SCAFFOLDING

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. scaffold.
There are five main types of scaffolding used worldwide today.
These are tube and coupler (fitting) components, prefabricated
modular system scaffold components, H-frame / façade
modular system scaffolds, timber scaffolds and bamboo
scaffolds
Scaffolding is a temporary structure to support the original
structure as well as workmen used it as a platform to carry on
the construction ... Scaffolding is a temporary elevated
structure designed to support workers and materials as they
work, usually alongside a structure like a building. There are
17 different types of scaffolding made from different
materials, but the most common materials are wood and steel.
Even though it is more expensive, steel is the preferred
material for scaffolding because of its durability and safety.
Scaffolding made entirely from wood materials is referred to
as wood pole scaffolding.
Scaffolding can either be a single frame or a double frame. A
single frame means there is only one frame supporting one
side of the scaffolding with the structure itself acting as
another support. A double frame means the scaffolding is
independent from the structure itself.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common types, plus two

alternatives and safety tips below. But first, a quick overview
of the components of scaffolding.

Scaffolding Components
Before we can talk about the different types of scaffolding,
here’s a quick rundown of some terminology:

Standards: the vertical pieces that are anchored to the ground

in some way
Ledgers: the horizontal supports that run parallel to the
structure the scaffolding surrounds
Braces: the diagonal pieces that attach to the standards and
the ledgers and provide stability
Putlogs: the short pieces that connect the ledger to the
structure itself in single-frame scaffolding
Boardings or platforms: the wide, flat pieces workers walk on
Guardrails: the pieces connecting the standards horizontally at
about waist level to help prevent falls
Toeboards: narrow pieces of wood that run horizontally just
above the boardings or platforms to prevent falls
Suspended Scaffolding
All scaffolding can be sorted into two main categories:
suspended scaffolding or supported scaffolding. Suspended
scaffolding consists of platforms that are suspended from
above, usually a rooftop, by non-rigid materials like ropes or
wires.

Suspended scaffolding is preferred for reaching the tops of tall

buildings, for which supported scaffolding may be too
expensive and time-consuming to construct. However, weight
limits are a concern and horizontal reach may be limited.
Suspended scaffolding can also be dangerous to use in high
winds, as a swaying platform can snap the support lines.

1. Catenary Scaffolding
In catenary scaffolding, ropes or wires hang from a structure
above. These vertical wires or ropes connect to two ropes or
wires running horizontally and parallel to the structure. A
platform rests on the horizontal ropes or wires.

Catenary scaffolding is not mobile, so it can’t be adjusted to a

different height or easily moved to reach a new area.

2. Float Scaffolding
Fixed-length ropes or wires hanging from a support beam
running parallel to the structure. The ropes or wires support
the two ledgers that support the platform.

Like catenary scaffolding, float scaffolding is not mobile. It is

also referred to as ship scaffolding.

3. Interior Hung Scaffolding

Interior hung scaffolding is exactly like float scaffolding, but
the ropes or wires hang from two parallel support beams
running parallel to the structure instead of one.

two point scaffolding

4. Two-Point (Swing Stage) Scaffolding
The most common type of suspended scaffolding, two-point
(swing stage) scaffolding consists of a platform supported at
either end by ropes or wires, which can be moved up and
down.

When you see scaffolding hanging on the side of skyscrapers,

this is usually two-point (swing stage) scaffolding.
5. Multilevel Scaffolding
Multilevel scaffolding is suspended from the structure by ropes
or wires, each of which supports a ladder that faces
perpendicular to the structure. A platform runs between the
two ladders, resting on the rungs.

Unlike all other types of suspended scaffolding, if the ladders

are long enough, multiple platforms can rest on them to create
multiple layers.

6. Multipoint Adjustable Scaffolding

In multipoint adjustable scaffolding, a platform is suspended
from overhead by four ropes, usually in each corner of the
platform. However, unlike the other types of suspended
scaffolding we’ve discussed so far, it can be raised or lowered
to the desired height, making it more flexible than the others.

Due to its ability to change the height, this type of scaffolding

is frequently used in stacks, tanks, silos and chimneys.

Needle Beam Scaffolding

Needle beam scaffolding gets its name from needle beams,
which are attached perpendicularly to the structure itself
using putlogs. The beams are supported on the outside edge
by ropes or wires that hang from above. The platform then
rests on top of the needle beams.

