We will talk about what scaffolding is for construction. What are the types and components? How do you choose the best scaffolding for your building? You will also find the scaffolding buying guides and scaffold catalogues download at the bottom of this article.
Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support the work crews and materials in construction, maintenance, cleaning, and repair, as well as take weight and load in shuttering forming. It forms access and work platforms for elevation work and takes weight and bearing in formwork concrete and shoring. It was also used to form grandstands, concert stages, etc. Construction Scaffold has other names, such as scaffolding and staging.
There are many types of scaffolding for construction. Include tube and clamps, frame scaffolding, and a modular scaffold system for ringlock, cuplock, kwikstage, quick lock, etc. Scaffolding types can also be catalogued according to the load, the shape, and the purposes. You will get details of each type of scaffolding for construction in the following content.
Safety is the most critical factor in the construction of scaffolds. Scaffolding material, design, arrangement and assembly need to follow scaffold standards and regulations, including OSHA and ANSI(USA Regulations), CSA(Canada Standards), BS(British Standards), EN(Europe Standards) and JIS(Japanese Standards), SS(Singapore Standards), MS(Malaysia Standards), SANS(South Africa Standards) etc.
Oil and Gas Companies also have their own scaffold standards, like KNPC standards, KOC standards, Saudi Aramco Safety Handbook, Shell&#;s DEP standards, etc.
Different lengths of scaffold tubes, scaffolding clamps, and scaffold boards form tube and coupler scaffolds. Scaffold tubes that function as scaffold verticals, horizontals, braces, and transoms are connected and fixed by all types of scaffolding couplers(right-angle couplers, swivel clamps, etc.). It is the first steel scaffolding and is seen as the traditional scaffold.
Tube and coupler scaffold is also called tube and clamp scaffolding, pipe scaffolding, tubular scaffold, pipe and clamp scaffold, tube and fitting scaffold, etc. This traditional scaffolding is still popularly used in many places because it is flexible, sturdy, and versatile. They can be adjusted and customised to various building shapes and different construction requirements, but system scaffolds might not provide the necessary flexibility.
Ringlock scaffolding is the most popular modular scaffold system, which has round rings on verticals at every 500mm distance and cast steel ledger heads and wedge pins on horizontal and diagonal parts. They are also called multidirectional, pin-lock, or Allround scaffolding in some countries. Round rings of the ringlock verticals have eight holes that offer eight directions of connection for ringlock horizontals, braces, etc., which is the most efficient modular scaffold system in construction that saves time and increases erection and dismantling efficiency.
There are normal-duty (OD48mm) and heavy-duty(OD60mm) ringlock scaffolding. Standard duty (lightweight) ringlock scaffolding parts are made of an OD48.3mm scaffold tube. Heavy-duty ringlock scaffolding vertical parts are made of OD60.3mm scaffold tubes. The heavy-duty ringlock is also called the ringlock shoring system scaffold. Both standard-duty OD48.3mm ringlock and heavy-duty OD60.3mm shore ring system are used for large-scale construction.
Kwikstage scaffolding is a modular scaffold with V clips formed like a star on vertical parts at every 500mm intervals and pressed wedge pins(keys) at each end of kwikstage horizontals. They are made of OD48.3mm steel or aluminium scaffold tubes. A kwikstage scaffold is a type of quick-erected system scaffolding used in construction. Kwikstage scaffolding is also called quick-stage scaffold, star scaffolding, kwickstage scaffold, wedge lock scaffolding, star scaffolding, speed shore scaffold, and star shore scaffold.
Kwikstage scaffolding is used in some countries, such as the UK, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Mauritius.
Cuplock scaffolding is a modular scaffold system with top and bottom cups on cuplock verticals and ledger blades on cuplock ledgers. In construction, the top cups lock the ledger blades onto the bottom cups safely, providing high-load construction for both shoring and facades.
Cuplock scaffolding comprises a 48.3mm diameter, 3.2mm, or 4.0 mm thick steel scaffold tube. SGB, UK invented it.
Cuplock scaffolds are used popularly in the UK, USA, Ireland, and Middle East countries like UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia etc. Like ringlock and kwikstage, the cuplcok scaffold is one of the most common scaffold systems.
Quick lock scaffolding is a steel modular scaffold system with disc plates on verticals(legs) and cast iron ledger ends on horizontal parts. The discs on the verticals have four holes to receive quick lock horizontals from 4 directions. The quick lock scaffold system has fewer components and is mainly used to support formwork beams and decks in concrete shoring. The legs and horizontal parts of the quick lock system are made of OD48.3mm steel scaffold tubes.
A Tubelock scaffold is a tube with a female fitting at one end and a male fitting at the other. In construction, the male and female ends lock together by twisting them. There is no need to invest in sleeve couplers and inner joint pins in the scaffold tube connection. A tubelock scaffold is called a twist-lock scaffold or a steel tube with a fitting. They are self-locked, thus saving 50% of the erection and dismantling time in scaffolding construction compared to the traditional tubular scaffold. Tubelock scaffolding is made of 48.3mm diameter and 3.2mm thickness.
Crab 60 shoring scaffold is a modular steel scaffold made of OD60mm scaffold tube S355 steel grade with sets of stirrups on vertical parts and forged wedge keys and C clamps on horizontal parts. Crab 60 shoring scaffolding is a heavy-duty load scaffold used for high-load shoring and support in construction. It is used in Malaysia and France for large-scale and high-scale construction.
