Choosing the right scaffolding is a key step in ensuring construction safety, requiring comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including construction requirements, environmental conditions, and load requirements. The following detailed explanation of key factors will assist in making a sound selection:
First, Clarify Construction Requirements: Accurately Match the Scaffolding to the Scaffolding Scaffold
The scaffolding selection must be closely aligned with the project’s characteristics, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Specifically, the following information should be clarified:
Project Type and Height:
Low-rise Buildings (≤24m): Ground-mounted scaffolding (such as clip-on or cup-lock scaffolding) is preferred. It is simple to erect, low-cost, and suitable for wall construction and interior and exterior decoration.
High-rise Buildings (>24m): Attached lifting scaffolding (which rises and falls with each floor, saving materials) or cantilever scaffolding (using steel sections to support the load, avoiding the risk of ground-mounted foundations being compressed) are recommended.
Specialized structures (such as bridges and chimneys): Full-height scaffolding (fully enclosed support, suitable for large spans and high-altitude work) or suspended scaffolding (suspended by ropes, suitable for curved structures) is required.
Work Scope:
For heavy-duty work (such as concrete pouring and steel structure installation), choose a scaffolding with interlocking joints (high joint strength, high load-bearing capacity, and secure crossbar and vertical connections).
For light-duty work (such as painting and pipeline laying), choose a portal scaffolding (quick assembly and disassembly, suitable for short-term, mobile work).
Second, based on load requirements: Ensure load safety.
The loads a scaffold must withstand include permanent loads (its own weight) and variable loads (construction personnel, materials, tools, wind loads, etc.). Before selecting a scaffold, confirm its load-bearing capacity through design calculations.
Basic requirement: The load-bearing capacity must comply with the “Uniform Standard for Safety Technology of Scaffolding in Construction” (GB51210), meaning the structure’s deadweight + construction live loads ≤ the design limit (for example, the axial force limit for the vertical poles of interlocking scaffolding is typically 15-30kN). Special Loads:
In areas with concentrated material piles (such as masonry work surfaces), increase the distance between vertical poles (e.g., from 1.5m to 1.2m) or use heavy-duty scaffolding (such as a cup-shaped scaffold with higher shear strength at the joints).
In areas with strong winds (such as coastal areas and at high altitudes), verify wind loads (based on the local 50-year maximum wind speed). If necessary, add wind-resistant tie rods or reduce the distance between vertical poles.
Third, Verify Material Quality: Eliminate Hidden Dangers at the Source
Scaffolding materials are the foundation of safety and require rigorous screening:
Core Material Standards:
Steel Pipe: Use Φ48.3×3.6mm welded steel pipe (wall thickness deviation ≤0.3mm), free of rust (rust depth ≤0.5mm), bends (vertical pole bend ≤1/1000, horizontal pole bend ≤1/200), and cracks. Fasteners: Cast iron (KT33-8), free of pinholes and cracks. Bolt tightening torque should be between 40-65 N·m (too loose can cause slippage, too tight can cause breakage).
Scaffolding: Wooden scaffolding should be ≥50mm thick and free of rot. Steel scaffolding should have anti-slip stripes and be securely fastened at both ends.
Site Inspection: Materials must be accompanied by factory certificates and test reports. Upon arrival, samples will be collected for inspection (e.g., fastener anti-slip and anti-destruction performance testing). Unqualified materials must not be used.
Fourth, Environmental Adaptation: Avoiding External Risks
Environmental factors on the construction site directly affect scaffolding stability, requiring targeted selection:
Topography and Foundation:
Soft foundations (e.g., backfill soil, rice paddies): Ground-based scaffolding should be hardened (with a C20 concrete cushion, ≥100mm thick) or cantilevered to prevent foundation settlement. For work near edges (such as balconies and foundation pits): Install guardrails (≥1.2m in height) and toeboards (≥180mm in height). The exterior of the scaffolding should be fully covered with dense safety netting (flame-retardant, mesh density ≥2000 mesh/100cm²).
Climatic Conditions:
High/Cold Regions: Use weather-resistant materials (such as hot-dip galvanized steel pipes to resist rust). In winter, lay non-slip mats (such as burlap or rubber mats) on the scaffolding boards.
Rainy Regions: Provide a drainage slope (≥3%) at the base of the scaffolding uprights to prevent water from accumulating and soaking the foundation.
Post time: Aug-05-2025