Construction scaffolding; scaffolding types and assembly
Any work worth its salt needs a temporary scaffolding structure to properly execute a construction. There are a thousand options and varieties.
Walkways, bridges, anchors or platforms of materials as diverse as wood, steel, fiber, aluminum or even bamboo will be transformed into the different types of scaffolding for construction works what can we see in the buildings that are being built or rehabilitated in our streets.
Knowing its function, how a scaffold is assembled and dismantled, is really interesting since we were in a talk with the scaffolding company Grupomaq who told us quite interesting things such as what are their weaknesses and strengths, how much they support or how we should mount them in front of the facade of a building.
These are just some of the key pieces that we need to know as architecture professionals to literally not get into any security problem or obtain the expected functionality based on the work to be executed. So, let's get started!
Types of scaffolding
Considering the documentary compiled for the article, there are actually a variety of scaffold classifications that depend to a great extent according to manufacturer, design, function and even country or institution to which we are heading.
We have tried to classify the type of scaffold in a coherent way, taking into account general aspects and characteristics … Remembering that it is a structural element intended for auxiliary means (In most cases for works or constructions) whose objective is to have a support surface in height for materials, operators or tools….How many types of scaffolding are there?
Classification according to their function in general:
- Working scaffold. They are those used in works destined to the sofa to support tools, Ma by the operators themselves.
- Security scaffolding. They are used for the protection of a specific area of a work.
- Service scaffold. They are intended to facilitate the passage of materials and operators in the different areas of a construction through the catwalks and stairs
- Public use scaffolding. Normally it is a removable structure and rather intended for a short period of time supporting the passage of pedestrians and the general public.
- Shoring, shoring, shoring. It is a provisional structure and the main function is to support a structural element in work little reinforcement modeling in the construction
- Covered enclosures. Some manufacturers have removable structures that are like roofs for materials and people.
- Other structures. Those not contained in the previous concepts. For example the towers for sets and concerts or screens for advertising.
The types of scaffolding in works
Once we have seen in a general way the possible utilities and functionalities. Now we are going to focus on the types of construction scaffolding with the following classifications: (We recall that we have a reference article for the classes of machinery on site and their characteristics)
Classification according to the type of manufacture
- Traditionally made by hand
- Series prefabrication
Classification according to predominant material of its structure
- Wooden scaffold
- Metal scaffolding
- Mixed scaffold
- Fiber scaffold
- Bamboo scaffolding (widely used in Asia)
Classification according to their form of support
- Self-elevating platform scaffold
- Simple support scaffold
- Anchored scaffold
- Flown scaffold
- Hanging scaffold
Classification according to use
- Indoor scaffolding
- Facade scaffolding
- Structural scaffolding
- Scaffold for circulation
- Scaffolding for public events
Classification according to your system
Due to the importance of this section, we want to clarify concepts and provide a little more relevant information about the different types of scaffolding of the market according to its structural system:
- Types of Simple Right Double Foot Scaffold. Used in small and low-rise jobs, it comprises the simplest structure with materials of wood and aluminum - steel. That rests on the ground by means of a double row of upright feet, practically in disuse, going to use the small tubulars.
- Types of tubular scaffolds, also called European scaffolding or unidirectional. In the structure most commonly used in works on straight and simple façade faces that do not have rosettes (or another connection system) to attack bars at different angles. There are also small ones with wheels.
- Types of multidirectional scaffolds modular metallic. We could say that it is a structure that adapts to the facade, for example, to be used in buildings with curved facades or as a facade scaffolding stabilizer. It corresponds to a more complex structural system with the possibility of varying the angle between the union of several modules by means of the rosette that the bars attack.
- Hanging scaffold. Are scaffolding structures suspended in the air and usually hung from the roofs or roofs of buildings.
- Self-elevating platform scaffold. Composed of a work platform that has a vertical displacement system
Classification according to their loads and approval
The classification, homologation and designation criteria according to European regulations focus on their loads. According to the UNE-EN 12810 and UNE-EN 12811 standards, they are detailed in tables 1 and 3. Service load 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 according to table 3 of the UNE-EN 12811-1: 2003 standard . The designation of an approved scaffold system must contain the parts indicated in table 2.
The regulations in Spain are designated by Royal Decree 2177/2004. (It requires the need to create an Assembly, Use and Disassembly Plan with a stability certificate)
Parts of a scaffold
We believe that one of the best ways to identify all parts of a scaffold and its most common components is by means of a graphic card. So we carry the following image of this didactic scheme of an example ofscaffolding model common:
Assembly process
Although practice makes perfect, we have compiled a series of tips based on the key points necessary to understand how to assemble a scaffold and what is its process step by step with different examples.
From the base levelers and the front skirting, through all the elements such as the blocking diagonals, the horizontal bars, the work and service platform, the access ladder, the side protection rails, to the final finish:
Remembering that the process of dismantling of scaffolding It is carried out exactly the reverse of the assembly.
Anchoring and mooring systems
Obviously, one of the main conditions is a strong tie with fixed anchor points on the facade of the building on site or its own structure. In this sense, there are two types of tie downs in scaffolding mainly:
- Tie-downs by expanded studs. It consists of a direct fixation to the facade or slab facing where normally embedded high-resistance plastic or metal expanded plugs are used.
