Scaffolding is a temporary structure used as a platform by workmen to carry materials and aid in the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings, bridges, or any other man-made structures. They are generally used in construction works to get access to heights and areas in a structure that would be otherwise very dangerous or hard to get access to. Unsafe scaffolding may result in a serious injury or even death in some cases. The purpose of scaffolding is therefore to reduce the potential risk of life and ease of access. It is generally made up of timber or steel. It should be stable and strong enough to support the load of the workers and construction material. Aside from construction works they are sometimes also used in grandstand seating, concert stages, exhibition stands, ski ramps, and art projects, etc.
The five main types of scaffolding used around the world are prefabricated modular system scaffold components, tube and coupler components, H-frame/façade modular system scaffolds, timber scaffolds, and bamboo scaffolds. These are made up of several components listed below;
➢ A base jack (load-bearing base for the scaffold)
➢ The standard (vertical component with connector joints)
➢ The ledger (a horizontal brace)
➢ Coupler (used to join components together)
➢ Brackets (used to extend the width of the working platform)
➢ Scaffold tie (used to tie in the scaffold to structures)
➢ Batten (decking component used to make the working platform)
➢ Transom (horizontal cross-section load-bearing component to hold the batten)
Cold weather brings a lot of challenges in construction work. The concrete does not set up as well as it does in warm weather. It also results in the inefficiency of the workers. Furthermore, power tools are also prone to damage in cold and damp environments. It causes even more delays in work. The Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) Code and Specification Quality Assurance section and International Building Code 2003 emphasize that once the temperature drops to 40, cold weather plans must be immediately implemented at work sites.
Earlier, workers used to build bonfires under the scaffolding or cement mixers to keep themselves warm. But, modern technology has enabled them to thaw the ground for excavation of footing. Different heating methods are accessible to ensure the proper setting of concrete. Concrete additives are also available to pour concrete in below-freezing temperatures. Organizations develop plans to ensure a comfortable and safer environment for workers. They make sure that the construction tools and equipment of the workers are performing at maximum efficiency even when the weather doesn’t co-operate?
The Winter protection enclosure system has become a priority when the work areas need to be shielded from snow and low temperatures. Most of the exterior scaffolding jobs require work done within a specified time for many reasons and restrictions. Therefore, work needs to be done to reduce downtime and prevent loss. There are various types of winter enclosures that can save a lot of time and money while providing a warm environment for the workers to work in. A few examples of such winter enclosures are;
➢ Concrete curing blankets – A sudden cold spell can downside or delay a planned concrete pour. It can deny moisture to the slab to cure properly. Cold, dry winter can form cracks in a new cast slab due to deficiency of moisture and the right temperature. Therefore, concrete curing blankets are a must-have in areas affected by a sudden drop in temperatures. They help in maintaining the temperature-water content needed by the concrete after placement for a longer period of time. It helps to achieve proper strength and crack resistance. Curing blankets not only prevent the moisture in concrete from drying that can cause fracturing in the future, but also help in speeding up the curing process by elevating the slab’s surface and internal temperature. Curing blanket raises the concrete’s temperature from 40 to 70 and cut curing time in half. It saves both time and money in the process.
➢ Flame retardant tarps – Cold and moisture can cause heavy damage to expensive construction tools. Blades of power tools may rust or wiring and cords might short. Even the most rugged equipment may fall prey to the ruthless cold and wet conditions overtime. The efficiency of workers is also get decreased which affects productivity. The solution to all these problems can be flame retardant tarps. They can shield tools and workers from cold winds, rain and contain ambient heat within the worksite. A quality tarp system will keep the elements at bay allowing the workers to work with full efficiency. Flame retardant tarps allow construction workers and equipment to operate in a warm enclosure. It provides comfortable conditions for work by trapping the warm air in and keeping the cold air out. This technique can maximize work time while reducing heating costs.
➢ Reinforced poly sheeting – These are strong, pocket-friendly reinforced poly sheets that protect the workers as well as passers-by from the weather, debris, dust, and fumes. The non-fire-retardant versions of these are somewhat translucent and allow ambient illumination to pass through, saving up on energy costs on the site. Their high tensile strengths and ease of handling make them ideal for sealing of scaffolding or debris enclosures to protect any material from falling outside.
➢ Electrically heated pads – Everything moves slowly under the influence of cold. The ground freezes up and defies excavation works, lubricants lose their viscosity, construction tools strain, while the workers spend most of the time trying to stay warm. The electrically powered heating pad is a viable solution to all these problems. They are easy-to-use sources of portable, direct heat. They can be used for;
➢ Melting snow and frost
➢ Thaw the ground for trenching operations
➢ Warm fuel lines and cylinders safely
➢ Keep palletized materials set and ready to use.
Electrically heated pads are suitable to use in the field, on staged construction equipment, or in unheated warehouses as they consume lesser fuel and deliver more optimized heat than the other options.
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