1. Introduction to Ring-lock Scaffolding

As an upgraded generation following cup-lock scaffolding, ring-lock scaffolding is also known as rosette scaffolding, disc-lock scaffolding or pan-lock scaffolding. Each circular plate is pre-drilled with 8 holes in total: 4 smaller holes are reserved for ledger connections, while the remaining 4 larger holes are designed exclusively for diagonal brace mounting. (Illustration caption: Side View of Double-row Ring-lock Steel Tube Scaffolding, with annotated parts: Wall Ties, Standards (Vertical Poles), Ledgers (Horizontal Bars), Diagonal Braces; 2000×300mm Rectangular Interception Ditch for Water Blocking, horizontal spacing of 900mm for each scaffolding bay)

   

1.1 Classification and Product Specifications

In accordance with Safety Technical Code for Construction of Insert-type Ring-lock Steel Tube Scaffolding (JGJ/T231 - 2021), ring-lock scaffolding falls into two primary categories:

Type B (Standard Series, 48 Series): It adopts standards with an outer diameter of 48.3mm, which is well-suited for residential building construction, decoration and renovation work, as well as stage lighting support frameworks.

Type Z (Heavy-duty Series, 60 Series): Equipped with standards measuring 60.3mm in outer diameter, this variant is mainly deployed for heavy-load formwork support in bridge construction projects.

From the perspective of standard connection mechanisms, two connection patterns are available: outer sleeve connection and inner connector rod connection. The 60 heavy-duty series generally applies inner connector rod connections, whereas the 48 standard series mostly utilizes outer sleeve connections.

1.2 Core Advantages

Superior Technical Performance

The rosette-based connection design follows mainstream international engineering standards. Load forces are centrally transferred through disc nodes, delivering far superior structural stability compared to traditional scaffolding products. Manufactured from Q345 low-alloy high-strength structural steel, its material strength reaches 1.5 to 2 times that of ordinary Q235 carbon steel pipes.

Hot-dip Galvanized Anti-corrosion Treatment

Key structural components receive internal and external hot-dip galvanizing processing. This anti-corrosion treatment lengthens service life considerably, alongside improved structural safety and surface aesthetics.

Outstanding Cost-effectiveness

Taking the heavy-duty 60-series support system as an example, a single 5-meter-long standard holds an allowable load capacity of 10.3 tons at a safety factor of 2, with an ultimate failure load hitting 22 tons - the bearing performance is 2 to 3 times higher than that of conventional scaffolding counterparts.

 

1.3 Components of the Support System

The full ring-lock scaffolding assembly consists of three sets of component categories:

Basic Components

Standards (Vertical Poles)

Ledgers (Horizontal Bars)

Diagonal Braces

Positioning Rods

Base Jacks

Adjustable U-head Jacks (Top Jacks)

Node Connection Parts

Rosette Discs

Ledger Cast Heads

Diagonal Brace Cast Heads

Lock Wedges / Lock Plates

Special Auxiliary Elements

Steel Walk Boards

Access Staircases

Steel Trusses

Cantilever Tripod Brackets

Reinforced Steel Knee Braces

Aluminum Alloy Beams

2. Pre-construction Preparation

2.1 Site Survey

Comprehensive site assessments must be completed prior to construction covering three major aspects:

Geological Conditions: Investigate soil types and ground bearing capacity to guarantee stable foundation conditions for the scaffolding structure.

Surrounding Site Environment: Identify surrounding obstacles including overhead high-voltage power lines and underground pipeline networks in advance.

Climatic Factors: Check meteorological forecasts throughout the construction period, and work out contingency plans for harsh weather such as strong winds, heavy rainfall and snowfall.

2.2 Material Preparation and Quality Control Criteria

Required Primary Materials

Core structural members of ring-lock scaffolding: standards, ledgers, diagonal braces and other main bars

Fastening accessories: couplers, bolts and other connecting hardware

Fall protection facilities: safety mesh panels, toe boards, construction warning signage and other protective supplies

Strict Quality Specifications

Steel pipes must be free from cracks, deep dents and severe rusting; butt-welded steel pipes are prohibited from use.

Steel tubes need to keep straight alignment, with permissible straightness deviation capped at 1.5L/1000 (L = total pipe length), and flat-cut pipe ends are mandatory.

Casted fittings must feature smooth surfaces, without sand holes, air bubbles, shrinkage cavities or casting cracks.

