Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a temporary rigid structure with still, bamboo, or timber platforms raised
to increase the building height. It enables the mason to work at different stages of a
building and takes up the materials for immediate use at various heights.
Parts of Scaffolding:
Following are parts of Scaffolding
Standards:
● These are the vertical posts.
Stringers:
● These are horizontal members which are parallel to the wall.
Braces:
● Diagonal members fixed on standards.
Putlogs:
● These are horizontal members which are perpendicular to the walls. One end of
the putlog is supported by the wall and the other by the ledger.
Transoms:
● If both ends of putlogs are supported on ledgers, then they are called as
transoms.
Bridle:
● It is a member used to bridge an opening in a wall, which supports one end of the
putlog at the opening.
Boarding:
● The planks on which workers stand.
Toe board:
● These boards are placed parallel to the boarding near the wall, to provide
protection to the workers.
Guard rail:
● It is a railing provided at the height of 0.8 - 1.0 m from working platform.
Base plate or sole plate:
● These are the plates on the ground supporting the standards for distributing the
load on the ground.
Types of Scaffoldings
1. Brick Layer's Scaffolding (Single Scaffolding)
● Common due to cheapness and ease of construction/dismantling.
● Used for buildings with brick masonry.
● Components:
o Standards: Vertical members, 10-15 cm in diameter, placed 1.2 m from the
building.
o Ledgers: Thick bamboo, spaced 1.3-1.6 m horizontally, interconnect the
standards.
o Putlogs: Transverse bearers, thick bamboo, placed 1.0-1.3 m apart, with
one end on ledgers and the other in wall holes.
o Braces: Diagonal members for high buildings to add strength.
o Platforms: Timber boards placed over putlogs for materials and tools.
2. Mason's Scaffolding
● Used in stone masonry where wall holes for putlogs are difficult.
● Components:
o Double Frames of Standards: Two rows of standards; one close to the
wall (10-15 cm), the other 1.3-1.7 m away.
o Ledgers and Putlogs: Fixed over ledgers with platforms at suitable
heights.
o Braces: Diagonal braces in both rows of standards.
o Shores: Inclined supports for additional lateral rigidity.
3. Needle Scaffolding (Cantilever Scaffolding)
● Used when ground is weak, for adding stories, or for repairs.
● Components:
o Needle Beams: Cantilever beams passing through wall holes or windows,
supporting the temporary structure.
4. Suspended Scaffolding
● Used for repairs, cleaning, painting, pointing, etc.
● Components:
o Platforms: Suspended from roofs by wire ropes or chains, can be raised or
lowered to desired levels.
5. Trestle Scaffolding
● Used for painting and repair works inside rooms up to 5 m height.
● Components:
o Platforms: Supported on movable contrivances such as tripods and
ladders.
6. Steel Scaffolding
● Similar to timber scaffolding but with steel tubes and fittings.
● Advantages:
o Rapid erection.
o Less likely to deteriorate.
o Greater strength, durability, and fire resistance.
o Quick dismantling.
o Requires less storage space.
7. Gantries
● Used for handling large stone blocks requiring lifting devices.
● Types:
o Gantry with Traveller or Crane: Mechanism for lifting and positioning
stone blocks.
o Platform Gantry: Platform-based lifting mechanism.
8. Patented Scaffolding
● Made of steel with special couplings and frames.
● Adjustable working platforms supported on brackets, available in the market.
