How system scaffolding brings costs and benefits

摘要

"Generally speaking, system scaffolding is a little bit more expensive in the first instance, when you look at it on paper, but the safety, time and labour benefits far outweigh the cost over conventional scaffolding," argues Layher UK managing director Sean Pike.Rather than deploying smooth steel poles clamped together with bolt-closed fittings, Layher's modular approach employs rosette brackets welded onto the upright standards at regular intervals.Bracing poles and other components such as horizontal decks, guard rails and toe boards connect and latch onto the rosettes to form the required structure. "Each rosette has eight holes, for making eight independent connections at the same location," Pike says.This approach makes the scaffold quick to erect but demands organisation. "There's more effort required at the start because you really want to take the right kit to the job," Pike admits. "With conventional tubes and fittings, you can generally make it work - cut your tubes and boards, and things like this. Whereas with [a modular] system, you want the right parts in the right area, so planning is more important. But once you've done your planning it's about 60 per cent quicker [to install]."