Crab 25 scaffolding is a steel modular scaffolding system with stirrups on verticals and C clamps and forged wedge keys on horizontals. Compared to the Crab 60 system, C25 scaffold systems are made of OD48.3mm scaffold tubes. It is also called a multi-function scaffold system. The Crab 25 scaffold system is used in France, Malaysia, Brazil, and other places.
Frame scaffolding is a metal scaffold modular system with components of prefabricated &#;frame&#;-shaped verticals, which have double legs and scaffold lock pins welded on. In the frame system scaffold construction, the vertical frames are always used in pairs and connected and fixed by scaffold single or x braces and horizontals to form support or a working area. Frame scaffolding is also called bracing scaffolding or lock pin scaffolding.
Frame scaffolding is easy to use with prefabricated paralleled vertical tubes. It needs less erection time and work even than popular modular scaffolds like ringlock, kwikstage and cuplock systems.
According to the shape of vertical frames, there are many types of frame scaffolding systems: walk-through frame, ladder frame, h frame, narrow frame, European facade frame scaffold, and shoring frame.
A walk-through frame scaffold is a frame system scaffold with vertical &#;frames&#; featuring an opening or walk-through portal that allows easy passage for workers and persons within the scaffold structure. Thus, walk-through frame scaffolding is often used in sidewalk or shed scaffolding in cities.
The walk-through frame scaffold is in an &#;A&#; shape. It is also called a walkthru frame, main frame scaffolding, or A-frame scaffold. Walk-through frames have widths of 3&#;, 4&#;, 5&#;, and 42&#;, which enables workers to carry materials and perform tasks without obstruction along entire lengths of the structure.
Ladder frames are 4&#; or 5&#; wide with two or three ladder rungs on half of the width. The width of the ladder rungs is enough to put one width of the scaffold platform on. The adjustable working platform height is convenient for material shelving and different working height requests for brick masonry, stucco, carpentry work etc.,
Thus, ladder frame scaffolding is also called masonry scaffolding or mason frame scaffold.
H frame scaffolding is any scaffolding vertical frames with two vertical tubes that are connected by one or two horizontal tubes forming a shape of &#;H&#;. Thus, H frames can be used for walk-through frames, ladder frames, shoring frames, euro frames, and narrow frames. Two pieces of H frames fixed by cross X braces form scaffold structures in building construction.
Narrow frame scaffolding is the scaffold frames with a &#;narrow&#; width, less than 3&#;, from one vertical to another vertical. There are 4-5 rungs between the narrow frame&#;s two vertical tubes. Narrow frame scaffolding is designed to be easily moved and often formed with caster wheels as a mobile scaffold, used in painting, drywall, and plasters the jobs that workers must frequently change position.
A shoring frame is a scaffolding frame designed to withstand high loads in construction for heavy-duty concrete and shoring. Shoring frames are made of OD57mm or OD60mm scaffold tubes in S355 higher steel grade.
Euro frame scaffolding is a type of frame scaffold required for facade construction in European countries. It is made of OD48.3mm vertical tubes that can take heavier weight than regular scaffold frames of OD42mm. Euro frame scaffolding includes Layher Speedyscaf frame scaffold, Plettac frames, Marco Euro(Chile), etc.
Quick erect scaffolding is a steel modular scaffold similar to ringlock scaffold but with forged round rings and forged wedges. In contrast, the wedges are integrated inside the scaffold tube, which does not need extra cast ledger heads welded on. It is called a QES scaffold.
Octagonlock scaffolding is a steel modular scaffold with forged or casted octagon rings(not round rings) on verticals while cast ledger head on horizontals with forged wedge key locked to the octagon rings in construction, forming strong scaffold structures and frames.
Single scaffolding is scaffolding only with one row of vertical poles and putlogs inserted or tied in the holes of the walls to support the work platform. The single row of vertical poles is parallel to the wall structure and fixed by putlogs, ledgers, and bracing. Single scaffolds are used for simple brick masonry and can be built to a maximum height of 20&#; or 6m. They are also called putlog scaffolding or bricklayer scaffolding.
Double scaffolding is scaffolding with two rows of verticals fixed by ledgers, transoms, and braces between them. It is an independent scaffold that does not necessarily insert holes in the wall and can be used for high construction. Compared to single scaffolding, double scaffolding is popular for mansory, building, and facade construction.
The supported scaffold is scaffolding that is not suspended by a rope. It is built on firm, rigid ground and forms platform supports and scaffold structures by poles, frames, ledgers, braces, brackets, boards, and outriggers. It can take substantial weight.
The most common types of support scaffold include tube and coupler scaffolding, frame scaffolding, ringlock, cuplock and kwikstage, cantilever scaffolding, facade scaffolding, shoring scaffold, trestle scaffolding, mobile scaffolding, and roofing scaffolding.
The suspended scaffolding involves platforms and baskets hung from an overhead structure by ropes, cables, motors, stirrups, or metal chains rather than being installed from the ground. It offers easy and fast access to medium and tall buildings for cleaning, painting, maintenance, and signage.
Residential scaffolding is a temporary structure erected around a residential building during construction, renovation, or maintenance work, such as housing or private homes. It is not very high and not very large in scale.
