Packapost - Wind Testing

Rugby Packaposts can be set up in minutes and easily packed away, transported and stored. They are a way for clubs to overcome the logistical problems of setting up and storing rugby posts.

Rugby Packaposts were originally developed to support the new sport of blind rugby. They can also be used for rugby introductory sessions and as a training aid to simulate real game situations.

Packaworld undertook wind testing to provide an indication of the posts' performance in a variety of wind conditions.

Testing Approach

The results below are based on testing carried out in Wellington, New Zealand using a wind machine from NZFX - one of New Zealand's premier special effects companies.

Measurements were taken using a Bluetooth enabled wind meter from WeatherFlow. This device measures average wind speed, gusts and direction. Each measurement lasted 30 seconds after which an average wind speed was recorded, along with maximum gusts during the same period. 

Tests were carried out using the Full-sized Rugby Packapost (three metre crossbar) set up on a concrete surface. The posts were anchored to the ground using three water bags (weighing approximately 8kg) and one sand bag (weighing approximately 8kg). No guy ropes were used during this testing.

Limitations with testing approach:

• The narrow wind band of the two metre fan only generates force across approximately 25 per cent of the rugby post surface area at any one time.
  
• Prevailing winds countered the ability to generate wind speeds greater than 24 knots.
  

Results

The Rugby Packaposts remained relatively unaffected by front on and rear winds during testing. Side-on winds had more of an effect on the posts, bringing the posts down in one of the testing periods with an average wind speed of 16.5 knots and maximum gust of 21.0 knots. 

Test #1 - Front on (PASS)

1. Average 13.5 knots - Gust 20.9 knots
2. Average 17.1 knots - Gust 23.0 knots
3. Average 10.0 knots - Gust 18.2 knots
4. Average 16.4 knots - Gust 20.6 knots

Test #2 - Side on (PARTIAL PASS)

1. Average 13.7 knots - Gust 20.7 knots
2. Average 16.5 knots - Gust 21.0 knots*
3. Average 9.8 knots - Gust 20.9 knots

* Posts collapsed

Test #3 - Rear (PASS)

1. Average 15.9 knots - Gust 22.4 knots
2. Average 14.5 knots - Gust 20.8 knots
3. Average 13.8 knots - Gust 21.8 knots
4. Average 14.2 knots - Gust 22.8 knots

Wind Tests in Action

Meet Packaworld's CEO undertaking wind test at NZFX based in Lower Hutt, Wellington New Zealand.

Conclusion

During wind testing, the Packaposts remained steady with front and rear wind direction. However, limitations of the fan used (only able to generate 24 knots across a narrow area), meant we were unable to determine at what wind speed the posts would fall over.

Side-on winds are more likely to bring unsupported posts down. Guy ropes would likely prevent this.
​  
While the measurements of wind speed were true, the above testing does not represent the unpredictability of 'real life' wind behaviour.

Other variables that affect stability of Rugby Packaposts include:

• Wind speed and direction (e.g. wind blowing from the front, side, rear, gusty and swirling winds all impact stability in different ways)
• The surface the Packaposts are on (e.g. astroturf; grass) and the means of anchoring posts
• Use of guy ropes or posts pads (e.g. Post Pads add weight to the base of the uprights and therefore the posts will withstand higher winds)
• The type of Packapost used (e.g. the 2.5 metre crossbar has a lower centre of gravity and is therefore more stable than the three metre version)

Post Pads add weight to the base of the upright; therefore
​improve stability.

​The tests results are not a guarantee of performance under identified wind conditions, but are intended to provide Packapost users with an indication of performance under certain conditions. Packaworld strongly advises using additional supports with all installations and a precautionary and common-sense approach to setting up posts in windy conditions. 

To learn more about wind speeds and the Beaufort scale click here   

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