Scaffolding | types of scaffolding | Uses of scaffolding

 Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that serves as both a support for the original structure and a platform for construction workers. Scaffolding types vary depending on the sort of building project. Scaffolding can be composed of wood or steel. It needs to be stable and strong enough to sustain workers and other construction materials.

Scaffolding Types Used in Construction:

Scaffolding comes in a variety of forms in construction:

1.       Single scaffolding

2.       Double scaffolding

3.       Cantilever scaffolding

4.       Suspended scaffolding

5.       Trestle scaffolding

6.       Steel scaffolding

7.       Patented scaffolding

 

1.     Single scaffolding

Single scaffolding, often known as brick layer's scaffolding, is commonly used for brick brickwork. Standard, ledgers, putlogs, and other scaffolding are arranged in a single line parallel to the wall at a distance of about 1.2 metres. The distance between the standards is between 2 and 2.5 metres. At a vertical interval of 1.2 to 1.5 m, ledgers link the standards. Putlogs are removed from the hole in the wall and placed at one end of the ledgers. The putlogs are spaced at a distance of 1.2 to 1.5 metres.

2.     Double scaffolding

Mason's scaffolding is a type of double scaffolding that is commonly used for stone masonry. It's difficult to cut holes in stone walls to support putlogs. To make it stronger, two rows of scaffolding are built. The first row is 20–30 cm away from the wall, while the second row is 1 metre away. Then putlogs that are supported by both frames are placed. Rakers and cross bracing are included to make it more sturdy. This is also known as self-supporting scaffolding.

3.     Cantilever scaffolding

This is a sort of scaffolding in which the standards are held up by a series of needles that are inserted into holes in the wall. This is referred to as single-frame scaffolding. The other sort of scaffolding is termed independent or double frame scaffolding because the needles are strutted inside the floors through the apertures. When constructing cantilever scaffolding, extreme caution is advised.

In most cases, cantilever scaffolding is employed in situations like this.

·         When the ground level capability to support standards is lacking.

·         When the ground near the wall is to be made traffic-free.

·         When the upper part of the wall is being built.

4.      Suspended Scaffolding

Suspended Scaffolding is a type of scaffolding that is suspended from the ceiling.

The working platform in suspended scaffolding is suspended from roofs using wire ropes or chains, and it may be raised or lowered to our desired level. Scaffolding of this type is utilised for repairs.

5.     Trestle Scaffolding

The working platform in Trestle scaffolding is supported by movable tripods or ladders. Up to a height of 5m, this is typically used for work inside the room, such as painting, repairs, and so on.

6.     Steel Scaffolding

Steel scaffolding is made out of steel tubes that are connected with steel couplers or fittings. It's simple to put together and take apart. It has more strength, durability, and fire resistance than other materials. It is not cost effective, but it will increase worker safety. As a result, it is widely utilised presently.

7.     Patented Scaffolding

Patented scaffoldings are built of steel but come with particular couplings, frames, and other features. They are ready-made scaffoldings that can be purchased on the market. The working platform on this type of scaffolding is mounted on brackets that may be adjusted to our desired height.

Components of scaffolding:

Standard: The vertical members of the framework, supported on the ground or drums, or embedded in the ground, are known as standards.

Ledgers: The horizontal supporting components that run parallel to the wall are known as ledgers.

Braces: Braces are attached to standards diagonally.

Putlogs: Putlogs are hung on the wall with one end on ledgers and the other at right angles to the wall. This is a cross-sectional member.

Transoms: Transoms are a sort of putlog that is supported on both sides of the ledger.

Bridle: This is a part that supports one end of the putlog at the entrance and is used to bridge a wall opening.

Boarding: it is a horizontal platform supported on putlogs that is used to support workers and materials while they are working.

Guard rail: This is a rail installed at the working level, similar to a ledger.

Toeboards: These are boards that run parallel to ledgers and are supported by putlogs to provide protection at the working platform level.

Advantages of scaffoldings:

Scaffolding is an important aspect of the construction industry since it makes workers' lives easier. Regardless of the magnitude of the construction, it remains a valuable and life-saving structure for employees throughout its long existence. Aside from safety, scaffolding makes the job of construction easier. Scaffolding is a necessary and makes life easier for you, whether you're a huge construction firm erecting commercial structures or a small builder building homes. It's also worth noting that it speeds up the construction process, which can assist a company meet tight deadlines. In that vein, here are seven benefits of employing scaffolds while constructing, renovating, or repairing any structure.

1.     Allows for easy access

Construction, as well as the myriad other tasks it entails, becomes much more difficult if access to any area is denied or restricted. Scaffolding solves this problem because it gives unrestricted access to any component of the structure. This is especially effective when the structure in question is a tall structure that requires a lot of support. Scaffolding provides a safe working environment regardless of the structure's height. The scaffolding's interconnected architecture also ensures that builders and workers have complete access to all areas of the building for chores such as plastering and painting.

2.     Maintains a proper balance

The balance is another advantage of scaffolding, in addition to accessibility. In construction, there are many precision activities that demand personnel to be at their sharpest. This is only possible when a worker is placed on a solid foundation, which scaffolding excels at providing. Scaffolds provide a level platform on which employees can balance themselves in various postures. The latter is significant since certain jobs need the employment of a specific location.

3.     Ensures security

Few would deny that one of the most important benefits of scaffolding in construction is safety. Construction workers may be compelled to work at dizzying heights depending on the task at hand (100 feet or more). The height of the scaffolding is determined by the number of floors in the building. Scaffolding provides a safe working platform for workers.

4.     Increases productivity

One of the less obvious benefits of scaffolding is that it boosts overall productivity. This is a direct effect of the enhanced efficiency that scaffolds provide due to the higher safety and access they provide. When a person is provided with a pleasant working environment, his or her productivity is bound to rise, especially in a physically demanding job like construction.

5.     Easy to assemble and disassemble

Scaffolding does not take long to assemble or dismantle, contrary to popular belief. They are, in fact, easy to assemble and disassemble, and they save a lot of time. Anything that might save time is more than welcome for builders who are constantly battling building deadlines. Scaffolding companies accomplish this by economising on the time it takes to erect and dismantle scaffolds.

6.     Serves as a link

Construction comprises a variety of operations in which personnel may be required to travel a long and meandering path to reach a certain location. This is a big waste of time, and it also exhausts personnel unnecessarily. Scaffolding solves this difficulty by providing several bridge points that drastically reduce the distance that employees must go. These bridging points not only save time and energy, but they also make construction easier.

7.     It lasts a long time.

Scaffolds last a very long period, in fact, they last a very long time. While wooden scaffolding is slowly losing favour, it can still be used for a long period. Steel, on the other hand, is the obvious victor in terms of longevity. What's more crucial is that it lasts a long time while still providing a high level of security.

You could be a homeowner looking to renovate parts of your home or a small builder working in the construction industry; in any case, scaffolding is critical to your project. They help to reduce hazards, increase efficiency, and cut building time in half.