Industrial Scaffolding is a type of scaffolding for industrial projects with features of large scale, complex environment, harsh conditions, and heavy load bearing. It is designed for heavy-duty, efficient access to elevated areas under complex environments safely, including factories, offshore, refineries, tanks, chemical plants, and power station construction scaffolding.
Commercial scaffolding is scaffolding structures and frames used in commercial construction or commercial building maintenance, such as office buildings, skyscrapers, retail stores, restaurant construction, high-rise commercial building maintenance, and shipbuilding. These are big-scale constructions with more complex environments. Commercial scaffolding needs to be efficient and easy to access.
Infrastructure scaffolding is scaffolding used for infrastructure and utility projects such as bridges, highways, tunnels, overpasses, wind farms, airports, ports, waterways, reservoirs, dams, police stations, colleges and schools, rails, and roads.
Building scaffolding is scaffolding structures with access and work platform setup surrounding buildings in construction, not that for shoring and concrete support.
Marine scaffolding is scaffolding designed for a marine environment, whether shore-based (docks, piers, dry docks) or for shipbuilding scaffolds for vessel construction and ship repair. It is also called ship scaffold.
Offshore scaffolding is erected around a structure at sea or some distance from shore to allow workers to access various parts of the structure for construction, repair, and maintenance. It is also called oil rig scaffolding, and it is mainly used for oil rigs.
Oil gas scaffolding is also called refinery scaffolding, It is a type of scaffolding material designed especially for oil and gas rigs and refineries work that supports workers to start and complete rigs and refinery projects, offers access to hard-to-reach areas such as offshore oil platforms or rectification columns in refineries, for tasks such as painting, insulation, installation, maintenance, inspection for equipment and lines or support piping tubes, racks during assembly. Oil gas scaffolding can be a support scaffold or suspended scaffolding.
Roof scaffolding is a type of scaffolding designed for accessing work areas on pitched or sloped roofs. It is typically used during roofing renovation and maintenance projects. It can be positioned on the ground, on top of a building, or as an extension of scaffolding surrounding a building.
Chimney Scaffolding Chimney scaffolding is specifically designed to help workers reach the chimney for repairs and work. This type of scaffolding may include chimney brackets, ladders, and suspended scaffolding.
Event and stage scaffolding refers to the structural frameworks designed for various events, such as concerts, sports events, political rallies, fashion shows, festivals, and public speeches, whether held indoors or outdoors. These scaffolds must be highly reliable, stable, and capable of supporting heavy loads. They also need to be weatherproof and securely constructed due to the public nature of these events and the potential risks involved. Typically, event and stage scaffolding can incorporate materials such as aluminium scaffolding, hot-dip galvanized modular scaffolding and plywood panels.
Bridging scaffolding is specifically designed for the construction and maintenance of bridges. This includes structures such as bridge stair tower scaffolds, bridge pier scaffolds, and custom underdeck bridge scaffolds. These scaffolds provide a stable platform for workers and materials, allowing safe access to elevated and large-span areas.
Bridging scaffolding is characterized by its heavy load-bearing capacity, enabling it to support significant loads from extensive platform and roof spans. It encompasses both supported and suspended scaffolding options.
Tank scaffolding is a scaffold structure placed inside and exterior along the tank wall to support scaffold platforms and accesses for maintenance, inspection, and other works on storage tanks. Good tank scaffolding provides workers with access to all areas of tanks. Typically, tank scaffolding is curved or round and suited for oil tanks, water tanks, and storage tanks. It must prioritize safety, efficiency, and durability while also ensuring easy access for workers.
Boiler scaffolding is a specialized scaffolding structure designed to provide access to all areas of both the interior and exterior of boilers in power plants. It is used for cleaning, maintenance, inspections, and other tasks. This scaffolding must withstand extreme conditions, including sparks and fires.
Masonry scaffolding is a framework constructed using step frames, cross braces, and scaffold planks. The step frame, also known as a ladder frame, features two or three rungs on one side of the frame for scaffold plank rest. This type of scaffolding is commonly referred to as mason frame scaffolding.
Multi-function scaffolding is a narrow frame stacked up to three tiers high. It features castors and work platforms, making it portable and easy to roll even in tight spaces.
This type of scaffolding is adjustable in height and can be easily assembled by one person. It is versatile and used for various tasks, including painting, maintenance, electrical work, window and skylight washing, and drywall installations.
Multi-function scaffolding is also known by other names, such as baker scaffolding, multi-purpose scaffolding, Perry scaffold, and narrow scaffold.
Slab scaffolding is a temporary support structure used to hold concrete slabs and beams in formwork during the pouring and curing of concrete until the fresh concrete gains sufficient strength for construction. It can be adjustable in height(using telescopic props) or constructed with a fixed height(shoring frames, etc.).
Facade scaffolding is a scaffold structure specifically designed for work on building facades. It provides support for workers and materials while they work at height, incorporating features such as access stairways and work platforms. Safety elements, including toe boards and guard rails, are also essential components. This type of scaffolding is utilized for various applications, including cleaning, construction, painting, restoration, insulation, roofing, maintenance, and repair. It ensures proper load-bearing capacity and side protection for enhanced safety. Common types of facade scaffolding include the Ringlock system scaffolding and European frame scaffolds of Layher Speedyscaf and Plettac Frames.
