Archive: Nov 2024

Types of Shuttering in the Construction Domain

In the present times, many workers may encounter issues when the concrete is not supported during its curing phase. Moreover, if the concrete doesn’t set precisely, then it can lead to weak structural elements. But, did you know that shuttering can support concrete structures? Well, check out this article to know more about the types of shuttering.

Why is shuttering important at construction sites?

When workers are building something with concrete, shuttering offers temporary support. This enables it to support wet concrete till it takes the desired form. Moreover, the workers can expect a sturdy concrete structure when the support is present. But, in today’s world, you will come across different types of shuttering. These are set depending on the purposes. 

What is the main role of shuttering?

As and when people progress with construction using concrete, shuttering acts as a formwork. Once it’s set up around beams, slabs, and walls, it will ensure that the fluid concrete is in its place. Thus, there are less chances of the concrete losing its shape. On the other hand, if the temporary support is not set properly, then it can lead to unexpected accidents. The structure that needs to be built through concrete will also collapse with time. 

What to consider before choosing suitable shuttering materials?

Before you make any purchase, you must be aware of the overall cost. Besides, the shuttering material must also be capable of offering support. Expenses associated with labor also must be considered before choosing a material. In addition, certain requirements also have to be taken into account.

What materials are commonly used in shuttering?

At construction sites, you will observe shuttering materials in different forms. But, among the most common ones, you will come across plastic, plywood, timber, and steel. Furthermore, construction teams prefer using steel shutterings. These are often used because they are durable and they can be used repeatedly. Now, let’s check the types of shuttering.

Timber Shuttering

Construction teams always use timber shuttering because it’s cost-effective. Such a type of shuttering is also easier to use. But, as the shuttering doesn’t last for a long time, these are not ideal for large projects. They can only be used for small-scale projects and for around 10 times.

Steel Shuttering 

Over the years, this type of shuttering has become popular at construction sites. Apart from their durability, these can be reused several times. As you observe a steel shuttering, these have thin steel plates connected with small angles. Just because they are large in size, they can hold a large quantity of concrete. However, some insulation systems may offer insulation along with shuttering. 

Plywood Formwork

Plywood shuttering is yet another type that is affordable. In fact, it is considered an alternative to timber shuttering. In addition to being strong, it is also light in weight. Once the team uses this shuttering, it can offer a smooth finish to the concrete elements. Workers will no longer have to bother about any treatment for a finish. 

Plastic Shuttering 

Among the types of shuttering, the one made from plastic is suitable for low-cost housing. As these are made of high-quality plastic, they are supposed to be lightweight. Further ahead, these can help save more as they need less concrete for the desired designs. 

What are the different shuttering techniques?

Shuttering techniques are usually followed only for certain requirements. These may include supporting the foundation, slab, walls, and columns. But, when you observe a technique, the team uses a certain type of material.

Foundational Shuttering

This shuttering is set up based on the type of foundation. For instance, the formwork for private and strip foundations may not be the same. It will entirely depend on the height. 

Column Shuttering

Shuttering is also established for columns. During the setup process, the workers set up panels with the help of bolts. This helps to sustain the pressure of side forces in concrete columns. 

Wall shuttering 

When these are used, the main purpose is to build RCC. You will usually observe this when basements and dams need support. Moreover, it’s important to set up wall shuttering properly due to less pressure from the lateral loads. 

Slab Shuttering

Under the types of shuttering, this is widely used in RCC-framed buildings. Besides, the entire process helps to build horizontal members. It can also offer support temporarily to concrete before it becomes hard.

What are the innovative shuttering systems?

In the current era, innovative shuttering systems have existed to support complex structures. While these serve the usual role, they are also based on the latest technologies. Hence, the team can expect enhanced efficiency and save more on costs.

Tunnel Formwork

This formwork enables the slabs and walls to be cast with just one approach. The method also offers accuracy and speed with the required flexibility at the site. Hence, this is used for projects in which the same structure has to be formed time and again.