Stamped metal parts cannot retain sharp burrs, cracks or thick oxide scale on surfaces.

Weld seams shall be full and dense with qualified effective weld height; defects such as incomplete penetration, weld slag inclusions and weld undercut are not acceptable.

Adjustable base jacks and U-head jacks require paint coating or cold galvanization, while all primary scaffolding tubular members need hot-dip galvanized surface treatment.

Legible manufacturer branding should be printed on all main spare parts.

2.3 Preparatory Technical Work Before Erection

The following preparatory technical procedures must be finished ahead of construction:

Conduct detailed reviews of construction drawings to get familiar with scaffolding layout and erection specifications

Draft dedicated construction schemes that clarify erection sequences, operation methodologies and all safety precautions

Hold formal technical briefing sessions to communicate scheme details and technical requirements to all on-site construction crews

3. Scaffolding Erection Procedures

3.1 Standard Erection Workflow

Strictly stick to the step-by-step erection workflow below to secure structural reliability and construction safety:

Site Ground Preparation: Clear the construction zone, flatten and compact the ground, and clear away all obstacles within the erection footprint.

Material Pre-check: Inspect all components for completeness and intact condition, and arrange required hand tools as well as auxiliary construction supplies.

Base Jack Installation: Position adjustable base jacks at layout-marked spots, then calibrate horizontal leveling with spirit levels.

Standard Mounting: Insert vertical standards firmly into pre-installed base jacks, making sure vertical perpendicularity meets design tolerances.

Ledger Fixation: Install horizontal ledgers following specified design spacing and fasten all nodal connections tightly.

Diagonal Brace Placement: Fit diagonal bracing members at designated positions to reinforce the lateral rigidity of the scaffolding frame.

Walk Board Laying: Lay steel walk boards across installed ledgers, and fasten planks securely with binding wires or heavy-duty straps.

Perimeter Safety Installation: Mount safety nets, access safety gates, guardrails and other perimeter protective structures.

 

  

3.2 Breakdown of Critical Erection Steps

Placement and Calibration of Base Jacks

Lay adjustable base jacks accurately according to pre-marked layout lines.

Rotate adjusting nuts to level all base jacks onto the same horizontal plane.

For formwork support systems, the exposed threaded segment of adjustable base jacks shall not exceed 300mm in length.

Initial Standard Installation and Ground-level Ledger Arrangement

Fit the sleeve end of starter standards down onto adjusted base jacks, ensuring the bottom rim sits fully within the groove of adjustable nuts for proper load distribution.

Install ground-level ledgers by inserting ledger cast heads into smaller openings on rosette discs, drive lock wedges through disc holes for rigid locking.

Hammered wedge locks need to achieve self-locking status; each locked connection shall deliver a minimum pull-out resistance of 3kN.

The clearance from ground-level ledgers to the underlying ground cannot exceed 550mm.

Assembly of Upper Standards and Regular Ledgers

Nest the longer end of successive standards into starter standard sleeves, verify full insertion into sleeve bottoms via dedicated inspection openings.

Mount subsequent tiers of ledgers at design spacing, and fully hammer lock wedges to lock nodal joints.

The maximum permitted standalone height of ring-lock formwork support is 24 meters; customized redesign is mandatory for taller support frameworks.

Installation Rules for Diagonal Bracing Members

If formwork support height stays within 8 meters, maximum vertical step spacing is restricted to 1.5 meters.

Vertical diagonal braces must be fitted on every floor of the outermost bays along all four outer elevations of the scaffolding frame.

Continuous vertical bracing is compulsory for both the bottommost and topmost horizontal tiers of the entire frame assembly.

Within the inner scaffolding zone, vertical diagonal braces or cross X-braces spanning from base to top should be arranged longitudinally and transversely at intervals of no more than 5 bays.

All diagonal braces must be assembled following a uniform rotational orientation (either clockwise or counter-clockwise), seated into larger rosette holes and locked securely by tapping lock wedges.

 

   

Top U-head Jack Installation Guidelines

Insert threaded shafts of U-shaped top jacks into hollow vertical standards, turn adjustment nuts to reach pre-planned elevations.

For formwork supports, the cantilever extension of adjustable top jacks beyond the uppermost horizontal ledger is limited to 650mm at maximum.

The exposed threaded portion of top jack shafts cannot go beyond 400mm.

The insertion depth of adjustable top jacks inside vertical standards shall be no less than 150mm.