A birdcage scaffold is an independent scaffold that features a cage-like enclosed structure. It has a broad platform and edge bays designed to minimize the risk of falls for workers during elevated tasks, particularly for large projects involving ceilings, soffits, rooftops, and steelworks. Birdcage scaffolding typically consists of two or more rows of standards and fully boarded top scaffold lifts, providing easy access across different levels of the scaffolding. This type of scaffold is versatile, safe, and easy to assemble, making it primarily suitable for commercial applications.
Tower scaffolding is a freestanding structure consisting of one bay in length and four standards or two frames. Outriggers or stabilizers are needed for stability for heights exceeding certain limits.
These scaffolds are easy to assemble, portable, and provide excellent access for elevated work. They can be constructed from materials like steel, aluminum, or fibreglass. Fibreglass scaffolds are non-conductive, making them suitable for high-voltage areas, while aluminum scaffolds are lightweight and commonly used.
Tower scaffolding can be non-rolling (static) or mobile (with casters for easy movement). Various types include stair towers, cantilever towers, and narrow or double-width towers.
Mobile scaffolds are supported scaffolds equipped with wheels or casters, making them movable for light work such as painting, plastering, drywall installation, and minor repairs. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, especially in jobs requiring frequent repositioning. Mobile scaffolds provide convenient access to elevated areas and can be easily moved around construction sites without dismantling the entire frame. These scaffolds are also known as rolling scaffolds and include various types such as single or narrow-frame mobile scaffolds (like baker scaffolds or perry scaffolds), double-width mobile scaffolds, folding scaffolds, and adjustable mobile scaffolds.
Folding scaffolding is designed for easy folding and unfolding, making it convenient for transportation and storage. It features hinges or folding mechanisms that allow the scaffold to collapse into a compact size. Typically, folding scaffolding includes casters and a single platform, enabling it to be easily moved to different positions for elevated jobs inside and outside the home. It is constructed from aluminum or steel and is often called a portable scaffold. This type of scaffolding is commonly used for home improvement and DIY projects.
A system scaffold is a type of scaffold made from steel or aluminium. It consists of modularized, pre-designed components that are prefabricated into separate units. These units have fixed connection points that allow them to be securely connected without using traditional scaffolding couplers and fittings. System scaffolds, or modular scaffolds, include components such as standards, ledgers, braces, and base jacks.
System scaffolding is flexible, stable, and easy to assemble, making it efficient and capable of saving 50% to 70% of construction time during erection. The most popular type of system scaffolding is steel scaffolding, which offers high strength and can support heavy loads. Common systems of steel system scaffolding include ringlock scaffolding, cuplock scaffolding, and kwikstage scaffolding. These scaffolds are utilized not only for building construction but also for concrete shoring and remodelling work.
A shore scaffold, also known as a shoring scaffold, is a temporary support system designed to prop up structures and bear loads during modifications, renovations, repairs, demolitions, or alterations. It also supports formwork until the wet concrete sets and becomes stable during construction, helping formwork panels withstand the pressure exerted by wet concrete until it cures.
Shore scaffolds typically include vertical shoring, often called falsework, and horizontal or angled shoring. They are generally heavy-duty scaffolding materials made from modular steel, allowing them to support substantial concrete loads.
Scaffolding props are temporary supports used in construction to prop up slabs, beams, walls, and columns until the concrete has cured to a strength that can support itself. These props play a crucial role in formwork systems or shuttering work, carrying the weight of concrete and reinforcing architectural components until the structure can bear the load.
Designed for height adjustment, scaffolding props consist of inner and outer tubes, threaded prop sleeves, prop nuts, top and bottom plates, and lock pins, allowing them to adapt to the required height. They can support various construction applications.
Scaffolding props, also known as formwork props, shuttering props, shuttering jacks, structural props, acrow props, acro jacks, adjustable steel props, jack posts, shore props, shoring jacks, shoring props, telescopic props, shore posts, cover-a-height range from 0.6 meters to 6 meters. They are typically made from steel or aluminium.
Based on their designed load capacity, scaffolding props are divided into various load classes: heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty.
Heavy-duty props are classified into D class and E class. The D class props come in sizes D25, D30, D35, D40, D45, D50, and D55 and have a designed load capacity of 34 kN (according to the EN standard). The E class props include sizes E25, E30, E35, E40, E45, E50, and E55 and have a designed load capacity of 51 kN (according to the EN standard). Heavy-duty scaffold props typically feature an outer diameter of 76 mm for the outer tube and 60 mm for the inner tube, both made of steel.
Medium-duty scaffold props are classified as B class and C class, covering sizes from C25 to C55. Light-duty scaffold props fall under A class, covering sizes from A25 to A40.
Metal scaffolding is the most common type of scaffolding. It consists of various components, including verticals, horizontals, braces, base jacks or frames, and cross braces, all made from steel or aluminum. This type of scaffolding enables workers to safely and conveniently access elevated and hard-to-reach locations while providing strong support for formwork concrete during various construction projects. Metal scaffolding includes both steel scaffolding and aluminium scaffolding.
