Scaffolding

SCAFFOLDING

Scaffolding is a temporary platform used to lift, support, and supply materials during a construction process of a building. It is installed before construction or maintenance work begins. Scaffolding is done to ensure the safety of workers while the building is being maintained or constructed. In addition, it also provides some degree of support for a standing structure during the construction phase. These temporary structures are constructed very close to the wall in the form of timber or steel frame work.

COMPONENTS OF A SCAFFOLDING

The components of scaffoldings are standards, ledgers, braces, put logs, transoms, bridle, boarding, guard rail and toe board.

Standards: These are the vertical members of the framework, supported on the ground or drums, or embedded into the ground.

Ledgers: The horizontal supporting members running parallel to the wall.

Braces: Braces are diagonally fixed on standards.

Putlogs: Putlogs are placed one end on ledgers and other ends right angles on the wall. This is a transverse member.

Transoms: Transoms are a type of putlogs supported on ledgers on both sides.

Bridle: This is a member used to bridge a wall opening; supports one end of the putlog at the opening.

Boarding: Boarding is a horizontal platform supported on putlogs and is used for the support of workmen and materials at the time working.

Guard rail: This is a rail, provided like a ledger, at the working level.

Toe board: These are boards, placed parallel to ledgers, and supported on putlogs, to give protection at the level of the working platform.

TYPES OF SCAFFOLDING

Scaffolding shall be classified into the following types:

❖ Single scaffolding or brick layer scaffolding

❖ Double scaffoldings or masons scaffoldings

❖ Cantilever or needle scaffoldings

❖ Suspended scaffoldings

❖ Trestle scaffolding

❖ Steel scaffolding

❖ Patented scaffoldings

Single Scaffolding

This type of scaffolding consists of a single frame work of standards, legers and put logs. It is constructed parallel to the wall at a distance of about 1.2 meters. The standards are placed at a distance of 2 to 2.5m interval. Ledger connected with the standards are provided at a vertical distance of 1.2 to 1.5 m. Put logs or connected with one end on the ledgers and other end at the holes of the wall at an interval of1.2 to 1.5 m interval.

Double or masons scaffolding

It is very difficult to put holes in walls to support putlogs in stone masonry. In that case, strong scaffolding is used consisting of two rows of scaffolding. The first row is placed 20 to 30 cm away from the wall the other frame is placed at 1m distance from the first one. Put logs are supported on both the supports, with rakers and cross braces are provided to make the scaffolding more strong. It also called as independent scaffoldings

Cantilever or needle scaffolding

Cantilever supports can be used if the ground is week to support standards. Also if the construction of the upper part of the wall is to be carried out this type of scaffolding is preferred. If it is required to keep the ground near wall free for traffic this type of scaffolding is used. It is of the following two types:

Single Frame: The standards are supported on series of needle taken out through opening or through holes

Double frame: The needles are projecting beams are strutted inside the floors

Suspended Scaffolding

It is the light weight scaffolding used for repair works such as pointing and painting. The working platforms are suspended from roofs by means of wire ropes or chains etc,.

Trestle Scaffolding

These types of scaffoldings are used for painting and repairing work inside the room up to a height of 5m. The working platform is supported over the top of movable contrivances such as tripods ladders etc

Steel Scaffolding

Steel scaffolding is practically similar to the timber scaffolding, here wooden members are replaced by steel couplets are fittings. This type of scaffolding can be erected and dismantled rapidly. It has a greater strength and greater durability.

Patented Scaffolding

Many patented scaffolding made of steel are available in the market. These scaffoldings are equipped with special couplings frames for better durability.