Scaffolding

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.

Each type is made from several components which often include: Specialized components used to aid in their use as a temporary structure often include heavy duty load bearing transoms, ladders or stairway units for the ingress and egress of the scaffold, beams ladder/unit types used to span obstacles and rubbish chutes used to remove unwanted materials from the scaffold or construction project.

[4][5] The Berlin Foundry Cup depicts scaffolding in ancient Greece (early 5th century BC).

[9] Advancements in metallurgy throughout the early 20th century saw the introduction of tubular steel water pipes (instead of timber poles) with standardized dimensions, allowing for the industrial interchangeability of parts and improving the structural stability of the scaffold.

[10] The European Standard, BS EN 12811-1, specifies performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds.

With one basic 24 pound unit a scaffold of various sizes and heights could be assembled easily by a couple of labourers without the nuts or bolts previously needed.

Because of the high cost of composite tube, it is usually only used when there is a risk from overhead electric cables that cannot be isolated.

Most companies will adopt a specific colour to paint the scaffolding with, in order that quick visual identification can be made in case of theft.

Bamboo scaffolding is widely used in Hong Kong and Macau,[13] with nylon straps tied into knots as couplers.

[14] In India, bamboo or other wooden scaffolding is also mostly used, with poles being lashed together using ropes made from coconut hair (coir).

The standards, also called uprights, are the vertical tubes that transfer the entire weight of the structure to the ground where they rest on a square base plate to spread the load.

Often scaffold frameworks will require more than simple base plates to safely carry and spread the load.

The gaps between the tubes and the structure surfaces are packed or wedged with timber sections to ensure a solid fit.

Many famous landmarks, notably The Great Wall of China, were built using bamboo scaffolding,[15] and its use continues today in some parts of the world.

Another reason fewer people are becoming scaffolders is that new recruits need to undergo training with the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council in order to acquire a license.

Bamboo—which matures after three years to the wide diameter and thick skin perfect for scaffolding—came from the Shaoxing area in Guangdong.

The industry's fear is that one day supplies will be blocked due to export embargoes and environmental concerns.

In many African countries, notably Nigeria, bamboo scaffolding is still used for small scale construction in urban areas.

Some of the structures in relaxation and recreation centres, both in urban and rural areas of Nigeria, are put in place using bamboo materials.

Suitable means of access should be provided from the building or ground level to the scaffold such as gangway, stairs and ladder etc.

Sloping catch fans shall be erected at a level close to the first floor and at no more than 15 metres, vertical intervals should give a minimum horizontal protection coverage of 1500 mm.

Large catch fans should be erected at specific locations to protect the public and/or workers underneath.

A suitable receptacle, covered with galvanized zinc sheet, should be provided within each catch-fan to trap falling objects.

Mild steel bars or similar materials are required to tie any structure to maintain the bamboo scaffold in its position on every floor.

Bamboo scaffolding is a temporary structure to support people and materials when constructing or repairing building exteriors and interiors.

[14] Bamboo scaffolding is mostly seen in developing Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

The flexibility and convenience of this type of scaffolding suits stages set up for temporary use and also separates the audience from the performers.

[28] Nine thousand buns, representing fortune and blessing, are supported on the fourteen-meter tall bamboo tower in front of the Pak Tai Temple.

For the Piu Sik Parade, bamboo stands and racks are used to hold the young costumed performers above the crowds.

The purpose for this alternative method is to create a good anchoring point for additional vertical scaffolding to clamp on to, most commonly used in live events and festivals with scaffolding poles up to 21 feet high where festoon lighting, cabling and bunting can be hung from safely.