RCD Aerial Trekking, Continuous Belay Course

As each recreational ropes course is bespoke and many years of RCD experience will go into designing the course we will give you a cost for the design of the course then a cost for the construction of the course.

 

The design is broken down into 2 stages

 

Stage 1 will include a topographical survey, engineers outline designs and a course layout, this material will be fit for planning permission.

 

Stage 2 Once the design has been finalised we will then supply detail engineers drawings and engineers structural calculations.

 

Construction

 

Price range: Aerial Tech steel cable system, £5,500 - £6,500 per element
Price range: RCD tracking rail system £7,000 - £9,000 per element
Plus optional extras.

 

Description

 

Aerial trekking is a very popular activity within the Recreational market, however it can still be used effectively in a Developmental environment; it allows participants of any age and ability to participate in this high adrenaline pursuit. Each course is made up of a series of elements and can be virtually any shape or size.

 

Courses can be built on poles, in trees or indoors.

 

There are two systems available. One utilises a track and the other a cable. Both are double belay systems which allow participants to be on one track or cable whilst keeping the other free for instructors to access any part of the ropes course. Alternatively, the second track / cable can be used to achieve an even greater throughput of participants.

 

There are advantages and disadvantages of each system; however, cable system is the only option for installation in trees.

 

General Specifications

 

  • Conforms to EN: 12572 (for artificial climbing structures) *
  • Meets the requirements of the EN: 15567 for Ropes Courses *
  • Includes independent inaugural inspection
  • Designed to address Working at Height Legislation - in terms of appropriate access for instructors*
  • Designed to minimise the need for maintenance in every respect
  • Designed to prohibit unauthorised access for the first three metres when the ropes course is not in use *
  • Safety signs included *
  • Tested ground anchors included (where applicable) *
  • Option for complete ground covering (pea gravel to 150mm minimum with geo-textile membrane and appropriate retainers).
  • Poles can now be mounted above the ground to maximise longevity. New EU regulations pertaining to timber treatment have reduced the effectiveness of the preservation process. The new pole mounting method, adopted by RCD, is expected to provide 20 years of life expectancy under normal circumstances.
  • Can accommodate the new POWERFANT designed and tested in accordance with relevant parts of BS: EN: 341 1992 and conforms to EN: 15567 for Ropes Courses
  • Can accommodate an RCD Zip Wire.

 

RCD Tracking system (Rail based)

 

RCD has perfected this technique over the last twelve years. Regardless of the main supporting structure we utilise a specialised tracking system which has a number of advantages over any other system.

 

Advantages with an RCD tracking system:

 

  • Outstandingly durable
  • Requires a minimal amount of maintenance and inspection
  • Can allow participants to change direction (still without unclipping from the rail) to partake in more or challenging sections
  • Can permit a high number of participants in each section
  • Can be built into a building or on poles
  • Largely removes the need for rescue as participants can pull themselves around the course if necessary
  • Incredibly smooth rollers allow the trolleys to slide effortlessly and quietly around the course
  • The supporting steel work can also support the elements which has significant structural advantages
  • Elements can, if necessary, be used as assisted belay elements (bottom / top rope)
  • It can be a largely self supporting structure - often negating the need for external guy wires
  • Fantastic for very young clients

 

Disadvantages of an RCD tracking system:

 

  • Unless an existing design is utilised then the design costs can be considerable - particularly for indoor installations where it needs to be built into and around an existing structure
  • Material costs are relatively high
  • For an exposed outdoor location consideration needs to be given to the aesthetic appearance. Where possible, it is preferable to build it in and around trees
  • Maximum single span has practical limitations of approximately 16 metres
  • Elements cannot be inclined or declined - e.g. a zip slide

 

Costs  
  • Price Range
  • £7,500 - £9,000
    per element
   
Additional Options  
  • Post & rail fencing (around perimeter)
  • POA
  • Security fencing (2 metre high)
  • POA
  • Ground Covering
  • POA
  • Tower
  • POA

 

RCD Aerial Tech System (Cable based)

 

The Aerial TechT system is a specifically designed continuous belay system for Ropes Courses. RCD are the sole agents for all recreational sales of this equipment within the UK.

 

Advantages of the Aerial Tech™ system:

 

  • It is ideally suited for installation in trees but can also be installed on poles and indoors
  • Can allow participants to change direction (still without unclipping from the cable) to partake in more or less challenging sections
  • Can accommodate an incline and decline - including a zip wire
  • Is aesthetically attractive
  • Can accommodate longer spans than an RCD tracking system
  • Each individual section comprises an independent cable which allows for separate replacement
  • Design costs are generally lower than with a tracking system

 

Disadvantages of the Aerial Tech™ system:

 

  • Structures on poles need to be guyed in most instances, however internal bracing can be adopted.
  • Less durable than a rail system
  • Less easy for participants to "self- assist" due to the catenary (sag!) in the cable

 

Costs  
  • Price Range
  • £5,500 - £6,500
    per element
   
Additional Options  
  • Post & rail fencing (around perimeter)
  • POA
  • Security fencing (2 metre high)
  • POA
  • Ground Covering
  • POA
  • Tower
  • POA
   

Elements

 

The only real limitation to element design is the imagination! However these are RCD most popular elements to choose from, please download our elements list under the download tab to see images of each element.
 
  • Organ Pipes
  • Indie Bridge
  • Burma Bridge
  • Plank Bridge
  • Multi Vines
  • Looped Vines
  • Sliding Vine
  • Hanging logs
  • Logs in a line
  • Burma Logs
  • Swinging Log
  • Ladder Platforms
  • Hanging platforms
  • Step across
  • Flea jumps
  • See saw
  • Fender traverse
  • Traversing Wall
  • Swing
  • Tyre platforms
  • Tyre Tops
  • Swinging Tyres
  • Inclined Log
  • Heebie Jeebie
  • Postman’s Walk
  • Balance Beam
  • Totem Walk
  • Rope Loops
  • Spiders Web
  • Traversing net
  • Swinging Rungs
  • Totem poles
  • Kitten Crawl

 

Example of RCD Tracking rail system on poles with a tower

 

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Example of an RCD Aerial Tech cable system on poles

 

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Example of an RCD Aerial Tech cable system in trees

 

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