The Role of Scaffolding Hire in Formwork and Construction Projects
Construction projects often encounter several challenges, necessitating detailed planning to prioritise worker safety and efficiency. A critical component in this endeavor is scaffolding, a temporary structure designed to provide secure and stable access to different levels of the structure under construction. In this article, the leading scaffolding hire company, Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork, would like to expand on the importance of access solutions and formwork and how these elements are often used together to create monolithic structures that make up the architectural landscape.
Why Quality Formwork and Scaffolding Hire Makes a Difference
Before embarking on any builds, you need to ensure that both formwork and scaffolding are sourced from a reputable company, such as Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork. Many construction companies opt for shuttering and scaffolding hire as they can engage with experts who can assist in selecting the most suitable options for a project. As these services are supported by regular maintenance processes, inspections, and continuous research in the latest construction support trends, you can be assured of concrete and worker support components that are durable, reliable, cost-effective, and above all, structurally sound.
The “Trifactor” Needed for a Successful Build
Modern construction relies on three basic elements for a successful build, namely formwork, scaffold towers, and falsework:
- Formwork
Made from steel, these temporary moulds are used to hold poured concrete until it has hardened and cured. Formwork is a fundamental part of construction as it forms the structural elements of a building or structure such as walls, columns, and beams. It also has to be strong enough to bear varying load capacities during casting operations. - Scaffold Towers
Worker safety should always be at the forefront of any building project that is undertaken, and modular scaffold towers are relied upon to provide stable and secure working platforms at elevated levels. These structurally sound access solutions need to be able to support workers, materials, and tools safely. Whether erected for construction, maintenance, or renovation projects; static or mobile, scaffolding hire allows workers to gain access to hard-to-reach places. - Falsework
As a temporary structure, falsework is designed to support a permanent structure throughout the construction process. It serves to maintain stability and ensure the safety of onsite workers. The primary function of falsework is to bear the weight of the structure under construction until it can self-support. Specialised engineers with expertise in structural analysis typically design and install falsework.
Falsework in Superstructures
The synergistic relationship between formwork and scaffolding allows builders to stabilise and support newly poured concrete forms. As a temporary structure, falsework must have the strength to sufficiently withstand the weight of the wet concrete, construction equipment, and workers, as well as support the forms. Scaffolding is often erected next to or directly underneath formwork, assisting in supporting the shuttering whilst maintaining stability at elevated heights, which is achieved through the use of base jacks, wedges, and diagonal braces, to name a few. After the formwork has been cast, the falsework must be capable of gradual removal and lowering.
A prime example of the use of falsework is the construction of superstructures, such as bridges. What falsework does is facilitate the transfer of structural loads, directly or indirectly, to the underlying soil or foundation. This is accomplished through integrated frame supports or scaffolding positioned beneath the bridge’s steel framework girders. This allows the girders to be supported and the construction crew to gain access above the girders safely to complete the formwork.
Ensuring Success by Partnering with Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork
By partnering with Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork, you are aligning your interests with more than just a scaffolding hire company; you are ensuring the successful completion of your project. We understand that every construction project is different and offer bespoke scaffold hire packages for the length of a build, maintenance, or renovation project. Our years of experience and extensive knowledge of the industry made us realise that more than access solutions are required for successful construction, and we extended our services to include end-to-end project management consultancy. Visit our about us page for more details.
This means that we can successfully reduce floor-to-floor construction with our tailored formwork options for slabs, beams, columns, and staircases, to name a few. Cast on-site by skilled labour and used together with our suggested choice of scaffold tower, whether you are building a bridge or a high-rise office complex, you are guaranteed superior quality formwork and falsework.
Consult with the Leading Scaffold Hire Company
Let our team at Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork assist you with tailored scaffolding hire and formwork solutions to suit your specific project requirements. Even though we specialise in the assembly, dismantling, and modification of access systems, our formwork has been integral in the completion of numerous builds. For expert advice and top-tier scaffolding, contact us.