Fabric Shuttering

Such a kind of formwork embraces a technique to develop unique shapes. These also require relatively less amount of concrete than the usual systems. As a result, the team can save the costs to a certain extent.

Permanent Insulated Shuttering

As you can figure out through the name, this formwork offers insulation while supporting the walls. Once it’s set up, it serves as a surface for the finish. Apart from offering insulation for a long period, these prevent damage due to fire and rodents.  

What are the best practices followed for shuttering?

To ensure great results, many practices are followed while setting up shuttering. Right from the time of planning to removal, these will surely ensure safety and quality. 

Proper Surveillance

Before setting up shuttering, it’s essential to survey the site properly. This will help in aligning the structure properly. Ways beyond, it’s important to assess the materials, the concrete type, and the formwork size before shuttering. 

Removing the formwork at the suitable time

Suitable formwork can always keep the concrete intact at the site. But, when it’s time to remove the formwork, the concrete must have surpassed a minimum strength. This must be equivalent to two times the strain it’s subjected to earlier.

Quality Control

To ensure compliance, inspections should also be conducted regularly. This will prevent flaws and will ensure that the facility is playing its role. 

Summary 

Finally, we would like to state that shuttering is important at construction sites. As it acts as a temporary support, it helps the concrete to take the desired shape. But, before you choose from the types of shuttering, keep the project requirements in mind. Innovation can also help to accomplish results when the project is executed.

Are you seeking the best scaffolding equipment in the USA? Well, if that’s the case, then connect with AAIT Scaffolds today. While we have been leading as a scaffold equipment supplier, we will ensure that everything is offered without any delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is shuttering and its types?

Shuttering is a temporary structure that workers build to support fluid concrete. Among the types of shuttering, you will come across steel, timber, and plastic shuttering. Besides, people also use plywood formwork to offer support to the concrete structure.  

2. What are the different types of formwork?

There are many types of formwork used in the construction sector. These include timber, steel, plastic, and plywood formwork. However, you must use a formwork only depending on the project type. 

3. Which shuttering is better?

People always prefer setting up steel shuttering. This is known for its durability and strength. Apart from this, workers can use the shuttering time and again. It is also ideal for large-scale projects because it can sustain enormous loads. 

4. What is the difference between shuttering and formwork? 

In general terms, formwork is the process of creating a mold for concrete. But, shuttering comes under formwork because it’s a temporary mold itself.

What is bracing in steel structures?

In today’s world, bracing is nothing but a technique that makes a framework stable and stronger. As workers incorporate vertical or diagonal columns, these help to connect diverse structural elements. Thus, these can resist lateral forces due to the wind. But, go through this article to understand the role of bracing in steel structures. The article will also take you through types of bracing and the design principles.

What is a braced frame structure?

A braced frame is known to be a system that offers resistance to certain forces. These may be due to strong winds or activities that cause vibrations. Way ahead, the structure enhances the building’s strength. Now, let’s check the characteristics of bracing.

• As workers set up the bracing, they ensure that the members don’t sway laterally. Since these are made from structural steel, they can be used in compression and tension.
• While the bracing system sustains lateral loads, the beams transfer vertical loads. Mostly, the bracing is made from high quality steel or a concrete core. 
• At times, it can be problematic to set up the braces. They can interfere with the building’s design and the placement of openings. Apart from everything else, braces are economical to build. 

What is a bracing system?

Contractors can’t do away with bracing in steel structures. Its role is also important in the case of steel gate structures. As the entire system ensures stability, the lateral forces are transferred to the foundation. Even when they are used for complicated structures, they adjust the stiffness of the overall structure. This eventually ensures that the stress is distributed rationally. The structural integrity is also enhanced to a considerable extent.

Vertical and horizontal bracing systems
Such bracing systems are used when the structure has to be protected against horizontal forces. So, let’s check out these in detail.

Vertical Bracing
Bracing between vertical planes transmits the horizontal force to ground level. But, to resist the torsion along the vertical axis, there’s a need to set up a minimum of three places of bracing. 

