Testing drones where they fly matters most—the great outdoors. Exposing them to wind, rain, and changing light conditions not only tests their limits but also highlights the need for timely repairs. By choosing the right environment for both testing and maintenance, we ensure our drones are robust and reliable for tasks ranging from research and photography to search and rescue operations.
Project Planning
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Design & Engineering Expertise
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Unparalleled Work Ethic
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Overview
Virginia Tech (VT), located in Blacksburg, VA, approached Gorilla Netting in early-2021 regarding an existing Netted Drone Enclosure installed by another contractor damaged in a snow storm. Gorilla Netting was awarded the project, and before installing the new netting panels for the Virginia Tech Drone Park, our crew performed a damage assessment. (Photos of the damage below)
Damage Assessment Summary: The existing netting system was built using a 1″ mesh netting on the roof. Using a small mesh size on roof netting panels in a Northern U.S. Region significantly increases the risk of snow and ice build-up. Without a functional safety breakaway system installed, the risk of damage to the netting panels and integrity of the netting structure itself by the increased weight is inevitable.
As you can see from the photos, the amount of snow and ice build-up was significant. Consequently, the snow and ice build-up’s added weight caused substantial sag in the netting material and avoidable stretching and stress of the wire rope, hardware, and bending in the steel poles themselves. Moreover, this caused bending of the poles inward of the structure and stress to the helical anchors set to support the netting system. Therefore, Gorilla Netting performed a pull test of the helical anchors to ensure their stability in-ground.
Project Details: Gorilla Netting removed the damaged netting panels, wire rope, and hardware on the system’s roof and corrected the bent poles to the furthest extent possible without further damage to the system’s integrity. Once the bent poles were corrected, our team replaced any unusable stretched wire rope segments. It replaced the roof’s netting panels with a larger treated knotted nylon netting, additional utility-grade wire rope, and new hardware.
Because another contractor built the original netting system, our netting panels had to be custom-fabricated onsite as dimensions varied, and the exact dimensions of the system were off from documented details. The dimensions of the Virginia Tech Drone Park enclosure are 300’L x 120’W x 85’H. Gorilla Netting only uses the highest quality netting and provides a full coverage 5-year warranty on material, labor, and equipment for turnkey netting installations. This includes our netting repair and placement projects.
For more information on netted drone testing enclosures, contact a Gorilla Netting representative today.
Client: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Services: Netted Drone Enclosure Repair
Challenge
Timing is crucial when a facility faces the challenge of repairing netting on a drone enclosure. Over time, wear and tear on the netting can compromise its effectiveness, posing safety risks to both drones and personnel. Recognizing the signs of damage, such as fraying or tears in the netting, is essential for determining when repairs are necessary.
Facility managers must proactively monitor the condition of the netting and assess its functionality regularly. Establishing a maintenance schedule that includes routine inspections of the netting can help identify signs of wear or damage early on. Additionally, considering environmental factors such as exposure to harsh weather conditions or high-traffic areas can help determine the frequency of inspections and the urgency of repairs.
Collaborating with experienced contractors like Gorilla Netting streamlines the repair process, ensuring that repairs are conducted efficiently and with minimal disruption to facility operations. By addressing netting repairs in a timely manner and partnering with reliable experts, facilities can maintain the safety and functionality of their drone enclosures, safeguarding both equipment and personnel.
Solution
Gorilla Netting delivers a comprehensive solution for swiftly and professionally addressing netting repairs on drone enclosures, regardless of who built the structure initially. Our expert engineers possess the knowledge and skill to handle repairs and replacements seamlessly, even when dealing with structures built by different contractors. Efficiency is key in our repair process, as we aim to minimize downtime and disruption to facility operations. Gorilla Netting utilizes advanced repair techniques and high-quality materials to expedite restoration without compromising quality. Whether it involves repairing small tears or replacing entire sections of netting, our team works diligently to ensure that repairs are completed promptly and effectively.
Our team communicates openly with facility managers, providing regular updates on the progress of repairs and addressing any concerns promptly. By partnering with Gorilla Netting for netting repairs on drone enclosures, facilities can trust that they are receiving top-notch service from expert engineers who understand the intricacies of netting systems, ensuring safety and functionality are restored to the highest standards.
Client testimonial
“Every staff member I worked with at Gorilla Netting was responsive and professional from beginning to end of a challenging repair. Their attention to detail exceeded expectations and provided me with greater confidence in the ability of the facility to withstand harsh weather conditions.“
Sarah M. – Virginia Tech Drone Park
