Scaffolding or Shuttering Material are a framework made of materials erected to provide a stable working platform used to facilitate the repair and construction of buildings. It is erected using a system made up largely of metal tubes and wooden platforms on which workers stand to access the building being worked on. The scaffolding framework is secured at the base at ground level and tied to the building to be worked on to ensure it is steady and safe. Due to the nature of the work involved and the height at which workers must often operate, strict safety regulations and laws are in place to ensure that all scaffolding companies minimise risks to both their employees and to people on the ground.
The standard method of scaffolding is called "tube and fitting". The scaffolding structure is made up of several different components, each having its own job to do in the construction and performance of the scaffolding system.
Here is a rundown of what the main components are and what they do.
Standards:
This is the name given to the vertical tubes. They are also known as uprights.
Ledgers:
These are the horizontal tubes which run parallel to the building and are fixed to the standards. A row of ledgers is called a lift.
Transoms:
These are the smaller tubes which are laid horizontally and are supported by the ledgers. They form the base on which the working platform is laid down.
Couplers:
These are used to fix together standards, ledgers and transoms.
Bracing:
To give the structure rigidity, a system called bracing is used. Ledger bracing: Ledger bracing runs down the side of the scaffolding structure going diagonally from a ledger on one level to the next ledger on the next level, thus creating a zigzag shape. This creates stability and prevents the structure from falling sideways. Façade bracing: This bracing runs parallel to the building and gives the framework further rigidity.
Ties:
Metal ties are used to secure the scaffolding to the building making the framework very secure. If no ties are used the scaffolding remains an independent structure, which can result in safety risks.