• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.211-226
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• 2004

This paper presents a study on the structural behaviour of modular steel scaffolds through both experimental and numerical investigations. Three one-storey and three two-storey modular steel scaffolds were built and tested to failure in order to examine the structural behaviour of typical modular steel scaffolds. Details of the tests and their test results were presented in this paper. Moreover, an advanced non-linear analysis method was employed to evaluate the load carrying capacities of these scaffolds under different support conditions. Comparisons between the experimental and the numerical results on the structural behaviour of these modular steel scaffolds were also presented. Moreover, the restraining effects of external supports in practical situations were also studied through finite element methods. The predicted load carrying capacities and deformations at failure of these models under partially restrained conditions were found to be close to the experimental results. A codified design method for column buckling with modified slenderness ratios was adopted for practical design of modular steel scaffolds.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.471-487
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• 2004

Modular steel scaffolds are commonly used as supporting scaffolds in building construction, and traditionally, the load carrying capacities of these scaffolds are obtained from limited full-scale tests with little rational design. Structural failure of these scaffolds occurs from time to time due to inadequate design, poor installation and over-loads on sites. In general, multi-storey modular steel scaffolds are very slender structures which exhibit significant non-linear behaviour. Hence, secondary moments due to both $P-{\delta}$ and $P-{\Delta}$ effects should be properly accounted for in the non-linear analyses. Moreover, while the structural behaviour of these scaffolds is known to be very sensitive to the types and the magnitudes of restraints provided from attached members and supports, yet it is always difficult to quantify these restraints in either test or practical conditions. The problem is further complicated due to the presence of initial geometrical imperfections in the scaffolds, including both member out-of-straightness and storey out-of-plumbness, and hence, initial geometrical imperfections should be carefully incorporated. This paper presents an extensive numerical study on three different approaches in analyzing and designing multi-storey modular steel scaffolds, namely, a) Eigenmode Imperfection Approach, b) Notional Load Approach, and c) Critical Load Approach. It should be noted that the three approaches adopt different ways to allow for the non-linear behaviour of the scaffolds in the presence of initial geometrical imperfections. Moreover, their suitability and accuracy in predicting the structural behaviour of modular steel scaffolds are discussed and compared thoroughly. The study aims to develop a simplified and yet reliable design approach for safe prediction on the load carrying capacities of multi-storey modular steel scaffolds, so that engineers can ensure safe and effective use of these scaffolds in building construction.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.385-404
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• 2020

Since the scaffold is composed of modular members, the total height of multi-story scaffolds does not often meet with the headroom of construction buildings. At this time, other supporting members need to be set up on the top of scaffolds. However, the mechanical behaviors of the combined system of scaffolds and other supporting members have seldom been discussed. This study explores the stability of the combined system of scaffolds and shores. The loading tests conducted in the laboratory show that the critical load of the combined system of two-story scaffolds and wooden shores is about half that of the three-story scaffold system with the same height. In the failure of both the "scaffold system" and the "combined system of scaffolds and shores' after loading, the deformation mainly occurs in the in-plane direction of the scaffold. The outdoor loading test shows that no failure occurs on any members when the combined system fails. Instead, the whole system buckles and then collapses. In addition, the top formwork of the combined system can achieve the effect of lateral support reinforcement with small lateral support forces in the outdoor loading test. This study proposes the preliminary design guidelines for the scaffolding structural design.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.57-61
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• 2010

Formwork is a temporary structure that supports its weight and that of fresh concrete as well as construction live loads. Scaffoling is a temporary frame used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes, although it can be made out of other materials. Bamboo is still used in some Asian countries like China. The purpose of a working scaffold is to provide a safe place of work with safe access suitable for the work being done. In construction site, steel pipes are usually used as scaffolds. In this study, scaffolding systems which is changed according to sleeper and joist space were measured by buckling test. Buckling load of respective scaffolding system was analyzed by structural analysis program(MIDAS). Buckling load of scaffold with/without wall connection and footboard was got by test and structural analysis. According to these results，we know that scaffolding system of case 3 is suitable. Buckling load of scaffold with wall connection is higher than without wall connection. So wall connection is important in scaffoling systems. Footboard in the scaffolding systems is not effective against promotion of buckling load. Finally, the present study results will be used to design scaffolding systems safely in the construction sites.