ADVANCED SCAFFOLDINGS

Shoring
In multistory work, the shoring which
supports freshly placed concrete is
necessarily supported by lower floors which
may not yet have attained their full strength,
and which may not have been designed to
carry loads as great as those imposed during
construction. Construction loads may
exceed design loads by an appreciable
amount. Therefore shoring must be
provided for enough floors to develop the
needed capacity to support the imposed loads without excessive stress or deflection. Whether
permanent shores or reshores are used at the several required lower floor levels depends on job
plans for reused of materials as well as the rate of strength gain in the structure. There are several
types of adjustable individual shores.
Scaffold-Type Shoring Tubular steel form scaffolding was first designed to support loads
imposed by the workers getting to the work area. Since the system of jacks in the tubular steel
scaffolding makes it easy to adjust and level elevations, it is often used as a support for
formwork. Since it is a modular assembly, it makes it an attractive option for rapid utilization for
formwork support.
The word scaffolding refers to any raised platform or ramp used for ingress and egress for
pedestrian movement and/or the passage of building materials. Since the mid-1920s the concept
of using steel pipes fastened together with metal-form or cast clamps (couplers) instead of poles
and ropes was introduced.
Aluminum alloy pipes and couplers were developed for their lighter weight and speedier
construction. Aluminum alloy is only two-thirds as strong as steel, but it is only one-third to onehalf its weight. Because of the higher initial cost, aluminum is restricted mostly to building
maintenance scaffolds and suspended platforms.
General Design Considerations
It is a common practice to use a minimum factor of safety of four in the design of all
scaffoldings, meaning that scaffolds and their components can support four times the maximum
design load without experiencing failure. For this reason, the design load is multiplied by a factor

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of 4, before and determining limiting strength and yield stress of the metal used in the
engineering design of scaffolds and their components.
Tube and Coupler Scaffolds
Tube and coupler scaffolds are assembled from three
basic structural elements: the uprights, or posts, which
rise from ground or other solid support the bearer,
which supports the work platforms and / or provide
transverse horizontal connections between the posts; the
runners, which attach to the posts directly below the
bearers and provide longitudinal connections along the
length of the scaffold.

Diagonal bracing is used to stiffen the structure as necessary, most important in the longitudinal
direction. Bracing is generally connected to the posts
with adjustable or swivel couplers which have the
facility of adjusting a full 360. Diagonal bracing should
always be attached to the posts as closely as practical to
the node points formed by the runner-bearer
connections. Another important structural element is the
building tie which connects the scaffold to the wall or
structure and is needed to provide rigidity and anchorage
of the scaffold in the transverse direction. Scaffolds need
to be laterally supported; otherwise, they are unstable
because of their height-to-width ratio and have low
strength to resist wind and other lateral forces.
Tube and Coupler Scaffolds: APPLICATION
Tube and coupler scaffolds can be assembled in many different ways because of the
flexibility of their assembly dimensions in the horizontal and vertical planes. Tube and coupler
scaffolds are more adaptable since they are not restricted by frame width in the transverse
direction or by brace length in the longitudinal direction or by frame height in the vertical
direction (unlike sectional frame scaffolds which is going to be discussed later in this lesson).
Therefore for cases of irregular dimensions and contours, such as churches or old auditoriums,
tube and coupler scaffolds become the preferred option since it makes access to the work place
easier.
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Tube and Coupler Scaffolds: BASIC CONFIGURATIONS

The basic configurations are as follows:
1. Double Pole. Double Pole or Independent Pole Scaffold is a scaffold supported from the base
by a double row of uprights, independent of support from the walls and constructed of uprights,
ledgers, horizontal platform bearers, and diagonal bracing.
2. Single Pole. Single Pole Scaffold is a platform resting on putlogs (putlog is a scaffold member
upon which the platform rests) or crossbeams, the outside ends of which are supported on ledgers
secured to a single row of posts or uprights and the inner ends of which are supported on or in a
wall.
3. Tower Scaffolds. These consist of one or few bays in either horizontal plane, constructed to
required height for access to ceilings or for specialized load support requirements not
conveniently achievable with sectional frames.