Steel scaffolding is constructed from steel and consists of verticals, horizontals, braces, base jacks, and metal decks and frames. It is designed to provide access and platforms for workers working at heights and shoring support for structures and concrete. Due to its high strength, safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness, steel scaffolding is the best scaffolding today, and it can be used for a wide range of construction and shoring applications.
There are two main types of steel scaffolding: modular scaffolding systems, which use prefabricated modular parts, and traditional tubular scaffolding, made from steel scaffold tubes and clamps. Both types are commonly used in construction and shoring projects.
Aluminium scaffolding is a lightweight scaffold system commonly used as scaffold towers or mobile scaffolding with components made of aluminium or alloy metals. It offers workers safe and convenient access and work platforms on various construction and maintenance projects. Aluminium scaffolds are corrosion-resistant and durable. They are easy to move and can be assembled with minimal effort, which increases efficiency and reduces labour costs on the job site. This type of scaffolding is suitable for small- or light-to-medium-duty construction, as it has a lower weight-bearing capacity than steel scaffolding.
Fibreglass scaffolding is made from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), which is nonconductive, fireproof, and chemically resistant. This type of scaffolding is known for being lightweight, strong, and flexible. It is suitable for use in power substations and petrochemical environments where metal and wood scaffolding are prohibited.
Wood scaffolding is an ancient form of scaffolding that was commonly used before the introduction of steel scaffolding. It is constructed from timber, wood, or logs. While wood scaffolding was widely popular in the past, it has become less common today. However, some scaffolding components, such as wooden planks and pole ladders, are still in use. The best wood for wood scaffolding is Douglas fir, larch, hemlock, spruce, pine, or coast-Sitka spruce species. The cheapest wood is New Zealand Pine.
According to OSHA standards, a heavy-duty scaffold is rated as having a platform workload up to 75 pounds per square foot (about 366.15 kg per square meter). In EN and EN standards, heavy-duty scaffolding (work platform) can support loads up to 3.00 kN per square meter.
Hi-load scaffolds are typically designed for high-weight-bearing applications, particularly in shoring for concrete construction. These scaffolds usually comprise scaffolding systems featuring verticals with an outer diameter of 60mm. Common types of hi-load scaffold systems include the shoring frame system, the crab 60 shoring scaffolding system, and the 60mm Ringlock shore system, which has an ultimate load of scaffold tower (4 legs and three tiers) more than 60 kN per set. Hi-load scaffolds are used for large-scale and high-scale scaffolding construction.
A medium-duty scaffold is designed to take an intended load of up to 50 pounds per square foot(244.1 kg per square meter). It is a regular scaffold that takes weight and loads workers and tools, material in bricklayers, plasterers, masonry, etc.
A light-duty scaffold is designed to take a work platform load of up to 25 pounds per square foot (122.05kg per square meter). Carpenters, painters, and workers often use it on simple, lower-height jobs.
Self-climbing scaffolding is a type of scaffold system integrated once and lifted by hydraulic rams that automatically and efficiently reach different height levels of construction. It is suitable for high-rise buildings or high-rise wall structure constructions that eliminate the dangers and speed up work progress for high-rise construction projects.
As a whole, construction scaffolding parts are standards, ledgers, truss ledger(bridge ledger), transoms, braces, planks, base plate, top plate, toe boards, ladder beams, guard rails, scaffold brackets, ladders and stairs.
Scaffolding verticals are the uprights or vertical poles used in scaffolding construction. They are also called scaffold standards; they transfer the entire weight of the structure to the ground and rest on base plates to spread the load.
scaffolding ledgers are horizontal tubes that connect the scaffold standards and provide horizontal support for the scaffold structure. They can run horizontally along the length and width of the scaffold and support the scaffold platform.
Langheng Product Page
The Truss ledger has the same function as the standard scaffold ledger but with reinforced tubes and profiles under the standard single ledger, which can take a higher load from the work platform in construction and interconnect with scaffold standards. Truss ledgers are also called double ledgers or bridging ledgers.
A Scaffold transom is a horizontal component used to support scaffold boards and decks in the structure and take loading bearings from the platforms. It can be made of tubes or angle bars.
An intermediate transom is a type of scaffold transom that offers extra support to the scaffold platform in the intermediate place between scaffold transoms and ledgers.
Scaffold braces are scaffolding components used to secure scaffold verticals together in a square and align to keep the scaffold structure plumb. They can resist sway forces resulting from horizontal loads imposed on scaffolds by wind and worker movement.
There are three types of scaffold braces
Diagonal braces are essential bracing parts set on the outside facing of the scaffold structure to keep the scaffolding in place and keep the scaffold structure stabilised, stiffened, rigid, and won&#;t rack and sway. A diagonal brace is also called a vertical brace or face brace.
Horizontal braces are the scaffolding components that keep each scaffold unit in the square, normally parallel to the ground. They can keep a single scaffold unit in a fixed position, creating rigidity in each horizontal plane. In scaffolding, the horizontal brace is also called a plan brace.
The cross brace is a necessary part of frame system scaffold. When opening, they are X shape. In construction, the cross braces are locked on the lock pins of the scaffolding frames and form the scaffold structure. The frame scaffold system has tubular and angular types of cross braces.
Scaffolding planks are scaffold components used to form scaffold platforms, called scaffold boards or scaffold decks.
Scaffolding planks include timber, steel boards, full aluminium planks and aluminium-plywood(alu-ply) scaffold planks.
