With the rise of modern high-rise buildings, the use of cantilever scaffolding has become increasingly common. But how should supervisors inspect suspended scaffolding on-site, and what are the key aspects to focus on during inspection? Here, I’ll share my insights based on experience.
1. Prepare a Construction Plan for Suspended Scaffolding
If the cantilever scaffolding installation exceeds 20 meters in height, it is mandatory to organize an expert review according to regulations. The plan can only be implemented after obtaining approval from the supervising authority.
2. Quality Inspection of Suspended Scaffolding Components
All steel pipes, fasteners, and safety nets must come with quality assurance certificates. These components should be sent to a testing laboratory for re-examination. Common quality issues include discrepancies in the actual wall thickness of steel pipes and the weight of fasteners on site. Any components failing to meet specifications must be rejected.
3. Verify Qualifications of Installation Subcontractors
Ensure that the scaffolding installation subcontractors hold valid qualifications within the validity period. Additionally, check that scaffolders on site have the necessary job certificates for assembly work.
4. Inspect Embedded Components Before Concrete Pouring
The diameter of the U-shaped steel pull ring embedded in the main structure must comply with the approved design. A common issue is that the length of the embedded U-shaped pull ring exposed on the concrete surface is too short, leaving no room to install the top nut securely. The anchorage length, height of the I-beam, thickness of the angle steel, and thickness of the nut must all meet the specified requirements; otherwise, the setup is considered ineffective.
For proper reinforcement, two 18mm steel bars should be embedded in the concrete for the U-shaped pull ring (see Figures 1 and 2).
It’s common for the two U-shaped steel pull rings at the end of an I-beam to be misaligned or spaced improperly. Some construction teams simply space these pull rings evenly, which does not meet safety regulations.
5. Requirements for Cantilevered Steel Beams
Each scaffold pole should have a cantilevered I-beam installed longitudinally. The steel beam section’s height must be at least 160mm. The cantilever length should follow design specifications, with the fixed end typically being no less than 1.25 times the length of the cantilevered end.
Angle steel specifications for the U-shaped pull ring must comply with the approved plan and cannot be substituted with flat steel.
6. Steel Wire Rope Assembly Structure Requirements
The pre-embedded steel wire rope lifting ring should be nearly level with the steel beam and must not form a figure-eight shape. The lower end of the wire rope and the steel beam tie should be secured with a steel ring to prevent movement. Each end of the wire rope requires four rope clamps and a safety ring at the end. Additionally, the bearing distance at the wire rope’s end should generally be no less than 120mm.
7. Weld Seam Requirements
For components subject to heavy loads, slant supports must be included in the design. The specifications, weld quality, and weld length for slant support channel steel must meet all relevant standards.
8. Wall Connection Requirements
The installation of wall connection components must comply with the approved plans and specifications. Double-row cantilever scaffolding should have continuous wall components spanning at least “2 steps and 3 spans.”
9. Additional Requirements
Suspended scaffolding platforms should have bamboo mats laid in two layers, with the bottom layer fully enclosed to ensure safety.
Source: Architectural Technology Magazine
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