*Scaffolding is a temporary structure to support the original structure as well as workmen used it as a platform to carry on the construction works. Types of scaffolding varies with the type of construction work. Scaffolding is made up of timber or steel. It should be stable and strong to support workmen and other construction material placed on it.
In the other hand, 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.
*Why is scaffolding important in engineering?
*It enables crew to maintain balance, therefore reducing the risk of accidents for workers and pedestrians alike. These structures are widely used on sites to get access to areas that would otherwise be challenging to get to. Scaffolding provides a solution to complications and problems posed by high-rise construction.
*Types of Scaffolding used in Construction:
Following are types of Scaffolding in construction:
- Single scaffolding
- Double scaffolding
- Cantilever scaffolding
- Suspended scaffolding
- Trestle scaffolding
- Steel scaffolding
- 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:
- When the ground does not having the capacity to support standards,
- When the Ground near the wall is to be free from traffic,
- 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.
1. Enables easy access:
Construction, along with the various other activities it involves, becomes a whole lot tougher if access to any part is absent or limited. This is a major conundrum addressed by scaffolding as it allows unhindered access to any part of the structure. This is immensely useful when the said structure is a tall building and where support is important. Scaffolding creates a secure working space no matter how tall the structure is. The interconnected layout of the scaffolding further ensures builders and workers get full access to every area of the building for tasks like plastering and painting.
2. Provides perfect balance:
In addition to accessibility, the other advantage of scaffolding is the balance. There are a lot of precision tasks in construction that require workers to be at their deftest. That is only possible when a worker is put on a firm footing, which is something that scaffolding does brilliantly. Thanks to the flat surface that scaffolds offer, workers can balance themselves in different positions. The latter is important because there are certain tasks that necessitate a specific position.
3. Ensures safety:
Safety is among the top advantages of scaffolding in construction and few would argue against it. Depending upon the task at hand, construction workers might be required to work at dizzying heights (100 feet or more). The exact height of the scaffolding is a function of the number of floors a building has. With scaffolding, workers are ensured a safe working surface.
4. Boosts productivity:
One of the less apparent advantages of scaffolding is an increase in overall productivity. This is a direct benefit of the greater efficiency that results from the increased safety and access that are provided by scaffolds. When a worker is offered a comfortable working space, productivity is bound to increase, especially in a physically demanding occupation like construction work.
5. Offers easy assembly & dismantling:
Contrary to popular perception, assembling and dismantling scaffolding does not take time. In fact, they are simple to assemble and disassemble and save a lot of time. For builders, who are forever battling construction deadlines, anything that can save time is more than welcome. Scaffolding firms do just that by taking the least amount of time to put up and take down scaffolds.
6. Acts a bridge:
Construction involves a number of activities where workers might need to take a long and winding route to access a certain point. This is a huge waste of time and makes workers unnecessarily tired as well. Scaffolding works around this problem by offering numerous bridging points which significantly reduce the distance that workers need to cover. Apart from saving time and energy, these bridging points also make construction simpler.
7.Lasts for a long time:
Scaffolds last for a long time, like really long. While wooden scaffold is slowly going out of fashion, they too can last for a really long time. Steel, however, is the clear winner when it comes to lifespan. The more important thing here is that it manages to last long while also offering a high level of security.
*Disadvantages of scaffolding are:
There are some disadvantages to scaffolding systems, however. They can be more expensive than traditional methods of working at height and can also be disruptive to business operations if not used correctly. In addition, scaffolding systems can present a trip hazard if not installed correctly.