Construction Techniques for Integrated Attachable Elevating Scaffolding

                                            01 Technical Features and Principles

 

Main features of integrated attached climbing scaffolding:

① Integrated equipment with a simple structure that is easy to install and dismantle;

② Electric (or hydraulic) lifting with synchronized rapid ascent and mechanized fall protection;

③ High work efficiency, with a single lift of 4–5 m;

④ Intelligent control, featuring a proprietary remote control system;

⑤ Excellent synchronization performance, with integrated formwork that rises and lowers automatically.

Basic Principle of Integrated Attachable Lifting Scaffolding: A specially designed lifting mechanism is secured (attached) to the building. The scaffolding is connected to this lifting mechanism, allowing for relative movement. By operating the power unit mounted on the lifting mechanism, the scaffolding is raised or lowered, thereby enabling the scaffolding to ascend or descend.

The integrated self-climbing scaffolding system is assembled at ground level and operated at height; once assembled, it can be used throughout the entire project. The scaffolding's lifting mechanism is controlled by advanced microcomputer technology, making it simple and easy to operate. Its safety protection features include real-time load display, overload and underload protection, remote control for lifting, audible and visual alarms, and fault location indication.

 

                                           02 Construction Process and Key Operational Points

 

Taking electric lifting scaffolds as an example, the construction process for integrated attached lifting scaffolds primarily includes scaffold layout, scaffold assembly, electrical wiring installation, lifting and lowering of the scaffolds, and safety precautions.

(1) Scaffold Layout:

To coordinate with the structural flow construction, the lifting scaffolds are distributed according to the flow sections. The scaffolds are grouped and laid out reasonably to ensure that the groups correspond to the flow sections and that the group boundaries align with the flow section divisions. Group boundaries may appropriately extend across flow section divisions from the sections under construction first to those under construction later to facilitate safety protection. At the same time, the grouping of the scaffolding takes into account the balance of workload, ensuring that the number of bays in each group is roughly equal after grouping, thereby avoiding situations where some groups have too many or too few bays.

(2) Assembly of the Elevating Scaffold:

Once the main structure reaches a standard floor level, assembly of the scaffold begins. The assembly process is as follows: erect leveling scaffolds → install horizontal support trusses → install the main frame → erect the scaffold in tandem with the main structure construction → lay walkway decking → install safety netting and diagonal braces → install guide brackets → install the electrical control system → system commissioning → final inspection of the assembly.

(3) Installation of Power Distribution Lines:

Power distribution lines must be installed by licensed electricians in accordance with the design specifications. The third level of the scaffold serves as the electrical installation work platform. A main control box is installed at the end of each scaffold group, and a sub-control box is installed at each dual-tube suspension point on the main frame of each phase. Each electrical box must be protected against rain, impact, and contamination (or equipped with a dedicated protective enclosure). Install the cables by running them along the perimeter of the scaffold (using 25mm PVC conduit). When terminating the cables, ensure the wire colors match those of the wiring inside the electrical boxes, and allow an 8-meter excess at the junctions between scaffold sections to facilitate lifting operations.

(4) When raising or lowering the scaffold to the upper levels

the concrete strength of the wall structure to which the guide brackets are attached must be at least 10 MPa. The concrete strength of the structure on the second level from the top, used to secure the suspension brackets, must be at least 20 MPa. Necessary preparations must be made before raising or lowering the scaffold. Inspect the attachment of the scaffold joints; if any issues are found, correct them promptly, and use the scaffold only after the corrections have been verified as satisfactory

 

When raising or lowering the scaffolding, the following measures are taken to ensure synchronized movement of the structure:
1) The lifting power unit uses a chain electric hoist with minimal speed deviation. The hoist's power transmission is via a chain, ensuring clear and precise power transfer without slippage during operation. The electric hoist has a single-stroke lifting height of 8 m, a lifting capacity of 7.5 t, a hook speed of 14 cm/min, and a power rating of 500 W.

2) Remote control signals are used to automatically control the simultaneous start and stop of the electric hoists, ensuring that each hoist travels an equal distance.

3) When arranging the frame structure, the load ranges of the main frames in each phase are adjusted as much as possible to ensure balance, avoiding excessive weight variations between phases and uneven loading.

4) Load detection devices are installed at the lower lifting points of each phase to monitor load changes in real time. In the event of an anomaly, the power is automatically cut off and an alarm is triggered within the shortest possible time, ensuring synchronized operation at all points.

 

(5) Safety Protection:

The safety protection system for integrated attached climbing scaffolding consists of six components: work surface protection, bottom flip-up panels, guardrails, protection for gaps between the scaffold and the structure, toe boards, and inter-unit protection.

 

1) Work Surface Protection: The climbing scaffolding covers a total of five stories in height. The bottom sealing panel is flush with the floor level, and the top of the scaffold extends 1.5 meters above the construction floor level, meeting the required protection height.

2) Bottom Flap Protection: The bottom flap is installed in the gap between the bottom sealing scaffold board and the structural floor slab. The flap consists of multiple layers of board connected to the sealing board via hinges. During installation, the flap must be pressed against the sealing board; it must not be installed in a butt joint configuration with the sealing board. The flap width must be ≥300 mm, and after installation, the portion resting on the floor slab must be ≥100 mm wide, with the ends slightly raised. When secured to the wall, the flap should be raised at an angle of 45° to 60°. After each concrete pour, promptly inspect the bottom sealing plate for any concrete buildup. If concrete buildup is found, clean it thoroughly before the concrete begins to set to prevent the flap from becoming stuck and unable to move. When raising or lowering the scaffold, flip the flap up and temporarily secure it to the upright with wire so as not to interfere with the scaffold's movement.

3) Guardrails: Install one guardrail at the center of each level on the inner side of the outer vertical posts. Guardrails should be installed on the inner vertical posts at every level on the work surface where paving is taking place; they are not required on levels where paving has not yet begun. 4) Protection for Gaps Between the Scaffold and the Structure: The gap width between the scaffold's inner vertical posts and the structure is 400 mm, and 200 mm at the track. When paving the work surface, extend the small crossbars inward to a distance of approximately 150 mm from the structure; after paving, the work surface should be 150 mm to 200 mm away from the structure.