As a core auxiliary facility in the construction and related engineering fields, scaffolding’s core function is to provide safe and efficient working conditions for construction. Specifically, it can be broken down into four core functions, covering the safety and efficiency needs of the entire construction process:
First, the core function of scaffolding: This is the most basic and core function of scaffolding. In construction, equipment installation, and other scenarios, the working surface is often above ground level, and workers cannot directly stand or operate at height. Scaffolding, by constructing horizontal working layers and vertical support structures, forms a continuous, flat, and stable platform, solving the problem of “no foothold at height.”
Key requirements: The width of the working platform (usually ≥0.9 meters) and its load-bearing capacity (must meet the weight of workers, tools, and materials; generally, the design load is ≥2kN/㎡) must meet the specifications to ensure sufficient and safe operating space.
Second, the safety protection of scaffolding.
The greatest risks of working at height are “falls from height” and “injuries from falling objects.” Scaffolding, through its supporting protective components, forms a comprehensive safety barrier, which is crucial for ensuring construction safety. Specific protective measures and their functions are as follows:
(1) Preventing falls: A 1.2-meter-high guardrail and an 18-cm-high toe board are installed on the outer side of the working platform to prevent workers from falling from the platform edge due to instability or accidental collision; Gaps between the scaffolding and the main building structure must be sealed with safety netting to prevent workers from falling through the gaps.
(2) Preventing falling objects: Dense safety netting is fully installed on the outer side of the scaffolding from bottom to top to block falling tools and materials during operations, preventing injury to pedestrians on the ground or workers below.
(3) A “horizontal safety canopy” is also erected at the bottom of high-rise scaffolding to further intercept heavy objects that may penetrate the safety netting.
Third, Auxiliary Transportation of Scaffolding.
During construction, workers, tools, and materials need to be transferred between different heights and work surfaces. Scaffolding, through appropriate design, can also function as a “transportation channel,” reducing manual handling costs and improving efficiency:
(1) Horizontal Transportation: The working level of the scaffolding itself is a horizontal channel, allowing workers to move small materials on the scaffold boards without repeatedly going up and down from the ground.
(2) Vertical Transportation: Some scaffolding can be used in conjunction with “construction elevators” and “material hoists,” or have pre-reserved channels inside the scaffolding, facilitating workers to climb up and down via ladders. Materials are transported to the working level via hoists, avoiding the inefficiency and safety hazards of manual carrying.
Fourth, Structural Support of Scaffolding.
In addition to its function as a “work platform,” some types of scaffolding also serve as “temporary load-bearing,” providing stable support for the pouring and installation of the main building structure, ensuring the quality of structural completion.
In summary, scaffolding plays a crucial role throughout the entire construction process, serving as a “work platform,” a “safety barrier,” a “transportation channel,” and a “temporary support.” It not only solves the “feasibility” problem of working at heights but also balances construction efficiency and safety through standardized structural design, making it an indispensable core auxiliary facility in modern construction engineering.
Post time: Nov-28-2025