Sectional Scaffolding
Sectional scaffolding is available in many frame configurations. Most frames are available in
the widths of 2, 3, and 5 feet. Some special purpose frames are available in 4 and 6 feet widths
(6-ft frames are used in sidewalk canopies). Standard frame heights are 3, 4, 5, 6, and 6.5 feet
high for sidewalk canopies. The frames are also available in heights of 7.5, 8, and 10 feet.

Underpinning
Underpinning is the installation of temporary or permanent support to an existing foundation to
provide either additional depth or an increase in bearing capacity. There are several existing
conditions which may lead to the need for underpinning. They are

Construction of a new project with a deeper foundation adjacent to an existing building

Settlement of an existing structure
Change in use of a structure
Addition of a basement below an existing structure

Settlement of existing structures in many cases is caused by lowering of the water table due to
tidal fluctuations, wells for a water district, etc. This lowering of the water table can cause the
tops of timber piles to decay over time and will require remedial underpinning. With certain soil
profiles, rising of the water table can effect a decrease in bearing capacity of the soil causing
settlement and require underpinning. Construction of structures on unsuitable bearing material or
over compressible layer (peat, organic silts, or poorly compacted backfill) may cause settlement.
Determining the need for underpinning
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Underpinning is the direct support of an existing building foundation. It provides the opportunity
to preload (i.e., jacking) to limit settlement and improve poor foundations. When a structure
starts showing signs of settlement or distress, it is of utmost importance to precisely monitor the
settlement or movement by a professional on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, depending on the
severity of the movements. Plotting these readings will indicate if the movements are decreasing
or increasing, and by analyzing the results, a decision can be made whether or not underpinning
(or other measures) are required to safeguard the structure.
Prior to the start of excavation for a new structure, it is advisable to have a professional examine
all structures in close proximity to the construction site, to determine whether or not
underpinning is necessary.
Underpinning Methods
Temporary support with Maintenance Jacking
Light structures (for example, wood-frame garages) that fall within the influence line of the
adjacent excavation and which do not warrant the expense of an underpinning installation may
me supported on timber or concrete mats.
Underpinning Methods - Bracket Pile Underpinning
When both the existing and future structures belong to the same owner, the use of bracket piles is
very economical (most municipal building codes do not allow a building to be supported on the
foundation that is located on someone elses property). The steel bracket piles are driven or
placed adjacent to the future structure in pre-augured holes which are then backfilled with a lean
sand-cement mix. The load is transferred from the structure into the pile through a steel bracket
welded to the side of the pile. A combination of steel plates, wedges, and drypack is installed to
ensure a tight fit between the structure and the bracket.

ADVANCE FORMWORKS
Multiform Shoring System
1.

The Multiform System was designed to withstand the maximum concrete pressure
possible stated in the ACI and BS codes for form-work design, 2000 psf (97 kN/M2) for
walls and 3000 psf (145.5 kN/M2)for columns. In construction field language, the
allowable fresh-concrete height is unrestricted by the forms

2.

As a Table-System with a soffit size of 12 ft x 8 ft (3.60m x 2.44m) supported by two

foldable heavy-duty frames spaced at 8 ft (2.50m) c/c., the system is capable of supporting
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a solid slab up to 39in. (1000mm) thick, and 49 in. (1250mm) thick hollow
3.

A reduction in erection and dismantling time by as much as 50% which will result in huge
savings on labour and a faster construction cycle

4.

