What is Scaffolding ? Components or parts of Scaffolding, Types of scaffolding
What is Scaffolding?
It is a temporary structure made of wood or steel over which construction workers can sit and carry out their duties. New construction, structural maintenance, or even a building’s deconstruction necessitates the use of scaffolding.
Structural members like walls and columns (among others) that rise above 1.5m in height typically require scaffolding. Scaffolding needs to be composed of robust and solid materials to support and transport construction workers and materials placed on it. During construction, the height of the scaffolding increases as the job progresses.
Components or parts of Scaffolding:
Standards:
Scaffolding is supported by standards, with vertical members embedded in the ground. At 2.4–3.0 m in height, these vertical elements are spaced apart.
Putlogs:
Putlog is a horizontal support member that rests on ledgers. The standard length is 90 cm, with 1.2m between each one.
Braces:
The scaffolding is made more rigid by diagonally tying bracing pieces. Using ropes, and braces secure the poles.
Ledger:
The putlog is supported by this horizontal element, which runs parallel to the wall and is firmly anchored in the standard. It has a 1.2 – 1.5 m vertical spacing.
Boarding:
Site staff and construction materials are supported on these horizontal platforms by masons. The putlogs are able to deal with them.
Railing:
This is a working-level rail, like a ledger.
Transoms:
Transoms are putlogs that have ledgers on both ends.
Toeboard:
In order to protect the working platform, these boards are set parallel to ledgers and supported on putlogs.
Bridle:
It is a bridging element for a wall opening and holds the putlog at one end.
Types of scaffolding:
In the construction Process following types of Scaffolding are used:
Single scaffolding (Brick-layer’s scaffolding)
Standard, ledger, and putlog frameworks are constructed parallel to the wall at a distance of 1.20 metres. Intervals between the standards are 2 to 3 metres. Ledgers are linked to standards at a vertical spacing of 1.2 to 1.5 intervals. Putlogs are positioned on ledgers with one end towards the wall and the other facing the floor. There are 12 to 15 m between each transverse member. For bricklaying, this style of scaffolding is called putlog scaffolding.
Double or Mason’s Scaffolding
Making holes in a stone wall to hold putlogs is quite tough. More scaffolding is used in this situation. As a result, each row acts as its own vertical structure.
The first and second rows are separated by 1.25m to 1.5m away from the wall, respectively, with a distance of 20-40 cm between them. Both frames can then support putlogs. Rakers and cross bracing are attached to this structure in order to make it even more sturdy and secure. ‘Independent scaffolding’ is a term for this type of construction.
Cantilever or Needle Scaffolding:
The following situations necessitate the employment of a cantilever or needle:
- The ground isn’t strong enough to hold up the weight of the standards.
- To carry out the upper half of the wall, as in
- The space near the wall must be kept clear for pedestrians and other vehicular traffic.
Suspended Scaffolding
Scaffolding is hung from a building’s roof by wires and chains. The platform can be lifted and lowered as needed using a lever or electronic system. Scaffolding like this is frequently used by people in the painting, window cleaning, and repair industries.
Trestle scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is utilized for repairing or painting work within a room that is no more than 5 meters high. Tripods, ladders, and other wheeled apparatus are used to aid the working platform.
Steel scaffolding
Steel scaffolding is made out of steel supports that are fastened together using couplers. Scaffolding of this sort is quick and easy to put together and take apart. Structurally sound and fire-resistant, this style of scaffolding is superior to other options.
Patented scaffolding
Typically, patented steel scaffolding is quite a popular type of scaffolding. Structural scaffolding, such as this one, is made up of a variety of unique couplings and frames. There are adjustable brackets that hold the working platform in place.
Scaffolding Materials
Scaffolding is commonly constructed from steel and aluminium. Since it is so strong and long-lasting, steel is the material of choice for scaffolding. Scaffolding (that is made of steel), has a certain level of flexibility, which helps keep it free of cracks. As a result, steel is an excellent material for moving large amounts of equipment and supplies. Steel is a must for tall scaffolding constructions because it provides the strength only steel can.
Scaffolding Design
Scaffolding Design includes the safety of the site operatives or users and it should be designed with full care and accuracy.
The design of the scaffolding must consider the following points:
- The supporting structure must be strong, stable, and rigid enough to support the weight of the vehicle.
- The safety of those involved in the scaffold’s construction, modification, and dismantling; the safety of those who use the scaffold; and the safety of those who are in the scaffold’s immediate vicinity.
To design a scaffold, you need the following information.
- The Site’s exact location.
- Date by which the scaffolding will be put up for the project.
- Scaffolding’s intended purpose.
- Length and Height
- Workloads at their heaviest point.
- What kind of structure is surrounding it; etc.
Potential Hazards and Risks of Scaffoldings Applications:
Scaffolding entails numerous dangers. As the height of the scaffolding rises, so does the danger it poses. More than 65% of construction operatives normally use scaffolds, according to research. Scaffolding accidents occur often, according to numerous reports.
Scaffolding poses the following serious risks:
- Falls from scaffolding are caused by guardrails that are not correctly installed.
- Scaffolding collapsed owing to an error in construction.
- Falling Scaffold material exposes the surrounding area to dangers.
- Electrifying risks resulting from a lack of preparation.
- Slips and falls are common on boards of wood
- Platforms are becoming overburdened.
- Scaffolds that move.
As a result, it is recommended that the scaffolding be inspected each day before construction begins. Before beginning any work, many businesses utilize a common checklist to verify that the scaffolding is fit for the purpose.