8. Cantilever Scaffolding
Cantilever scaffolding is used when the ground cannot support
a scaffolding structure or when there isn’t room for the
platforms at lower levels.
Cantilever scaffolding is similar to needle beam scaffolding in
that needle beams are inserted into the structure itself and
usually anchored to the floor inside the building. However,
instead of running perpendicularly to the structure like in
needle beam scaffolding, they run at an angle to support the
standards that run vertically and parallel to the structure.

single point scaffolding

9. Single-point Adjustable Scaffolding
If you’ve seen a solo window washer cleaning a skyscraper,
you’ve probably seen them in single-point adjustable
scaffolding. This type of scaffolding is similar to multipoint
adjustable scaffolding except it is suspended by one rope or
wire instead of multiple.

This type of scaffolding is also referred to as boatswain

scaffolding, in reference to the suspended chair a boatswain
uses to inspect the side of the ship.

Supported Scaffolding
The second category of scaffolding is support scaffolding,
which consists of platforms that are supported by standards
anchored to the ground in some way. In other words, they are
built up from the ground.

Supported scaffolding is sturdy, and some types have no limit

to the number of layers you can create. However, they can be
challenging to use in instances where the ground is uneven or
if the footprint at the base is limited due to a roadway.

10. Frame Scaffolding

Frame scaffolding, also known as fabricated scaffolding, is the
most common type of supported scaffolding because it is
economical, easy to set up and tear down, and the most
versatile.

In this scaffolding type, modular pieces are used to build the

scaffolding from the ground up. It is generally built to one or
two tiers, but it can be tricky since the base must be perfectly
level.

Residential contractors and painters favor frame scaffolding.

11. Ladder Jack Scaffolding

One of the simplest types of scaffolding available, a ladder jack
scaffold uses two or more leaning ladders, which are placed
against a structure at an angle. Brackets are attached to the
ladder to reach perpendicularly to the structure. A platform
(or sometimes just another ladder) rests on top of the brackets
parallel to the structure.

Only light loads should be carried on ladder jack scaffolding.

12. Mast Climber Scaffolding

If you have a heavy load, a mast climber scaffold is best. A
vertical structure that looks like a ship’s mast is anchored to
the ground and a large power-operated platform moves up and
down the mast. For larger platforms, two masts may be used.

mobile scaffolding
13. Mobile (Manual or Propelled) Scaffolding
This is the only type of scaffolding that is easily moved on the
ground rather than up and down. Four standards are
connected with ledgers and guardrails, and a platform rests
about halfway up the standards. Each standard has a wheel
with locks on it — the scaffold should only be used when the
wheels are locked to prevent injury. The scaffolding can be
moved manually from the ground or may have a motor to move
it from the platform.

14. Pole/Wood Pole Scaffolding

Pole scaffolding refers to any scaffolding design that utilizes
wood for every structural component. With the exception of
bamboo scaffolding, which is used predominantly in Asia, steel
scaffolding has replaced pole scaffolding because it is safer,
reusable, and stronger.

15. Trestle Scaffolding

Instead of using standards as support, step ladders or tripods
provide the support for a platform to create trestle scaffolding.
Unlike other supported scaffolds, trestle scaffolding can only
have one level.

16. Tube and Coupler Scaffolding

Tube and coupler scaffolding, also known as patented
scaffolding or systems scaffolding, consists of a set of
prefabricated pieces that are easily held together with
couplers. Popular systems include Kwikstage and HAKI.

Scaffolding Alternatives
If you need to gain height but are wary of scaffolding or don’t
have the space for it, consider the following scaffolding
alternatives.

scissor lift
Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a type of mobile support scaffolding that
consists of a motorized base on wheels and a platform that
moves vertically on a series of crossbeams that resemble a
pair of scissors.

Some scissor lifts can be driven from the platform while it is

raised, while others can only be moved when the platform is
lowered. In most cases, the controls to raise the platform are
on the platform itself, so the person on the scaffold can control
its location without the need for an additional person.

aerial lift
Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts are also supported scaffolding and consist of any lift
type that does not use the scissors beam structure. They are
often referred to as bucket, boom, tower or vertical lifts. Like
scissor lifts, they are on wheels and the control panel is on the
platform so it can be operated by one person.

It is important to note that scissor lifts and aerial lifts have

their own set of safety guidelines that should be followed at all
times.

Scaffolding is a key component of building construction and

has been used in some form as long as humans have been
building taller structures. Over the years, wood scaffolding has
largely given way to steel, and some jobs that used to require
scaffolding are now completed with scissor or aerial lifts. No
doubt, scaffolding will continue to evolve as humans strive to
build taller structures.