How scaffolding works?
Scaffolding may look simple to support loads and people as it doesn’t consist of much. It is actually anything but simple, below we will explore the science and physics it takes for scaffolding to be able to support its loads.
Firstly, anyone that intends to erect any form of scaffolding must be fully trained in installing and dismantling the equipment. Scaffolders themselves must also have training in maximum intended loads and load-carrying capacities of the different types of scaffolding in use.
Knowledge of the load-supporting capacities is a top priority when it comes to installing, working on and dismantling any type of scaffolding. If you are not completely trained in the scaffolding that you are using then we highly advise you to obtain further training or find a fully trained scaffolder like one of the members of our scaffolding hire Swansea team to make sure that your structure is installed correctly. Each different type of scaffold is different as they have different capabilities and the manufacturer will have the full details of the load and supporting capability of the scaffold in use. The manufacturer gains this information through engineering analysis and testing the scaffold to the point of failure.
When scaffolding is engineered and manufactured, each type of scaffold has a specific ‘critical load’. The shape and material used has a massive effect on what the ‘critical point’ is. The most common tube and fitting scaffolding has horizontal and diagonal members connected to the existing scaffold to give it increased stability. The overall stability and strength come down to the space and distance between the points of support. This is a deciding factor on the scaffolds ability to support the load. A reduction in the distance from the horizontal pieces of the scaffold system by 50% can sometimes more than double the load-bearing strength of the Scaffold.
Every job is different so on occasion a little bit of flexibility is required. We advise that if this is the case then you should always check with the manufacturer before making any installation adjustments to the scaffolding system. Even just removing one crucial piece can result in the overall strength of the scaffolding being drastically reduced. We say again that adjustments can be made but under the advice of the manufacturer.
The most common scaffolding shape is made from a round tube as this provides equal strength from all directions. The shape of the tube usually falls to the manufacturers choice and they can use other shapes if they feel that it will provide an advantage to a specific scaffolding solution.
We have covered the materials, shape and how they are used here but for the actual science and physics behind it, you would need to look further into Euler’s formula. It was first developed in 1774 to determine the strength of a scaffold standard and the basic premise is actually as accurate today as it was back then. It is used today as the basis of all other ‘critical load’ formulas that have since been developed.
If you would like any more details on how scaffolding works then you can always contact us to speak to one of our fully trained scaffolders.
Firstly, anyone that intends to erect any form of scaffolding must be fully trained in installing and dismantling the equipment. Scaffolders themselves must also have training in maximum intended loads and load-carrying capacities of the different types of scaffolding in use.
Knowledge of the load-supporting capacities is a top priority when it comes to installing, working on and dismantling any type of scaffolding. If you are not completely trained in the scaffolding that you are using then we highly advise you to obtain further training or find a fully trained scaffolder like one of the members of our scaffolding hire Swansea team to make sure that your structure is installed correctly. Each different type of scaffold is different as they have different capabilities and the manufacturer will have the full details of the load and supporting capability of the scaffold in use. The manufacturer gains this information through engineering analysis and testing the scaffold to the point of failure.
When scaffolding is engineered and manufactured, each type of scaffold has a specific ‘critical load’. The shape and material used has a massive effect on what the ‘critical point’ is. The most common tube and fitting scaffolding has horizontal and diagonal members connected to the existing scaffold to give it increased stability. The overall stability and strength come down to the space and distance between the points of support. This is a deciding factor on the scaffolds ability to support the load. A reduction in the distance from the horizontal pieces of the scaffold system by 50% can sometimes more than double the load-bearing strength of the Scaffold.
Every job is different so on occasion a little bit of flexibility is required. We advise that if this is the case then you should always check with the manufacturer before making any installation adjustments to the scaffolding system. Even just removing one crucial piece can result in the overall strength of the scaffolding being drastically reduced. We say again that adjustments can be made but under the advice of the manufacturer.
The most common scaffolding shape is made from a round tube as this provides equal strength from all directions. The shape of the tube usually falls to the manufacturers choice and they can use other shapes if they feel that it will provide an advantage to a specific scaffolding solution.
We have covered the materials, shape and how they are used here but for the actual science and physics behind it, you would need to look further into Euler’s formula. It was first developed in 1774 to determine the strength of a scaffold standard and the basic premise is actually as accurate today as it was back then. It is used today as the basis of all other ‘critical load’ formulas that have since been developed.
If you would like any more details on how scaffolding works then you can always contact us to speak to one of our fully trained scaffolders.