Timber planks are made of wood, including solid wood and LVL wood planks. In construction, they are fixed by scaffolding board clamps. They conform to OSHA, BS, and AS standards.
Steel planks, also called steel boards or metal decks, are made of steel. In construction, steel boards can be supported by hooks that sit on scaffold ledgers. The angle type or omega scaffold transom supports steel boards without hooks. Steel boards are conformed to EN and EN standards.
aluminium planks are made of alumimium. Aluminium planks are light weight but expensive. Aluminium planks can be hatched with trapdoors that are convenient to access. Aluminium scaffold plank includes a width range from 19&#; to 24&#;.
Aluminium plywood scaffold planks are also light weight but cheaper than full aluminium planks. Hatched trapdoor aly-ply planks are the most popular used for scaffold access and climbing, while 19&#; alu-ply planks without hatches are used for frame scaffolding and ringlock systems.
scaffold base plates are flat and square steel plates with central spigots or socket tubes used to provide a stable and solid foundation for scaffold structures and support scaffolding standards, evenly distributing loading weight from scaffold structure.
The scaffold base plate functions like scaffolding feet, increasing the surface area of the scaffold&#;s contact with the ground during construction. This helps the scaffolds remain stable and prevent sinkage.
There are three types of scaffold base plate: fixed base plate, adjustable base plate and swivel base plate in the construction scaffolding.
Fixed base plates are base plates with non-threaded central tubes. They are fixed and not able to adjust to different heights.
adjustable base plate with a central screw tube and a handle nut(jack nut). They can be adjusted to different heights in construction and support. The adjustable base plate is also called an adjustable base jack, screw jack base, scaffold levelling jack or adjustable scaffold feet.
A swivel base plate is a scaffold base plate used for inclined surfaces (sloping ground or pitched roofs). It allows the central tube or threaded rod to swivel to match the sloping ground and roofing.
Top heads are fixed (with tube or steel stripes at the centre) or adjustable(with jack stem at the centre) heads that are installed at the top of the scaffolding verticals receiving formwork timber beams, aluminium or steel beams in the shuttering.
There are three types of top heads in scaffolding construction. Fork Head (Crosshead), U head and J Head
A fork-head scaffold is also called a crosshead or four-way U-head. It has four vertical forks on the plate to receive scaffold beams from different directions. It is convenient in concrete and formwork. Both fixed forkhead and adjustable forkhead jacks are available.
U Head scaffolds are the top head with a head in the shape of &#;U&#; and flanks of the same height at both sides. They are the most common top heads in scaffolding construction. U-head scaffolding includes fixed U-head and adjustable U-head scaffolding jacks.
J head scaffold is similar to U head scaffolding, but the flanks are at different heights.
Toe boards are timber or steel board parts placed around the work platform and attached to the work surface at a right angle. In construction, the purpose of the scaffold toe boards is to protect tools, materials, equipment, or other objects from falling onto people from the edge of the work platform.
scaffold ladder beams resemble a ladder with OD48.3mm diameter top and bottom chords and OD48.3mm vertical tubes in 305mm standard centre-to-centre, offering openings for the passage of vehicles, workers, materials, and equipment on construction sites. Scaffold ladder beam sizes are 1m to 10m long. Scaffold ladder beams are made of steel scaffold tubes in OD48.3×3.2mm or OD48.3×4.0mm.
Scaffold guard rails are tubular horizontals along the exposed sides of work platforms to reduce the risk of workers or objects falling and slipping off the edge. They include single guardrails and double guardrails. They are secured to lock pins or locks on the construction scaffolding&#;s vertical parts (guard rail posts or verticals).
Scaffold brackets are usually prefabricated steel scaffold parts in triangles. They are attached to the central scaffold to support scaffold boards, forming a work platform that extends the scaffold&#;s working surface and allows workers to get right up against the wall in construction, masonry, and maintenance. Scaffold brackets include side brackets and end brackets.
Scaffold ladders are scaffolding components used to climb up and down between the scaffold platforms and grounds in construction, attached to or leaning on the scaffold structure. They normally have two vertical rails and sets of horizontal rungs. Scaffold ladders are made of metal, fibreglass, or wood. Metal ladders, such as steel and aluminium ladders, are most commonly used.
Scaffold stairs are prefabricated scaffold parts with stringers and staircase treads for scaffold tower access. Scaffold stairs are a safer alternative to ladders, allowing you to move freely and be more productive and more stable in accessing different levels and platforms in construction. Scaffold stairs can be steel stairs or aluminium stairs.
A thorough site assessment minimizes risks, ensures worker safety, and lays the foundation for a successful scaffolding installation. You need to evaluate ground conditions and access points. It must also verify compliance with local construction and safety regulations (E.g. OSHA, ANSI, etc.)
It is essential that you calculate the maximum intended load for your construction and shoring(including all factors: workers, tools, materials, wind load, etc.)
When you select scaffolding types, you need to know the ultimate load of this scaffold type. It has to ensure the scaffold you selected can bear the intended weight after dividing the scaffolding safety factor by 3 or 4.
Define the scaffold height, width and working levels and get a list of the scaffolding you need for your construction.
