The temporary framework used in the construction or repair of buildings is called scaffolding. It supports the construction workers and materials used on a building site.
It is a modular system of metal pipes termed as ‘tubes’. The purpose of scaffolding is to provide a safe place for work with easy access to the materials.
Scaffolding consists of the following parts:
1) Tubes: These are metal pipes which could be steel or aluminium. Aluminium is preferred as it is light, flexible and more durable.
2) Couplers: These are like nuts or ‘bolts’ used to connect and join tubes.
3) Boards: Made from wood or light weight metal, boards provide a platform to support workers and raw materials.
Scaffolding can be of two types:
Independent Scaffolding: These are mobile scaffold towers with wheels attached and can be moved from one place to another. The wheels attached can be rotated for ease of movement.
Attached Scaffolding: These are immobile scaffold towers attached to buildings with ties.
There are different types of scaffold towers available. These include:
Aluminium Scaffold Towers: With a maximum load capacity of around 150kgs, these scaffold towers are extremely versatile and simple to use as well. The tubes are made from aluminium and hence they do not rust. Being very user-friendly, these are simple and quick to erect too. The boards are strong and sturdy and the end height of the tower can be adjusted too.
Quick Erect Folding Trade Aluminium Scaffold Towers: As the name suggests, these scaffold towers are quick to erect, use and dismantle. The maximum load these towers take is 200kgs. Being light and extremely mobile, the towers are strong and safe.
Loyal Aluminium Industrial/Trade Scaffold Towers: These are very strong and sturdy and can take a maximum load of 950kgs. With dual locking wheels, these towers are suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use.
All the above scaffold towers are made British Standard (BS) 5973 standards.
