Scaffolding: Parts and Functions

Looking at repairing your house or having extensions done to it? If it has to be done from the outside, there is going to be a few weeks when the beauty of your house will be affected. This is because of scaffolding.

What are scaffoldings? Scaffoldings are temporary frames erected outside the house which is under repair or construction. This frame is usually made of metal pipes or tubes and in some places it is still made of bamboo sticks. The purpose of a working scaffold is to provide a safe place of work with safe access suitable for the work being done, for instance, if the work has to be done at a great height or higher floor, which is not accessible from the ground.

The basic materials used for erecting a scaffold are tubes, couplers and boards. The tubes are either steel or aluminium and are either galvanized or black. They come in various lengths but are of a standard diameter. The boards provide a working surface for users of the scaffold. It is on these boards that the workers stand or sit while working. The boards are made of seasoned wood and are made according to specific thickness. Their ends are protected by metal plates called hoop irons or nail plates. Couplers are the fittings which hold the tubes together firmly. The most common are called scaffold couplers, there are three basic types: right-angle couplers, putlog couplers and swivel couplers. To join tubes end-to-end joint pins (also called spigots) or sleeve couplers are used, or both together. Only right angle couplers and swivel couplers can be used to fix tube in a ‘load bearing connection’. Single couplers are not load bearing couplers and have no design capacity. Apart from these three basic materials there is a need for ladders, ropes, anchor ties, sheeting etc.

Since scaffolding need to be very strong and stable, a good foundation is important. The scaffolding should be able to carry the load as well as spread it evenly. The working platform also needs to be strong and stable so as to carry the load.

Once a proper scaffolding has been erected, half the job is done as it will make working, repairing or constructing much easier.