Horizontal Bracing
When horizontal bracing is set up at every level, they transfer the forces to vertical bracing. But, even though the floor system may offer ample resistance, workers have to set up such bracing at every level. Moreover, the roof may also need bracing at some or another instance. 

Types of bracing in steel structures 

Now, let’s check some common braces used at construction sites. 

Single diagonals
While setting up this bracing, workers place diagonal bars into the rectangular sections of the frame. This, in turn, makes the frame quite stable. But, in case a single brace is used, then it has to offer resistance to compression and tension.

Cross-bracing
When two diagonal members are used, they form a cross. Hence, the bracing is known as cross bracing. As soon as these are set up, they need to be resistant to tension. Moreover, they have to sustain the force that gets applied from the sides. But, if cross bracing is set up on the building’s facade, then individuals will not be able to open the windows properly. Way ahead, such bracing also leads to bending in the floor beams. 

K-bracing
Under this structural support system, the resistance to lateral forces is considerably enhanced. As the support system is erected, some braces are placed diagonally. These connect the vertical columns and form a ‘K’ shape. As the configuration transfers the load effectively, it improves strength and rigidity. 

V-bracing
Whenever workers are erecting V-bracing, two diagonal bars are placed to form a V shape. As these are placed, they extend from the corners of a horizontal member. Furthermore, such members meet the lower member at the center. But, if the diagonal bars meet at a central point of an upper horizontal member, then it’s inverted V-bracing. Regardless of what the workers set up, both systems reduce the buckling of the compression brace. 

What are the principles for designing bracing in steel structures?

When you’re designing bracing, here are the principles you must follow. 

• During the design phase, you must reduce the path through which the load is transmitted. 
• Apart from ensuring stability, lateral support points must also be offered.
• Once designed, the bracing should meet rigidity and strength requirements. Hence, it’s essential to conduct quality checks after the design phase. 
• While the requirements are met, the bars should enable you to establish secure connections. Moreover, the workers must not find it challenging to install the overall structure. 
• When cross bracing is considered, it must be easy to install them properly. If that’s not the case, it can drastically reduce the load bearing capacity of the structure. 

As bracing is an essential component, you have to get in touch with an experienced construction company. These will adhere to the design principles while offering high-quality columns / bars. 

Why is Bracing set up?

There are many benefits to setting up bracing in steel structures. Let’s check these ahead.

Controls Buckling
The prime purpose of bracing is to control buckling in the main beams. Buckling can occur when the structural member becomes unstable. This condition is likely to occur under compression loads. But, with the incorporation of bracing systems, a framework is created. Such a type of framework resists several forces. 

Load Distribution
Bracing systems play an important role in distributing the load effectively. As the load is transferred to the beams, it passes to the foundation. This mitigates the concentration of stress and prevents structural damage. Once the forces are evenly distributed, braces also help to maintain the framework’s integrity. You will also not notice any significant failure or deformation. 

What Are Bracing Plans?

Every contractor has to come up with a plan for a braced frame structure. This can help to distribute or place the various components to sustain the forces. To ensure quality, the team also has to work closely with skilled professionals. These can present the plan through CAD software. But, many things have to be taken into account before presenting a plan.

• If the structure has a timber frame, then the columns have to be placed parallel to the walls. 
• While proceeding with the setup, the columns also have to be placed uniformly. 
• During the development of timber-framed floors, it must be possible to transfer the load along the construction lines.
• While engineers follow the plan, the bracing must run in two different orthogonal directions. 
• Bracing plans should further be able to accommodate various elements. Such elements must be in their respective positions along the lines. 

Conclusion

Finally, if you’re seeking scaffolding equipment, then you can get in touch with the team at AAIT Scaffolds. While we have served our clients over the years, we offer reliable scaffolding solutions. These have met the requirements of many companies in different industries. Our equipment can be used not only in the construction domain but also while carrying out maintenance work.

