What type of materials and installation techniques do you use?
Scaffolders in Swansea are essential for most construction projects around the town. Construction workers use different scaffoldings depending on the specific needs of a construction project, each of which typically has its unique qualities and benefits. As there are so many different ways, we regularly get asked “What type of materials and installation techniques do you use?”. So this page we’ll touch upon a few of the materials and techniques.
Evolution of scaffolding techniques
The use of wooden scaffolding
Building tall structures has entailed scaffolding since the beginning of civilisation. It has long been speculated that the ancient Egyptian pyramids were constructed using timber scaffolding. Until 1922, wooden scaffolding was widely used. Around this time, steel tubes began to supplant wooden poles.
Transition to metal scaffolding
But metal scaffolding is now the standard method of construction. Since the 1950s, tube scaffolding has been the de facto standard in the industry. This is because it is light in weight without sacrificing its structural integrity. Tube scaffolding is quick and simple to assemble because it does not require the use of nuts and bolts.
Material selection in scaffolding
Scaffolding is typically made of steel or aluminium, depending on the application. There are many advantages of using steel scaffolding. It also has a degree of elasticity, which helps prevent cracks. Workers can transport heavy equipment and supplies using steel, supporting heavy loads.
The necessity of steel in tall buildings
When it comes to tall buildings, steel is a necessity because of the structural strength required by the scaffolding itself.
Components of metal scaffolding
Metal scaffolding is built with a variety of components:
- The vertical members of the framework are called standards. It supports on the ground or drums or is embedded into the ground.
- The horizontal supporting members running parallel to the wall are called ledgers.
- Braces are diagonally fixed on standards, and putlogs are placed on one end on ledgers and other ends at right angles on the wall.
- Transoms are a type of putlogs that are supported on both sides by ledgers.
- Scaffold boards are a horizontal platform supported by putlogs and are used to support workers and materials while they are working.
- A guard rail is a rail that is installed at eye level, similar to a ledger.
- Toe boards are boards positioned parallel to ledgers and supported on putlogs to protect the working platform.
Installation techniques in scaffolding
There are several installation techniques used for scaffolding in Swansea. Some of the popular methods are as follows:
- Shores are temporary supports used to stabilise unsafe buildings or stabilise buildings while they are being repaired.
- Underpinning is a term that refers to improving, strengthening, or replacing the foundation of an existing structure. During the underpinning process, the structure is properly shored. Underpinning can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
- Another method is known as the pit method. Construction below the existing foundation involves excavation and strengthening of the existing foundation.
- The pile method supports the building on newly constructed piles of various types that do not require excavation.
- The pier method is a combination of the pit and pile methods, in which we excavate below the existing foundation and construct a pier for the new foundation to sit on top of.
Ensure safety by hiring professional scaffolders
You need to minimise accidents on the construction by not using faulty or poorly designed scaffolding. Therefore, you should hire industry experts like our team of scaffolders in Swansea.