Real estate is a gigantic industry and has a myriad of vocabulary. When we are interested in getting our own house constructed, then it is necessary to get a hold of some words. One such word is Scaffolding which is associated with construction. Rather it helps in construction. Let’s add–on to our information about Scaffolding.
1. A Peek at Scaffolding
Scaffolding is not a new term. It dates back to ancient times where Scaffolding was used in the construction of tall buildings. Then, rudimentary scaffolds were used which were made of wood and tied at the top with ropes. A temporary structure made from wooden planks or metal poles used to support construction workers, inspectors, cleaners, and others who need to work at height is known as Scaffolding.
But today, in this age of technology, Scaffolding has developed four folds and it comes in many different designs made from different types of materials.
2. What is Scaffolding
Scaffolding, also known as staging or scaffold, is a temporary structure put up to allow people or workers to stand on a stable platform and work at height or in difficult-to-reach places. You often witness these structures at construction sites or where maintenance or repairing of a building is going on. Scaffolding is also seen at the construction of bridges, and other man-made structures where support is required to the crew and the material. One or more planks of suitable size and length are used to form the temporary platform of a scaffold. The size depends on the form and use of the scaffold but it has to be, well-built, and well-supported. It can be made of steel or timber.
3. Components of Scaffolding
To erect a supporting structure, a number of elements or components are required.
3.1. Toe boards
These are narrow, horizontal parts of the wood which are placed just above the platforms. They help to prevent falls. Toe boards are boards placed parallel to ledgers and supported on putlogs. They provide protection at the level of the working platform.
3.2. Standards
These are vertical elements of the framework that are landed to the bottom in a specific way. They are either supported on the ground or drums or embedded into the ground.
3.3. Braces
Braces are the stable diagonal elements that connect with the ledgers and standards. These are diagonally fixed on standards.
3.4. Ledgers
These are the Scaffolding’s horizontal supporting members or components that run parallel to the wall.
3.5. Platforms
This component goes with the name. Platforms are the broad areas on which the employees or the crew walks on. This is also known as Boarding.
3.6. Putlogs
This element is considered to be a transverse member as they are placed with one end on ledgers and other end at right angles on the wall.
3.7. Transforms
This component is similar to Putlog and is supported on ledgers on both the sides.
3.8. Guard Rail
As the name goes, it is a railing or a rail provided like a ledger, at the working level.
3.9. Ladder Scaffolding
This element of Scaffolding allows the workers at the construction site to ascend and descend the scaffold easily.
3.10. Scaffolding Wheels
This element is not used in every scaffold. At times when a movable scaffold is required, then this element is used in the scaffold. This allows easy movement of the scaffold from one place to another.
4. Advantages of Scaffolding in Construction
Scaffolding has been used in the construction sector since ages. It is being used till today as it is the most useful and competent way for people to work at height. A ladder can be used at low risk tasks but to work on heights, Scaffolding is a must. A few of the primary advantages of Scaffolding are as follows:
4.1. Provides Access and Helps Maintain Balance
Scaffolding is a temporary structure erected with the help of poles of wood or metal and planks. This structure allows unhindered and stable access to almost any area of the under construction structure. It also gives the workers a firm footing which in turn gives them the ability to balance themselves in different positions while working.
4.2. Long Lasting with Ease of Assembling
Usually the components of Scaffolding last long and are reusable. It is easy to assemble and disassemble the structure, after the task is completed.
4.3. Provides Safety to the Workers
Construction sites are the most accident prone points because workers have to reach very dangerous heights and even the supervisors and the site inspectors have to check the progress of work on those same heights. Scaffolding gives them a stable platform for their jobs and also provides safety to work at heights.
4.4. Serves as a Bridge
When the construction work is in progress, the workers have to take long and winding routes to reach certain locations wasting a lot of time. With the help of the bridging points of Scaffolding, the distance to reach the locations gets minimized, thus reducing the waste of time.
5. Different Types of Scaffolding
Various types of Scaffolding are used in the construction sector. A few of these are mentioned here.
5.1. Single Scaffolding
Single Scaffolding is also known as Brick-layer’s Scaffolding as it is usually used for work on brick masonry. Creating or erecting the structure is easy but it creates a sturdy and reliable structure to work at height. It stands parallel to the wall of the structure with the help of vertical supports called standards.
5.2. Double Scaffolding
This type is used in stone masonry because stone walls present challenges when trying to create holes for putlog anchoring. Double Scaffolding structure has double rows to make it stronger.
5.3. Cantilever Scaffolding
This type of Scaffolding is used when the ground is strong enough to support standards and when a wall’s upper level is under construction. It is also known as Needle Scaffolding as it uses needle beams into the building’s structure and is typically attached to the inside floor. This type is used when the ground cannot sustain a Scaffolding layout, or there is an insufficient area for the platforms at different levels.
5.4. Suspended Scaffolding
As the name goes, wires and chains suspend the platform from a structure’s roof and it is used by painters, window cleaners and repair persons. An electronic system or a lever allows the platform to raise and lower as needed.
5.5. Steel Scaffolding
This type of Scaffolding is simple to construct and dismantle and is more durable, sturdier and more fire-resistant than other types. It is made up of steel where the supports are adhered together with couplers.