Avoid use in extreme weather conditions (high winds, heavy rain)
Install proper guardrails and use fall arrest systems
When choosing scaffolding, it is essential to consider the following factors impacting your construction and safety.
Most countries have their scaffolding standards:
Before choosing scaffolding, you need to consider which scaffold standard you want. BS, EN , OSHA and AS are the most common scaffold standards widely acceptable by most countries.
If you want unique products like steel props, the standard is EN. The hot dip galvanizing standard is EN ISO . The aluminium ladder standard is EN 39. Scaffold board standards could be EN or EN . The timber board standard is BS and OSHA, AS.
It would be best to choose scaffolding that can be used in your country according to your country&#;s standards.
For example:
When choosing scaffolding, you must know how much weight it takes during construction.
The required load may be very high if the scaffold is used for concrete shoring, depending on the slab and beam thickness. Thus, heavy-weight-bearing scaffolding like Crab 60 scaffold, OD60mm Shore Ring System, and Hi Load Shoring Frames must be chosen.
Suppose the construction surrounds buildings and structures for access and work platforms. In that case, you can choose heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty scaffold as your construction scaffolding. Under these cases, ordinarily ringlock scaffolding, cuplock scaffolding, and kwikstage scaffolding can be used for both heavy-duty and medium-duty scaffolding. Light duty scaffolding can be made of aluminium scaffold towers or frame scaffolding(masonry frame, walk-through frame, etc.), for example.
In scaffolding safety work load calculation, safety factors need to be considered. The safety factor is usually a 3:1 or 4:1 factor if no special requirements exist.
When choosing scaffolding for your project, it&#;s essential to determine the height of the scaffolding.
Safety is the top priority in scaffolding construction.
Scaffolding Safe Working Load (SWL) = scaffolding ultimate load(three tiers) x safety factor (The typical safety factors for scaffolding are 1:3 or 1:4. That means the ultimate load divided by 3 or 4 is the safety working load)
The safety working load needs to be higher than all possible weights the scaffolding needs to bear: self-weight of the scaffolding materials and tools, how many personnel and workers there are, and external factors like wind and snow loads. Higher scaffolding requires a greater load capacity because it carries a heavier self-weight and experiences more significant environmental forces.
For tall scaffolding, it&#;s advisable to use heavy-duty steel options, such as ringlock, cuplock, kwikstage systems, shoring systems like 60mm hi load ring shore, hi load crab 60 shoring system, and shoring frames. Additionally, high scaffolding should be designed by professional engineers who can incorporate more diagonal braces and ledgers to distribute the load more effectively and enhance stability by securing it to buildings or structures.
It&#;s also important to consider the time requirements of end-users; opting for modular scaffold systems can help increase the efficiency of both erection and dismantling.
For low scaffolding, you can choose standard masonry scaffolding, tube clamps, or aluminium scaffold towers, which are lightweight, easy to move, and convenient to set up wherever needed.
When choosing scaffolding, it&#;s essential to consider your investment budget. Steel scaffolding is generally more affordable than aluminium scaffolding. Among steel scaffolding options, the traditional tubular scaffolding (scaffold tube and clamps) is the cheapest type, particularly the Japanese standard tube and clamp scaffold.
While steel modular scaffolding is more costly than the tube and clamp system, it offers greater efficiency in erection and dismantling. Suppose your budget is decent but insufficient for hot-dip galvanized steel modular scaffolding. In that case, you might consider painted, powder-coated, pre-galvanized, or electro-galvanized (cold galvanized or zinc-plated) steel scaffolding. These options allow for quick and easy assembly while remaining budget-friendly.
If your budget permits, hot-dip galvanized steel scaffolding is the best scaffolding type. It is typically cheaper than aluminium scaffolding, has a high load-bearing capacity, and boasts a long lifespan. Although aluminium scaffolding is more expensive, it is durable, easy to store and transport, and well-suited for mobile scaffolding applications.
When choosing a type of scaffolding, it&#;s essential to understand the project schedule clearly. How much time is allotted for the scaffolding work? Modular and frame scaffolding are excellent options if you need quick scaffolding solutions with minimal training time.
In particular, the Crab 60 modular scaffold features triangular frame components that allow for the quickest assembly. This means you can erect it once and quickly relocate it without dismantling and reassembling it. The Crab 60 shoring system, with 60mm diameter verticals and S355 high steel grade, is also built for heavy-duty loads, making it safe for various jobs and weight requirements.
If your scaffolding project is expected to last longer, consider using hot-dip galvanized steel or aluminium scaffolding, depending on the load and height requirements.
When choosing scaffolding, the construction site must be considered. Is the space enough to erect a standard scaffold, or will suspended or foldable scaffolding be needed due to limited space?
The weather conditions and environment at a construction site are crucial factors in selecting the appropriate type of scaffolding.
If the scaffolding will be used on an island near the sea, it is essential to choose hot-dip galvanized steel scaffolding. It&#;s also important to use hot-dip galvanized steel scaffolding in areas with very cold and wet temperatures. This includes ensuring that the couplers, as well as small components like bolts and nuts, are also hot-dip galvanized.
In contrast, painted and coated scaffolding is commonly used in hot and dry regions such as the Gulf countries because it resists rust and has a longer lifespan in those weather conditions, even with no galvanizing.
