two 2m-high aluminum stairs.
The DragonStage 24m Ringlock Truss Wall with 12x12m Aluminum Roofing Stage and Two Front LED Wings is a large concert-style event structure that combines a full Ringlock wall framework, a central aluminum roofed stage, two front LED wing structures, and two aluminum access stairs. The overall Ringlock structure measures approximately 24m wide × 14m deep × 8m high, while the central roofed stage uses a 12m × 12m × 8m aluminum truss roof frame with a 12m × 10m stage platform and two 2m-high aluminum stairs.
the main stage truss is 10m long, the wings width is 2.5m, the stage depth is 7m and full height 6m.
the stage platform is 1.22x1.22m with 3 sides stage guards and 2 stairs
The DragonStage 10m × 7m × 6m Outdoor Flat Roof Stage Truss System is a modular event-stage package featuring a 10m main truss span, 7m stage depth, 6m overall truss height, and 2.5m-wide side wings. The stage platform uses 1.22m × 1.22m modular deck units and is supplied with guardrails on three sides and two access stairs for concert, festival and temporary outdoor event applications.
The DragonStage 14m x 6m x 6m Portable LED Screen Truss System is a ground-supported aluminum truss structure designed for hanging a large outdoor or temporary event LED screen. Based on the customer’s request, the system provides an overall size of 14 meters wide, 6 meters high, and 6 meters deep, and is intended for a 12m x 4m LED screen with an estimated screen weight of about 1700kg as provided by the customer. The package is planned as a portable solution and can be supplied with manual chain hoists and related accessories similar to the reference picture.
Aluminum Spigot Truss Aluminum Base Plate with Handles 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm with half conical and pins clips.
The DragonStage Aluminum Spigot Truss Base Plate with Handles is available in five square sizes from 300×300mm to 800×800mm, all using an 8mm-thick aluminum plate. Each configuration can be supplied with compatible half conical connectors, connector pins and R-clips for spigot truss installation. Integrated handles make the plates more practical to carry and position during repeated event setup and teardown.
this is 100x100x3mm base plate for f14 truss mini, with 4 half connectors and pins clips.
The DragonStage F14 Mini Truss Square Base Plate is a compact 100 × 100 × 3mm base plate supplied with 4 half conical connectors, connector pins and R-clips for compatible F14 mini truss systems. It is designed as a small mounting and connection accessory for exhibition, display, DJ, decorative and lightweight mini-truss applications.
our all Aluminum Mobile Stadium Seating Chairs, the perfect seating solution for stadiums, arenas, sports events, and outdoor venues. Crafted with precision and innovation, these chairs offer exceptional comfort, durability, and versatility.
DragonStage 21-seat mobile stadium seating system uses an all-aluminum structural configuration for temporary spectator seating at sports events, arenas, stadiums, outdoor events and temporary venues. The complete unit provides 21 seating positions and is designed for customers who need a reusable, relocatable audience seating solution rather than permanently installed grandstands.
Section:Square400x500mm Inclined tube: 25x2.0mm Main tube:50x3.0mm Braces:50x2.0mm Material: Aluminum 6061-T6
Our high-strength 500x400mm lighting truss is engineered from premium aluminum alloy for superior load-bearing performance. Ideal for music and audio setups, this durable screw-connection system ensures stability for professional stage environments. Built to meet rigorous safety standards, it provides a reliable foundation for any event production.
Section:Square500x500mm Inclined tube: 25x2.0mm Main tube:50x3.0mm Braces:50x2.0mm Material: Aluminum 6061-T6 This heavy-duty 500x500mm bolt aluminum square truss is the ultimate foundation for outdoor concert stages and large-scale events. Engineered for maximum structural stability, this aluminum truss system provides the high-load capacity needed to support massive lighting rigs and heavy audio arrays safely in any environment.
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.
Outdoor Speaker Aluminum Stand Line Array Gentry Truss Tower 5m High
fixed height 5m, it have 2 ground truss beams without supports rods, spigot truss tower
The DragonStage 5m Line Array Speaker Gantry Truss Tower is a fixed-height aluminum support system for suspending line array speakers at concerts and outdoor events. It uses 289 × 289mm spigot truss, two vertical 5m tower sides, a top crossbeam, and two ground truss beam assemblies. The current configuration does not use separate support rods.
The 4m × 6m DragonStage Channel Tent is a customized aluminum A-frame tent designed to create a covered passage between backstage or stage-side preparation areas and the main stage. It can be installed inside an opening intentionally reserved within a larger Ringlock structure, helping protect performers, staff, costumes and equipment from rain while providing a more private and clearly defined access route.
The 4m × 6m Built-In Hybrid Ringlock FOH Booth is a compact technical workspace designed for Front of House control, DJ operation, and event control-cabin use. It combines a Ringlock-integrated support concept with an aluminum roof frame, modular plank floor, roof tarpaulin, side curtains, and front/rear enclosure panels, making it suitable for integration inside larger event structures.
4m × 4m multi-level FOH control tower combining a modular Ringlock main structure with an aluminum single-slope roof frame. Maximum height is 7m, with a 6m low-side roof height and 7m high-side roof height. The package includes working platforms, aluminum ladders, roof and canopy tarpaulins, curtain enclosure, auxiliary base structure and related stabilization components for concert and event production
6m × 4m hybrid FOH control booth combining a modular Ringlock main structure with an aluminum single-slope roof frame, modular working platform, curtain enclosure, roof tarpaulin, and access ladder. Designed for concert, festival, and temporary event technical-control applications
2m × 6m hybrid FOH control booth combining a modular Ringlock main structure with an aluminum gable roof frame, 2m eave height, 3m central ridge height, modular working platform, weather curtains and steel stair access for concert and event technical control applications.
2m × 0.5m steel Ringlock speaker tower top support beam made from 48.5mm round pipe, designed to connect the upper Ringlock tower structure with aluminum truss for line array and event audio support applications. Custom supplied by DragonStage
Compact 2m × 2m FOH control booth combining a modular Ringlock main frame with an aluminum A-frame roof and roof tarpaulin. The booth has 2m side/eave height and a 3m central ridge height, providing a small covered technical workspace for concerts, festivals and temporary event production.
6m × 6m aluminum flat roof truss system with a 4m front height and 6m rear height, using a four-tower modular support configuration for concerts, lighting rigs, stage productions, and temporary event applications. Custom manufactured by DragonStage.
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.