3.3 Post-installation Quality Inspection Checklist

Perform comprehensive acceptance checks after erection work:

Confirm vertical deviation of standards and horizontal flatness of all ledger rows fall within allowable tolerance ranges

Verify all nodal connections are tightly fastened without loose joints or deformed components

Check placement angles and mounting positions of diagonal bracing against design drawings

Assess flat laying quality and fastening status of all walkboard sections

Confirm all perimeter safety installations are fully fitted and compliant with construction codes

4. Daily Operation and Maintenance Guidelines

4.1 Operational Regulations

All site workers must master official operation specifications before using erected scaffolding.

Carry out periodic integrity inspections both before daily usage and after construction shifts to detect worn bars and loose connectors promptly.

Erection and subsequent dismantling work must strictly follow approved design schemes, adhering to the bottom-up erecting principle.

4.2 Routine Maintenance Practices

Maintain dry scaffolding surfaces through regular debris cleaning to prevent standing water build-up and accelerated metallic corrosion.

Re-tighten loosened fasteners and nodal wedges during recurring inspection rounds.

Apply periodic lubrication treatments to movable mechanical fittings including casters and pulley assemblies.

4.3 Troubleshooting and Emergency Response

Immediately halt all scaffolding operations once structural defects are spotted. Diagnose underlying root causes and implement targeted repair measures. Prepare detailed emergency protocols covering orderly staff evacuation, site lockdown and formal rescue coordination workflows.

5. Scaffolding Dismantling Work

5.1 Standard Dismantling Procedure

Formulate a tailored dismantling plan that defines dismantling sequences, practical working approaches and complete safety safeguards.

Carry out pre-job preparation: inspect dismantling tools, distribute required personal protective gear and place accessible fire-fighting equipment on-site.

Execute dismantling from higher sections downwards in successive horizontal layers, removing upper structural tiers prior to lower base portions.

Conduct final acceptance checks to ensure every scaffolding part and connecting fitting has been fully detached with no leftover structural hazards.

5.2 Key Safety Precautions During Dismantling

Prioritize workplace safety with full adherence to standardized dismantling protocols at all stages.

Erect temporary protective canopies and demarcate warning buffer zones to prevent falling dismantled components from hurting passers-by.

Assign an adequate workforce for dismantling tasks alongside dedicated on-site safety supervisors.

Adopt dust suppression and noise mitigation measures to minimize adverse construction impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

5.3 Post-dismantling Component Management

Sort dismantled pipes, connectors and construction tools neatly across designated storage zones after site clearance.

Screen removed scaffolding parts thoroughly; set aside bent, cracked or heavily rusted pieces for dedicated reconditioning or disposal.

Carry out protective maintenance for reusable hardware and tubular components to preserve good working condition for future projects.

Archive all dismantling inspection logs, photos and construction documentation for long-term project records.

6. Comprehensive Safety Protection Measures

6.1 Permanent On-site Protective Installations

Install perimeter guardrails measuring a minimum height of 1.2 meters along outer scaffolding edges.

Fix heavy-duty safety mesh on scaffold side panels and bottom underlayers to mitigate falling hazards of construction materials and personnel.

Mount solid toe boards around every working level to stop small tools and construction debris from tumbling down.

Post highly visible hazard warning placards and safety notices at all accessible scaffolding entry points.

 

     

6.2 Core Rules for Safe Field Operations

Reject defective scaffolding fittings outright and conduct pre-erection quality audits for all incoming batches of parts.

Follow code-mandated erection dimensions and bracing layouts to achieve rigid, stable overall framing.

Never overload scaffolding platforms by stacking excessive construction supplies or arranging overly dense worker loads.

Establish recurring scheduled inspection cycles to sustain long-term operational safety throughout the whole construction timeline.

6.3 Emergency Handling for Common Construction Accidents

Falls from Height: Suspend ongoing work instantly, deliver prompt first aid to injured workers and notify relevant construction regulatory departments without delay.

Struck-by Falling Object Incidents: Evacuate nearby staff out of hazardous zones rapidly, administer medical aid to casualties and submit formal incident reports.

Scaffolding Collapse Crises: Launch organized personnel evacuation first, treat wounded parties urgently and take containment steps to prevent secondary structural collapses.

Electrocution Hazards: Cut off connected power sources as the primary step, provide medical rescue for affected workers and put preventive measures in place to stop follow-up electrical risks.

 

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