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Different Types of Scaffolding

Construction workers need a platform to move materials and move themselves along to carry out their tasks. This is where a scaffolding comes in. It’s the temporary framework made of timber or steel with platforms at different heights. If you are looking for company that provide reliable, affordable and safe scaffolding in Sydney, contact us – Skelscaff.

It supports both the original structure that’s under construction as well as the workmen involved. Masons need scaffolding where they can sit and place construction materials when the height of a column, wall or any other structural components of a building exceed 1.5m. A scaffold can be used during the construction of a new building, maintenance of an existing structure, access, repair as well as inspection.

Types of scaffolding that are used in construction

They may look the same when fitted in construction areas, but there are various scaffolding types used in construction. These include:

Single scaffolding

Also referred to as or Brick Layers Scaffolding, Single scaffolding is often used in brick masonry works.

It consists of a single framework of standards, ledgers and put logs that is temporarily constructed parallel to the wall being worked at, It’s put up approximately 1.2 meters from the wall.

Standards, a sequence of vertical members made of timber or bamboo, are fixed firmly into the ground parallel to the wall under construction. They are placed at about 2 to 2.5 meters’ interval, 1.2 meters from the wall.

Longitudinal horizontal components called ledgers are used to connect the standards at vertical intervals of about 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Ledgers are typically tied with standards at every 4 to 5 feet rise using rope lashing.

Another class of component, putlogs, are joined to one end of the scaffolding on the ledgers, with the other end in the hole left in the wall. The putlogs are put at intervals of between 1.2 and 1.5 meters. Putlogs are also fastened with ledgers using rope lashing.

For scaffoldings placed on very tall heights, braces are usually fixed for additional support and help maintain the stability of the high scaffolding. Braces are fitted cross diagonally with the standards with the use of rope lashing.

Double Scaffolding

Double scaffolding is also referred to as mason’s scaffolding, basically because it is widely used for stone masonry works. This scaffolding type is generally stronger and provides better support for construction works as compared to brick layer’s (single) scaffolding.

Double scaffolding differs from single scaffolding in that it features two rows of standards separated by ledgers for better support. Notice that a single row of standard is normally fixed to the ground in the case of brick layer’s scaffolding. This is considered weaker, thus, making the double scaffolding a more popular choice for many construction jobs.

The first row of standards in the double scaffolding is fixed near the wall while the second row of standard is fixed slightly farther from the wall at a distance of about 1.5 meters from the first row. The first row of standards is placed at about 20 to 30 cm away from the wall. To make the scaffolding stronger and more durable, transoms are placed on the ledgers along with cross braces.

It is because of the two rows of standards touching the ground that this framework is referred to as double scaffolding.

While one end of putlog is normally fixed in holes made in the wall in case of brick layer’s scaffolding, putlogs are not fixed with the wall in double scaffolding. Instead, putlogs are supported on ledgers at both ends of the scaffolding. This way, double or mason’s scaffolding is totally independent of the surface of the wall. There’s also absolutely no need to put holes on the wall’s surface.

Steel scaffolding

This scaffolding type looks like mason’s scaffolding, but the bamboo or timber materials are replaced with steel. It can also often take the form of brick layer’s scaffolding when holes are made in the wall surface to support one end of the scaffolding.

It is also termed as tubular scaffolding due to the hollow nature of the steel metals used. Still tubes of 1.5-inch to 2.5-inch diameter are used instead of timber and bamboo planks. The metals are fastened using some special form of steel couples instead of rope lashing. The fastening mechanism here consists of prop nuts which hold individual pipes, bolts, nuts and washers as well as wedge and clips.

The standards in steel scaffolding are anchored on square or round steel plates known as base plates by welding, instead of fixing them into the ground. Normally, between every two standards in a steel scaffolding row is a 2.5 to 3-meter gap.

Standards are connected using tube ledgers at vertical intervals of 1.8 meters each. Putlogs used here are normally 1.2 to 1.8 metres long.

Steel scaffolding has numerous advantages over the other types, mainly:

  • The framework can be erected or dismantled more quickly than the other types that are constructed using timber.
  • It’s more durable than its cousins made of timber, making it cost-effective in the long run.
  • Steel scaffolding can withstand fire better.
  • It is sturdy and stronger, so it can be used for greater heights.

One of the drawbacks is that it’s more expensive. Plus,  it requires more skilled labour and also needs repainting from time to time to keep its colour and protect it from damage.

Cantilever scaffolding

Also referred to as needle scaffolding, cantilever scaffolding consists of standards that are supported on succession of needles taken out through holes in the wall. It can be single or double type.

Single type cantilever scaffolding consists of standards supported on a series of needles. The double type cantilever scaffolding, on the other hand, has needles and projecting beams strutted into the floor through the openings.

This scaffolding type is used when there is no hard firm ground to support the standards, for instance, when you need to construction work done is carried out on busy streets. And in cases where the construction work is done at great heights on a multi-storied building.

Suspended scaffolding

This consists of a working platform suspended from parapet walls or the roof using ropes, chains or wires that can be lowered or raised to the desired level. It’s commonly used for maintenance jobs like painting.

Trestle scaffolding

It consists of working platforms supported on movable ladders and no standards or putlogs. Thus, this can be easily shifted from one point to another. Trestle scaffolding is commonly used for painting works or minor repairs inside the rooms.

Each scaffolding type has its advantages and drawbacks. Choose one that best suits your construction requirements.

SkelScaff provides a scaffolding hire solution in Sydney, South Coast and Wollongong. We offer design, labour and transport for residential, commercial, & industrial projects.

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