A scaffold is a temporary frame usually together to provide a means of access to high-level working areas as well as providing a safe platform which to work. The system is raised gradually as the structure is raised level-by-level. The two basic forms of scaffolding, namely the putlog scaffold with its single row of uprights or standards set outside the perimeter of the building and partly supported by the structure and independent scaffolds which have two rows of standards.
Components of a scaffolding system
- Jack base
- Walk Trough Frames
- Cross Brace
- Coupling Pin
- Cat Walk
- Couplers
- Forkheads
Scaffold fittings
Fittings of either steel or aluminium alloy are covered by the same as quoted above for the tubes. They can usually be used in conjunction with either tubular metal unless specified differently by the manufacturer. The major fittings used in metal scaffolding are
Double coupler: The only real load-bearing fitting used in scaffolding and is used to joint ledgers to standards.
Putlog coupler: Used solely for fixing putlogs or transoms to the horizontal ledgers.
Base plate: A square plate with a central locating spigot used to distribute the load from the foot of a standard on to a sole plate or firm ground. The base plate can also be obtained with a threaded spigot and nut for use on sloping sites to make up variations in levels.
Split joint pin: Connection fitting used to joints scaffold tubes end to end. A centre bolt expands the two segments, which grip on the bore of the tubes.
Putlog end: A flat plate, which fits on the end of a scaffold tube to convert it into a putlog.