Ultimate Guide to Scaffolding in Construction : Types, Uses and Safety
Scaffolding is one of the crucial parts of all construction projects. The scaffolds help to get access to the structural components at an elevation and serve other purposes in the construction project. The scaffolding has been upgraded over time which helps to fit into the transforming requirements of the construction industry. The scaffolding is the temporary skeletal structure which has been seen in the form of steel framework or timber.
The scaffolding has been used to support the building structure as well as to serve the purpose of a platform for the construction workers. The scaffolding system was erected by the construction workers at the start of the construction project. The scaffolding has been made of a solid build and frame which helps to support heavy loads. Most of the scaffolding has the primary working platform and guard rail. The uses of this structure needed additional support including access ladders, access gates, cross bracing and others.
Different parts of the Scaffolding used in the construction process
There are numerous parts of the Scaffolding that have been used in the construction process which include:
Standards
These are the vertical posts of the scaffolding.
Putlogs
Putlogs are the horizontal members of the scaffolding that are perpendicular to the walls. One end of the putlogs has been supported by the ledger and the other ends have been supported by the wall.
Ledgers
The ledgers are the horizontal members of the scaffolding which are parallel to the wall.
Braces
The braces are the diagonal members that have been fixed on standards.
Boarding
The boarding are those planks in which the construction workers stand.
Bridle
The bridle is used to bridge in an opening in the wall. This part helps to provide support to the one end of the putlog at the opening.
Transoms
In case both ends of the putlogs have been supported on ledgers, it is known as the transoms.
Toeboard
This part has been placed parallel to the boarding near the wall. This helps to provide protection to the construction workers.
Base plate
These plates have been supported by the standards which helps to distribute the load to the soil.
Guard rail
The guard rail is the railing whose height is about 0.8 - 1.0 m from the working platform.
Different types of Scaffolding used in the construction site
There are different types of scaffolding that are used in building construction projects which are as follows:
Single Scaffolding
These types of scaffolding have been used for brick masonry. These types of scaffolding are also known as the Birck layer’s scaffolding. Standards, putlogs, ledgers and other parts have been included in these types of scaffolding. This single scaffolding is parallel to the wall at a distance of 1.2 m. In this case, the distance among the standards is about 2 m to 2.5 m and ledgers help to connect the standards at the vertical interval of about 1.2 m to 1.5 m. In addition, the putlogs have been placed at the interval of 1.2 m to 1.5 m.
Double Scaffolding
These types of scaffolding have been used in the stone masonry, as a result, these types of scaffolding are also known as the mason’s scaffolding. In the case of the stone walls, it is really hard to create holes in the walls to support the putlogs. In this case, two rows of the scaffolding have been constructed to make it strong. Cross braces and strong rakers have been also provided to make the scaffolding more strong.
Cantilever Scaffolding
These types of scaffolding have been supported on a series of needles which have been taken out with the help of the holes in the wall. This cantilever scaffolding is also known as single-frame-type scaffolding which has been used under several conditions which are:
1. These types of scaffolding have been used while the gourd has less capacity to support the standards.
2. These types of scaffolding have been also used while the ground is near the wall to be free from traffic.
3. This is also used while the upper part of the wall has been under construction.
Suspended Scaffolding
In these types of scaffolding, the working platform has been suspended from the roof and this can be done with the help of chains or wire ropes. These types of scaffolding have been used for paintings, pointing, repair works and others.
Steel Scaffolding
These types of scaffolding have been constructed by using steel tubes. The steel tubes have been fixed together with the help of the steel fittings or couplers. These types of scaffolding have greater strength and durability as well as it has higher fire resistance capacity. These types of scaffolding help to provide more safety to the workers though it is not economical.
Trestle Scaffolding
In these types of scaffolding, the moveable ladders or tripods help to support the working platform.
These types of scaffolding are generally used to work inside the room for painting works, repairing works and other works up to the height of 5 m.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: Gurukul of Civil Engineers
Patented Scaffolding
These types of scaffolding are also made with steel as well as equipped with special frames or couplings.
These types of scaffolding are the readymade scaffolding that has been available in the market. The working platform of these types of scaffolding has been arranged on brackets that can also be adjusted to the required level.