- Mooring by stamping. It consists of a fixation in the gaps provided by the building such as windows or between floor slabs.
Remembering that pillar mooring is also practiced, that is, clamp-style, and mooring by means of a prop between slabs, although these are systems that are not highly recommended due to their low resistance.
Another point would be to determine how many anchors does a scaffold need and its distribution, although a preliminary calculation study must always be carried out in compliance with the applicable regulations and regulations, as a guideline taking into account thescaffolding typologies that we are going to use, as a starting point, we can see the following scheme:
The construction scaffolding It does not always support everything we want, it must be taken into account that they work according to specific loads that will be designated by the manufacturers, complying with the strict regulations. It should be checked with special attention!
Advice on assembly, use and disassembly procedure
The use of a scaffolding structure in works It is always complex and entails a series of risks, we must always treat approved scaffolds from the beginning, starting with the design itself and its assembly peculiarities, until that final disassembly phase that normally (99%) is carried out in reverse of assembly and that stability must be guaranteed throughout the process.
We want to provide a table of tips and recommendations that will be useful for every professional in the sector that will remind us of the key points throughout the process:
It must be borne in mind that there is not only the physical part, but there are also a series of documents and work records that we must fill in throughout the process, such as the assembly, use and disassembly plan with their technical descriptions (Plans , instruments, machinery and assembly tools, the assembly, use and disassembly sequences, materials used and their certificates, general safety regulations). The certificate of receipt of scaffolding or the pertinent permits of the municipal administrations, among other documents.
Risks and safety
In every work we must always be attentive to safety, but the risks on scaffolding They represent one of the weakest and most critical points of that security plan. We can designate the following critical points and of which we must pay special attention:
- Distant falls from different levels. It can be at the time of assembly or disassembly, due to the absence of handrails, deficiencies in the platform, misuse of the stairs … etc.
- Possible collapse of the structure. Either due to a softening or sinking of the support surface, due to incorrect ground support, improper use of the platform, incorrect assembly … etc.
- Fall of materials on goods or the operators themselves. Due to an overturning of the scaffolding, due to an unprotected platform, due to not properly marking the area for lifting materials … etc.
- Workers falls at the same level. It is mainly caused by a lack of cleanliness and order on the surfaces of the platforms, the existence of inadequate gaps, deficiencies in the fastening of the work platforms to the structure that can cause displacements or movements … etc.
- Indirect or direct electrical contacts with special attention to overhead power lines.
- Trapping of the limbs of workers in their work functions.
- Overexertion in assembly and disassembly work. It is due to the operators or the components themselves.
- Blows against different fixed objects that make up the construction scaffolding.
The suitability in safety is due much to the quality of the materials used, the assembly carried out and the design in the particular case. Practicing a small review evaluating the points on a checklist will help us avoid surprises:
With this article we only want to show a small review of the basic fundamentals of scaffolding showing that it is a very wide world without accounting for the field of second-hand or used materials, or what type of scaffolding to buy or rent according to market prices and our own needs.
Program to configure scaffolding and 3D drawings
We know that many people already work directly with BIM on their projects when we handle Revit. From ULMA we have come across two interesting resources:
- A complete library of drawings that can help us in drafting projects.
- A small program to configure scaffolding on facades through a plugin for SketchUp Pro (It generates the basic geometry of the construction, you configure it and you get the list of materials).
To access the resources on scaffolding, it is from HERE in ULMA (Scroll down a bit with the mouse and you will see the resources in the "Software" section) To access each one, you must register, but we will download the blocks and the program, free of charge .
How to buy the most suitable scaffold
To choose the most correct option, we should review the following steps on how to choose professional or home scaffolding:
- Where the scaffold will be used: Indoors, outdoors, or both.
- What use will it have; if it is domestic or professional
- Homologation of the scaffold and guarantee.
- Scaffold mobility: if we want it with a wheel or not.
- Scaffold height: depending on the work to be done.
- Scaffold width: according to characteristics of the work and space we need
- Scaffold length: shorter ones have mobility advantages
- Scaffold material: Steel, aluminum which are the best sellers and fiberglass for electrical work
- Mounting system
For the professional sector, large scaffolding companies already offer specialized catalogs for complex works. Brands like ULMA, Alufase, ASC Spain, IBER ANDAMIOS, Cast, etc, there are many.
For the normal user, we have some valid options. But… Where can I buy scaffolding? From choosing new ones in stores like Leroy merlin, Bricomart, Brico Depot, Bauhaus, to try to find a second hand, used, or rental. We are left with:
- Iber Andamios are professionals in the sector and we can also compare prices from Amazon with other stores.
- At Bauhaus we like this folding and mobile scaffold from Krause ProTec with good load capacity that you can see from HERE.
- At Leroy Merlin they always have an offer. They have several options, domestic or professional, but we stuck with this one HERE for its quality.
If in the end you opt for a solution, don't buy cheap. And if it's second-hand, check it out thoroughly. Search a lot and compare, it is the best advice.
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