Thursday 28 March 2024

Options For Scaffolding Selection

Scaffolding has a variety of uses but the ones that are used in the construction industry are used primarily to provide a platform for workers and materials to work at elevated levels. There are some types of scaffolding that are used in the construction industry to provide support to weak structures especially roof and floors during construction. There are some other scaffold types that are used to provide temporary access to roof tops and floors acting as stairway. Similar types of scaffolding are used to access walls and ceilings. There are strict safety requirements for scaffolding that have to be ensured not only during its construction but also during installation and dismantling. scaffolding can be categorized according to the manner of installation, some of which have been discussed in this article.

Supported Scaffolding

The scaffolding that you see resting on the ground forming a structure of pipes and tubes that rests against the wall is most common type that falls under the category of supported scaffolding. Any construction site uses this type of scaffolding although other types may also be used. The engineering and design is based on the height of the scaffolding and the amount of weight that it has to carry. Reinforcements may be required for heavy duty scaffolding that has to carry heavier weight. This is most economical, safe and convenient to construct.

Rolling Scaffolding

Each construction site has unique requirements of scaffolding types to access the work area. To meet the requirement of working across long distance this type of scaffolding that looks similar to supported scaffolding is used.  Lockable castor wheels are provided at the base of the scaffolding that enables to move it across the construction site to position it at any desired place. This saves the cost of erecting scaffolding to cover the entire area of construction.

Suspended Scaffolding

If it is not feasible to install scaffolding from the base to reach extra height when working at the topmost level then the suspended type of scaffolding is used. The window cleaners seen in tall buildings that hang from the roof of the building is a typical example of this type of scaffolding.

Aerial Lifts

Unlike the tubular construction of scaffolding, aerial lifts are more like equipment that can be unfolded vertically to make the work platform move through different levels. Aerial lifts are particularly useful for working at different floors of a building from outside when work has to be carried out at different times. Multiple workmen and large amount of materials can be accommodated on aerial lifts.

Mobile Scaffolding

As the name suggests this type of scaffolding can be moved around instead of being fixed to the base. The amount of movement to be done by workmen upon the scaffolding and how much easy it would be access the work area are factors that are to be considered during selection. However, use of this type of scaffolding should be considered when there are no other options available as this is the least used among all scaffolding types.

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