Scaffolding is an impotent Part in CONSTRUCTION

Scaffolding in Building Construction

Scaffold, in Building Construction, temporary platform used to elevate and support workers and materials during the construction, repair, or cleaning of a structure or machine; it consists of one or more planks of convenient size and length, with various methods of support, depending on the form and use.

In timber scaffolding, support for the planks is provided by a timber frame fabricated and erected at the site. The frame may consist of vertical posts, horizontal longitudinal members, called ledgers, transverse members supported by the ledgers, and longitudinal and transverse cross-bracing. The planks rest on the transverse members.

Trestle supports are used for work on a large area if little or no adjustment of height is required (e.g., for plastering the ceiling of a room). The trestles may be of special design or simply wooden sawhorses of the type used by carpenters. Specially designed trestles may be adjusted to provide for working heights of from 7 to 18 feet (2 to 5 m).

Tubular scaffolding of steel or aluminum has largely replaced timber scaffolding on most construction projects. Tubular scaffolding can easily be erected in any shape, length, or height. Sections may be mounted on casters to provide a highly mobile staging. The scaffolding may be enclosed with canvas or plastic sheeting for protection against the weather.

Tubular hoisting towers may be

 quickly assembled from steel tubes or pipes about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter with standard connections.

A suspended scaffold consists of two horizontal putlogs, short timbers that support the flooring of the scaffold, each attached to a drum mechanism. Cables extend from each drum to an outrigger beam attached overhead to the structure frame. Ratchet devices on the drums provide for raising or lowering the putlogs between which spanning planks form the working surface. Power scaffolding may be raised or lowered by means of an electric motor operated by the worker on the scaffold.

Types of Scaffolding used in Construction:

Following are types of Scaffolding 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 is generally used for brick masonry and is also called as brick layer’s scaffolding. Single scaffolding consists of standards, ledgers, putlogs etc., which is parallel to the wall at a distance of about 1.2 m. Distance between the standards is about 2 to 2.5 m. Ledgers connect the standards at vertical interval of 1.2 to 1.5 m. Putlogs are taken out from the hole left in the wall to one end of the ledgers. Putlogs are placed at an interval of 1.2 to 1.5 m.

2. Double Scaffolding

Double Scaffolding is generally used for stone masonry so, it is also called as mason’s scaffolding. In stone walls, it is hard to make holes in the wall to support putlogs. 

So, two rows of scaffolding is constructed to make it strong. The first row is 20 – 30 cm away from the wall and the other one is 1m away from the first row. Then putlogs are placed which are supported by the both frames. To make it more strong rakers and cross braces are provided. This is also called as independent scaffolding.

3. Cantilever Scaffolding

This a type of scaffolding in which the standards are supported on series of needles and these needles are taken out through holes in the wall. This is called single frame type scaffolding. In the other type needles are strutted inside the floors through the openings and this is called independent or double frame type scaffolding. Care should be taken while construction of cantilever scaffolding.

Generally cantilever scaffoldings are used under conditions such as

o    When the ground does not having the capacity to support standards,

o    When the Ground near the wall is to be free from traffic,

o    When upper part of the wall is under construction.

4. Suspended Scaffolding

In suspended scaffolding, the working platform is suspended from roofs with the help of wire ropes or chains etc., it can be raised or lowered to our required level. This type of scaffolding is used for repair works, pointing, paintings etc..

5. Trestle Scaffolding

In Trestle scaffolding, the working platform is supported on movable tripods or ladders. This is generally used for work inside the room, such as paintings, repairs etc., up to a height of 5m. 

6. Steel Scaffolding

Steel scaffolding is constructed by steel tubes which are fixed together by steel couplers or fittings. It is very easy to construct or dismantle. It has greater strength, greater durability and higher fire resistance. It is not economical but will give more safety for workers. So, it is used extensively nowadays.

7. Patented Scaffolding

Patented scaffoldings are made up of steel but these are equipped with special couplings and frames etc., these are readymade scaffoldings which are available in the market. In this type of scaffolding working platform is arranged on brackets which can be adjustable to our required level.