Types of Mobile Scaffolds

Whenever workers are moving ahead with the construction tasks, they will usually use a scaffold. These serve as a platform for them to execute various tasks at different heights. But, when they have to change positions often across the site, they will use a mobile scaffold. So, in this article we shall cover more about the types of mobile scaffolds.

Why are mobile scaffolds essential?

As teams move ahead with a construction project, mobile scaffolds are crucial. These offer a flexible yet safe platform for people to work at different heights. As these are mounted on wheels, they can be moved around with ease. Hence, workers can quickly access some sections of the structure. They don’t have to worry about building the scaffold once again. Moreover, if such scaffolds are properly maintained, then they can offer support and prevent falls. Now, let’s check the types of mobile scaffolds.

What are the different types of mobile scaffolds?

When you roam around construction sites, you may observe diverse mobile scaffolds. 

Folding Mobile Scaffolds
Such types of scaffolds can be folded so that they are easier to carry. Most of the time, these have folding mechanisms for making the scaffold compact. Therefore, workers prefer using these scaffolds when they have to carry them quite often.

Single-Width Scaffolds
This type of scaffold has a platform with just a single width. As 4 wheels support the scaffold, it can be moved in a small space. Thus, professionals use this scaffold for tasks to be carried out within an indoor space. 

Double-Width Mobile Scaffolds
Unlike single width scaffolds, double-width scaffolds have a broad platform. Usually, they consist of two single single width platforms and they offer more space. Hence, workers can expect enhanced stability while working on large-scale project related tasks. Moreover, these scaffolds are ideal for instances when more space is needed.

Heavy-Duty Mobile Scaffolds
When workers need a mobile scaffold for demanding tasks, then such types of scaffolds are used. Once these are set up, they can sustain more weight. So, these are ideal for projects that involve heavy tools and materials. Moreover, as these are robust, they ensure safety even when the load is quite high.

Aluminum Mobile Scaffolds
Among the types of mobile scaffolds, these are designed from Aluminum, and are lightweight. But, while the workers use these, they offer an easy-to-move platform. Once placed, the workers can also lock the wheels for stability. In addition, these scaffolds are suitable when people have to work within an indoor and outdoor environment.

What must you consider for Safety of the Mobile Scaffolding?

As you use mobile scaffolding, work-related injuries are likely to arise. So, here’s what you must consider for its safety. 

• At the first instance, you have to ensure whether the base is stable. In case the mobile scaffold is installed on uneven ground, then the platform will not be stable.
• Before setting up the temporary structure, you must inspect the ground thoroughly. As you continue observing the ground’s surface, you should remove debris. In case there are such irregularities, then you can spend some time leveling the ground.
• Soon after the setup, you have to be aware of the load bearing capacity. In addition, you must also ensure that the mobile scaffold can bear the weight of tools and the workers. For instability, it should never exceed the maximum limit. 
• Once the workers are about to commence the tasks, you must confirm if the wheels can be locked. As soon as they are locked, the mobile scaffold will be stable. It will also not move sideways when people are busy with tasks.

Eventually, it must be possible to adjust the level of the mobile scaffold. In those cases, the legs have to be made long or short to mitigate the chances of tilting. As time rolls by, you also have to inspect the scaffold regularly. If there are any issues, then the team has to find a solution immediately. However, the solution may vary depending on the types of mobile scaffolds.

Mobile Scaffold Erection Process

Now, let’s check out the steps involved in erecting a mobile scaffold.

#1 Initially, you have to insert castors into the base frames and lock. In case the scaffold is not mobile, then think about inserting adjustable bases.

#2 Soon after the initial step, you must attach at least one horizontal brace to the frame. But, make sure that you insert the brace above the first rung with the snap hook facing in the downward direction.

#3 Now, you have to add an additional horizontal brace to the opposite brace end frame. Besides, you have to attach the other end to the two braces set up horizontally.

#4 Next, you have to set up a plan brace to diagonally opposite uprights just below the first rung.

#5 You now have to check whether the scaffold base is in the form of a square.

