Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other man-made structures. Scaffolding is also used in adapted forms for formwork and shoring, grandstand seating, concert stages, access/viewing towers, exhibition stands, ski ramps, half pipes and art projects.

Types

There are five main types of scaffolding used worldwide today. These are Tube and Coupler components, prefabricated modular system scaffold components, H-frame / facade modular system scaffolds, timber scaffolds and bamboo scaffolds (particularly in China and India).

History

Scaffolding has been used since the early days of human civilization to enable the construction of tall buildings. Ancient Egyptians, Nubians and Chinese are known to have used scaffolding-like structures to build tall buildings. The Berlin Foundry Cup depicts scaffolding in ancient Greece (early 5th century BC). The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Nubians and Chinese are also known to have used scaffolding-like structures to build tall buildings.

Standards

The European Standard, BS EN 12811-1, specifies performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds. Requirements given are for scaffold structures that rely on the adjacent structures for stability. In general these requirements also apply to other types of working scaffolds.

Hazards

Scaffolding can pose a risk of injury, even death, if not used properly. Falls, falling objects and structure instability are among the potential hazards that must be accounted for.

See also

• Construction
• Building
• Architecture

Scaffolding Resources
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