Advice on use of Aluminium tube for freestanding golf enclosure?

[V8burble]

Has anybody here built a freestanding golf enclosure using aluminium tube?
I've read a lot about use of conduit pipe, so think the answer is yes but a lot of the conduit designs I've seen have used wall/ceiling brackets for additional strength, whereas I need this to be freestanding.

I'm looking to build a 4m x 3m x 3m enclosure using aluminium tube/pipe and just wondered what thickness aluminium tube would be needed to span 4m and be able to support the weight of an archery baffle net with little/no sag? Do you think a 1" tube with 3mm wall thickness might do the job?

Just trying to get some input before ordering some for testing.
Thanks!

[Mxwoodman]

I used 1" x 1" X 1/8" sq Aluminium tube and it would sag on it's own weight over 10', I created truss with two 1" x 1" and used 1/2" x 1/2" in between and that holds a sheet metal roof and no sag

You'll need something bigger if you don't want it to sag

[MainStGolf]

I would agree with Mxwoodman. Mine is a 10x10x10. It stands, but I wouldn't want it to be any larger without some other means of stabilization. That being said my 10'x10'x10' has held up quite well even moving it several times to make adjustments to the netting or screen, etc.

[Thinman]

Mine is 10x10x20 freestanding using 1" emt. Once you convert to a peak roof to shed water, strength is improved for sure. Also, you can get "thru T" fittings to run additional support pieces. I used them to mount my projector. My tarp is ~100lbs and it supports it with no issue. I'm wind sheltered on two sides, so I have only anchored in the front so far, but it barely moves in the wind.

http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...rd-golf-course

[p3eps]

I went with 1" galvanised stainless steel piping, with a thickness of 2.6mm. My piece was 3m wide and had absolutely no sag at all.
Have a look at www.themetalstore.co.uk. You could even step up to the next thickness to be safe, but I think 4m would be fine.

Have a look at the drawing in my build thread of how I made my frame. You could just make the back legs longer (to the ground) and make the whole thing protrude more.

http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/build-your-own/enclosures/75415-my-golf-sim-build-v2-uk

[V8burble]

Thanks guys, great feedback and it sounds like I need something between the 1" aluminium/conduit and the steel.
My issue is that the enclosure needs to be freestanding and truly portable and so lightweight as possible.
I think I'll go down the aluminium route but factor in some additional joins/trusses as part of the design to provide more support.
thanks!

[p3eps]

The stuff I have is definitely not portable! It's absolutely solid and weighs a tonne!

[aeroburner]

portable haha , how the heck can you ever call a 300 sqft wall portable, moving it 2 feet left or right does not define as portable, lifting it up and taking it upstairs or over to the buddys house is considered portable that's if you can get it out the front door. and if you decide to move it still takes multiple guys to move or risk of damage. All of these impact screens are portable as well as my house if you want to take 5 hours to break it down or 5000 hours for the house and move. if you are looking for sturdy go with a heavier gauge metal as EMT has flexibility as P3 did.

[V8burble]

So it won't fit in my backpack and I won't be able to take it hiking with me? killjoy

[aeroburner]

haha not likely