#6 Now, you have to level the base in the vertical and horizontal directions. At this instance, you have to use a spirit level to adjust the castors.

#7 To make the base frames stable, you now have to set up two braces diagonally.

#8 Further ahead, you have to install the next end frames on top of every base frame. Moreover, you have to set up the diagonal brace above and below the joining points.

#9 Afterwards, it’s essential to install one platform approximately 1 meter from the ground level. As you’re moving ahead with this step, make sure that the platform is between both end frames.

#10 A bit later, you have to erect the ladder access platform 1 meter above the temporary platform. This will serve as the first working platform and will mitigate the risks of sudden falls. But, while installing the access ladder, make sure you fit in the opening section.

#11 At this stage, you have to set up with the guardrails meant for the working platform. These should offer support whenever workers are standing on the temporary platform. Besides, you have to choose the guardrails based on the types of mobile scaffolds. 

#12 Subsequently, you have to remove the temporary platform and place it next to the working platform. Thus, the working platform will comprise the access ladder and the ladder access platform.

#13 At this juncture, you have to fit the outriggers if the working height is going to exceed a limit. In case the height exceeds 2 times the least base dimension, then you have to set up outriggers for 0.7m wide towers. 

#14 By using the internal ladder, you now have to access the first working platform.

#15 Now you have to repeat the above steps. But, make sure you install the ladders with the working platform at 2 meters intervals.

#16 In the end, you have to set up the toeboards at the working deck levels. Moreover, you also have to ensure that the scaffold is built correctly and is in its vertical position.

Conclusion

Finally, if you’re seeking high-quality equipment for a scaffold, then contact AAIT Scaffolds today. While we promise to deliver everything that boasts high quality, we tailor solutions to meet various needs. As you visit our official website, we can supply scaffold equipment for maintenance work and even for event staging. 

FAQs

1. What is a mobile scaffold?

Mobile scaffolding is known to be a temporary structure with wheels. These can be used for various projects and moved around the site. 

2. What are scaffolding mobile towers?

A scaffolding mobile tower is a structure which stands freely with a working platform. As workers use the tower, it can be moved from one location to the other. Most of the time, these are used for painting and plastering.

3. Can anyone erect a mobile scaffold?

An individual who has undergone training can only erect a mobile scaffold. Usually, the construction team considers someone who has completed a PASMA Towers for Users training program. 

4. What is the BS standard for mobile scaffolding?

BS EN1004 is the standard for all types of mobile scaffolds. Once erected, the towers must comply with the standard to ensure safety.

5. Do you need to wear a harness on a mobile scaffold?

It is certainly necessary to wear a harness while using a mobile scaffold. Once worn, the harness will secure the workers from falling all of a sudden. 

6. Does mobile scaffolding need to be tagged?

It’s always essential to tag mobile scaffolding. Once the tags are placed, these will confirm whether the temporary structure is safe to use. Way ahead, every tag will have an identification number and will be in a different color. 

7. What is the 3 to 1 rule for scaffolding?

The  working height must be thrice the distance of the base’s narrowest side as per the 3 to 1 rule. 

8. What is the height to base ratio for mobile scaffolding?

The height to base ratio for mobile scaffolds must be not more than 4:1. This implies that the scaffold’s height must be four times the width of the base. However, the ratio will depend on whether the scaffold is supported or standing freely. 

9. What are the three 3 types of scaffolding?

The three forms of scaffolds include aerial, supported, and suspended scaffolding. But, when you’re deciding on which scaffold to use, you must first consider the project requirements. 

10. What does OSHA consider a mobile scaffold?

As per OSHA, every platform of the scaffold must be planked. But, before adding the planks, the workers must ensure that the space between the uprights and the platform is less than 1 inch. 

11. What are the 3 basic types of scaffolds in the construction industry?

Aerial, supported and suspended scaffolds are the 3 main types observed in the construction sector. 

12. What is an example of a mobile scaffold?

A mobile tower scaffold is an example of mobile scaffolding. These are usually used to carry out jobs where individuals have to change their positions often.