The Multiform Shoring System was designed to support the main system. User-friendly,
simple and rapid-shoring system, its allowable load capacity is double that of the widely
used systems. The estimated allowable loading of the multiform shoring system is 18.0
KIPS (80,0 kN) per leg. However, besides the foldable, fully-braced upon opening,
double-frame system, the multiform shoring system includes heavy-duty single frames to
be used in heavy construction projects such as bridges, etc.. Depending on frame sizes and
tower heights, the safe working loads of this system varies form 18,0 to 13,0 KIPS(80,0 to
58,0 kN) per leg

Soldier System
Target soldier systems designed to cover wide
ranges of construction and to withstand the high
pressure exerted while pouring concrete
members. The soldier which is produced in
many lenghts, can be assembled in combination
suit any heights of pouring.

to

Single Sided Wall Shuttering

- One-sided wall form is strong, and flexible. The
distance between elements is calculated according
to the height of the wall and the concrete pressure.
The form is plumbed using jacks at the base.
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Supporting elements transfer the forces through the anchors embedded in the concrete and the
rear pressure jack on the bracket.

Single Sided Wall Form

Tied and Ganged One-sided Forms Atlas provides
wall form equipment as described in the Ganged Wall
Form Section along with Weld brackets which are
mounted to the soldier beams supporting shoring to
the basement excavation typically at 8 ft. centers.
Concrete placement rates at 5/hr. can generally be
accommodated, while still maintaining 5 ft. vertical
spacing
of
ties.
Standard inventory, snub-nosed coil taper ties are included as part of the system package,
allowing both rapid installation and stripping of forms.

Tunnel forms
Tunnel form is a formwork system that allows the
contractor to cast walls and slabs in one operation in a
daily cycle. It combines the speed, quality and
accuracy of factory/off-site production with the
flexibility and economy of in-situ construction and is
recognised as a modern method of construction
(MMC).
The result is a cellular reinforced structure, the
surfaces of which are sufficiently high quality to require only minimal finishing for direct
decoration, while the end walls and facades are easily completed with thermally insulated units
that can be clad as required.
The system creates an efficient load-bearing structure for use in a wide variety of applications. It
is particularly effective in projects suited to repetitive cellular construction such as residential
blocks, hotels, student accommodation, barracks and prisons.

Semi System Formwork

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This is a more advanced formwork type than the modern

conventional type as there are pre-fabricated formwork
items. For example there are pre-fabricated formworks
for slab panels and supports and other structural parts.
There are several types of semi system formworks and is
discussed as below:
(A) Fiberglass formwork: The use of fiberglass as a
material to make forms for concrete work has increased
rapidly within the past two years. Among the reasons
are:

Fiberglass forms provide a means of producing a concrete surface that is

architecturally acceptable without rubbing and grinding.
Special patterns and designs can be readily molded into the material.
Large areas or sections may be made without joints or seams.

When repeated usage is possible, fiberglass is often the most economical form
material.
Perhaps most important one is fiberglass forms allow the architect complete freedom of design.
One advantage of fiberglass forms is it is possible to eliminate the joints or seams. Also when
special conditions dictate building a form in sections, it is
possible to join the units in such a manner that the several
sections may later be sealed together with additional
applications of resin and fiberglass to produce a seamless
mold.
Versatility is another advantage. Fiberglass panels can be
100 percent reversible in any situation. Fiberglass is also
an excellent insulating material and is impervious to
moisture; thus fiberglass forms provide built-in protection
against temperature extremes. Although the first cost of
fiberglass forms is relatively high, the durability of the material permits almost unlimited reuses.
Consequently, wherever it is possible to make repeated use of the same form, the cost may be
reduced substantially to a point that the material becomes the lowest cost per use of any form.
(B) Plastic Formwork: It comes as individual structural elements like columns and walls. Various
sized columns and walls are available in the market. The formwork is very easy to install and
uninstall and has a very high repetitive nature. The ease of application makes it very useful
where faster completion of work is a criterion.
(C) Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) formwork system: FRP formwork is used where unique
configuration required for the arches and columns or any other structural parts. The FRP
formwork pieces were produced using the hand layup method using molds fabricated by means
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of a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. On

site, the size and weight of the formwork required the
use of forklifts and scissor lifts for assembly. After the
forms were assembled and the reinforcement was
placed, self-consolidating concrete was used to
produce the required smooth, uniform finish.