When selecting scaffolding types, you must consider how often you use them for repeat construction. If the scaffolding is used repeatedly across different construction sites, opt for more versatile options that accommodate various types, shapes, heights, and load capacities&#;in this case, choose a heavier, more durable, and sturdy scaffold that can withstand repeated transportation erection, and dismantling without becoming rusty or deformed over time and can be safely used for high and low scaffolds simultaneously. Suitable options include steel tubular scaffolding, ringlock scaffolding, kwikstage scaffold, shoring frames, euro frame scaffolds, and cuplock scaffolding. Hot dip galvanizing is essential for repeated steel scaffolding.
Aluminum scaffolding, folding scaffolds, and baker scaffolds are excellent for repeat usage for smaller or indoor projects.
If your construction site is near a power substation or in a petrochemical environment, you cannot use metal scaffolding&#;either steel or aluminium&#;or wood scaffolding materials. Instead, it would be best to opt for a non-conductive(insulated) and chemically resistant scaffolding material, such as fibreglass (GRP).
To mitigate flame risks, if your scaffolding construction site is near a fire growth area, select scaffold materials with fire-retardant treatments, such as fire-retardant planks or safety nets.
Does your construction project require scaffolding support or shoring for different heights? If so, it is essential to choose adjustable scaffolding materials, such as adjustable scaffold props or towers.
The same construction project can utilize different types of scaffolding. You can choose whichever type you are familiar with or one similar to the scaffolding you know, as long as the load capacity and safety meet the requirements of your project&#;s height and conditions.
Scaffolding can be used on uneven or sloped ground, but specific considerations are necessary to ensure stability. In these conditions, it is essential to use an adjustable base jack (also known as scaffold leg feet) for uneven surfaces and a swivel base jack for sloped ground. These adjustable scaffolding components allow for precise levelling, as they can be extended or retracted to accommodate ground irregularities, ensuring that the scaffolding structure remains vertical and stable.
If the ground is soft, it is important to place a block, such as timber or plastic scaffold sole boards, under the adjustable base jacks. This helps solidify the ground beneath the scaffolding and contributes to overall stability.
When choosing the best scaffolding types, you need to consider whether the scaffolding is used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. You also need to get opinions from the end-user or contractor about any additional requirements for the scaffolding arrangement.
The best type of scaffolding is steel scaffolding, as it meets all six characteristics of good scaffolding:
Steel shoring scaffolding is the best choice for heavy-duty shoring of slabs and beams. This includes Crab 60 shoring systems, hi-load shoring frames with an outer diameter of 60mm, heavy-duty adjustable steel post shores (telescopic props) from D to E class, and the hi-load 60mm shore ring lock scaffolding.
The best scaffolding for home use is aluminium foldable scaffolding. It is easy to fold up when not in use and simple to set up for works surrounding the house or inside the home. It is also easy to transport by car, making it ideal for home repairs and maintenance. Additionally, Baker scaffolding, a type of mobile scaffold, is also great for home use.
Frame scaffolding, particularly walk-through frame scaffolding, is the best scaffolding for commercial construction. It offers quick assembly and enhanced safety and can allow a sidewalk or pathway beneath, making it suitable for maintenance and repairs even in crowded city centres.
The best scaffolding for industrial construction is the steel ringlock scaffold. Ringlock scaffolding is designed for high load capacity, featuring rosettes connecting in eight directions, offering flexibility and sturdiness. This scaffolding system consists of many modular parts, allowing it to meet various versatile requirements in construction.
The best scaffolding for events and staging is ringlock scaffolding. The ringlock system features specialized components, including child-friendly guardrails, stage starters, girders, and truss ledgers, which allow for significant distances between two vertical supports. This system is easily compatible with aluminium and plywood decks and is designed to be sturdy, thanks to its 8-direction fixing and connection. The hot-dip galvanized finish also ensures durability for indoor and outdoor events and staging projects.
The best scaffolding system for the oil and gas industry is the tube and clamp system (EN39/BS standards). This type of scaffold is versatile and can be erected in various shapes and locations during oil and gas construction and maintenance projects. It requires only scaffolding clamps to secure the scaffolding pipes, making it capable of providing support anywhere needed in the construction.
The most commonly used scaffolding today is steel scaffolding, which includes tube clamp scaffolding, ringlock scaffolding, cuplock scaffolding, kwikstage scaffolding, frame scaffolding, and scaffolding props.
The most substantial scaffold is the high-load steel shoring system scaffolding, which features a vertical diameter of 60 mm or more and is made of S355 steel grade. The shoring scaffolding systems include the Crab 60 shoring system, the 60mm ring shore system, and the hi-load shoring frame scaffold OD 60 mm diameter. This steel shoring system scaffold has an ultimate load capacity of over 600 kN (for a three-tier tower load).
Renting scaffolding has a lower upfront cost, there is no need for storage space, and you can select the scaffold types you want according to your project sizes, shapes, and load requirements.
Buying scaffolding requires some investment initially, but if you use it often over a long time, it is more cost-effective than renting scaffolding. You can use the scaffold you own any time you want; there is no need to rely on the availability of scaffold rental companies. More than that, you can sell the scaffold when it is no longer needed.
When considering rent or buying scaffolding, you need to consider the following five main factors:
To buy a scaffold, consider the following nine factors when choosing scaffold materials and products.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Cuplock scaffolding system.