NAPA – North Adriatic Ports Association

What Is Scaffolding And What Is Important About It

Scaffolds are rarely independent structures. In order to provide scaffolding with stability, usually, framework ties are attached to either the adjacent steelwork, fabric, or building. If you are looking for mobile aluminium tower scaffold please see here.

General practice on traditional scaffolding is for a tie to be attached every 4m on the alternate lifts. Prefabricated System scaffolds need all the frames to have structural connections – ie. 2-3 m centres (the System manufacturer or supplier needs to provide the tie patterns). The ties are attached to the scaffolds as near to the junction of the ledger (node point) and standard as possible. Due to recent changes in regulations, scaffolding ties are required to support lateral (shear) loads and +/- loads (butt/tie loads).

Due to the structures having different natures, there are various ties to capitalize on the opportunities.

There are through ties that are placed through windows and other structural openings. A vertical inside tube crosses the opening that is attached by a transom to the scaffold and a crossing horizontal tube referred to as a bridle tube on the outside. The gaps that are in between the structure surfaces and tubes are wedged or packed with sections of timber to ensure a tight fit.

Box ties attach the scaffold to appropriate pillars or other comparable features. There are two extra transoms that are placed over the lift on all sides of the features. Tie tubes, which are shorter tubes, are used to join both sides. When it is not possible to use a complete box tie, an l-shaped lip tie may be used to attach the scaffold onto the structure. An extra transom called a butt transform is placed against the surface’s outside face to limit inward movement.

Anchor ties (also referred to as bolt ties) can sometimes be used. These ties are fitted into holes that are drilled into the structure. A ring bolt is a common type that has an expanding wedge that ties to a node point.

The reveal tie is the least invasive type of tie. A structure opening is used with a tube horizontally wedged in the opening. Usually, reveal tubes are held in place with protective packing and reveal screw pins (which is an adjustable threaded bar) on both ends. Transom tie tubes link the scaffold and the reveal tube. Reveal ties are not held in high regard, since they solely rely on frictions and must be checked on a regular basis. Therefore, it is not recommended for revealed ties to be more than half of all of the ties.

Tie rakers may be used if it isn’t possible to use a safe amount. They are single tubes that attach to a ledge that extends out of the scaffold at a less than 75-degree angle and founded securely. On the base is a transom that completes the triangle back over to the main scaffold’s base.

Reasons For Having Scaffolding:

Brackets used for extending a working platform’s width
Scaffold ties used for tying the scaffold onto structures
A couple, or fitting, used for joining components together
Board decking or batten component used for making a working platform
Cross-section or brace diagonal bracing component
The transom, which is a load-bearing, horizontal cross-section component that holds the decking unit, board, or batten.
A horizontal brace, the ledger
An upright connector called the standard with connector joints.
A base plate or jacket for the scaffold’s load-bearing base