Aluminium Panel System Formwork

System formwork has prefabricated modular components with casting panels. The system
formwork can suit the required shape of concrete structure. The speedy and quality construction
is the biggest advantage in this type while high initial cost is the main disadvantage and hence
this is not economical to use in low-rise buildings. But this is the most economical form of
formwork type to be used in high-rise building construction when it is having few (more that 10)
typical storeys as it can be made in a single storey complete formwork set form and a faster floor
to floor construction can be achieved.

Jump Form System to Construct Concrete Core Walls of High Rise / Mid Rise Buildings
The use of a climbing formwork systems to construct the core walls of tall buildings has been
successful in different countries in reducing construction times, primarily because the process
become repetitive through the whole height of the building.
Basically it consists of a frame constructed from structural steel members over the score wall.
Steel formwork panels are hung from this frame, some supported on rollers. After the concrete
walls are poured, the formwork is released and rolled back from the concrete face. Jacks then lift
or climb the whole frame up one level. All the formwork panels are attached to the frame. This
process takes approximately one and a half hours.
The moulds are cleaned after being lifted out of the finished
unit and then re-assembled. A thin layer of a steel mouldreleasing agent is then applied by spraying it onto the surface
of the steel mould in contact with concrete prior to
reinforcing bar placement. Inspection of the moulds is then
carried out. Once the climbing formwork is in its approved
position, the next concrete wall is poured. The cycle
continues, which is normally four days. Faster times have
been achieved. However, the limiting factor to faster times
is usually the construction of floor slabs, which usually are
done as a separate process.
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Glossary

Access platform: A platform that gives access to and from places of work for persons, materials
or equipment.
Anchorage: Components cast or fixed (temporarily or permanently into the building or structure
for the purpose of attaching a scaffold tie and/or a harness system.
Baseplate: A plate of steel that is able to distribute the load from a load-bearing member to a
supporting structure.
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Brace: A member fixed diagonally to two or more members of a scaffold to provide rigidity to
the scaffold.
Bracket: Engineer designed bracket that is attached to a structure to support a scaffold.
Counter weight: A weight or series of weights that counterbalance a scaffold against overturning.
Coupler: A fitting that joins two tubes.
Foundations: The support beneath a scaffold or structure that distributes the imposed loads
(ground).
Gantry: A structure that is primarily intended to support a protection deck or portable building. A
gantry can be constructed from scaffolding, structural steel or timber.
Hemping: The process of joining additional standards to the top of existing standards. Also
referred to as topping up.
Hoist: Mechanical assembly for raising and lowering personnel or materials (swinging stage
motor).
Ledger: A horizontal structural member that longitudinally spans between adjacent standards.
Plank: A component used to form a working platform or deck.
Platform: An elevated surface.
Scaffolding hoist: A lifting appliance (manually operated or power operated) through which the
suspension rope passes.
Span: The distance measured along a member between the centre lines of support points (e.g.,
bearers supporting a scaffold plank).
Strut: A scaffolding member that supports a compressive force.
Whipping: The wrapping or tying of an end of cut rope to stop fraying or unravelling.
Winch: Mechanical assembly for raising and lowering materials.

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References:
http://www.masterbuilder.co.in/advanced-formwork-and-its-management-systems-for-speedyconstruction-of-buildings/
http://www.cpwr.com/research/mast-climbers
http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/all-guidance-items/scaffolding-bestpractice-guideline-for-scaffolding-in-new-zealand/section-1-introduction-1/1.4-scaffoldingterminology
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https://cdn.auckland.ac.nz/assets/science/for/current-students/HR/health-safetywellness/documents/scaffolding.pdf

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