In the construction industry, steel props and scaffolding are key elements to ensure construction safety and advance projects. Let’s explore the close relationship between the two.
1. Steel prop: stabilizing the building structure
Steel props are used in building structure construction to bear and transfer the upper load to prevent structural deformation and collapse. For example, in deep foundation pit construction, it supports the side walls of the foundation pit to resist soil pressure; in large basement construction, it is used to ensure the bearing capacity of the top plate.
Steel props are mostly made of high-strength steel, with good toughness, plasticity and weldability, and can be processed according to engineering requirements. During the design, engineers accurately calculate factors such as loads based on building structure standards, determine parameters such as cross-sectional size, material, spacing, etc., and earthquake-resistant areas also need to consider seismic forces.
2. Scaffolding: Assisting construction operations
Scaffolding provides a working platform for construction workers, which is convenient for wall laying, painting and other work, and can also stack materials. For example, in the decoration of the exterior walls of high-rise buildings, construction workers use its multi-layer platform to work at multiple angles.
Its materials are diverse, and steel pipe and portal scaffolding are common. Steel pipe scaffolding is highly versatile and low-cost, and is built by connecting rods with fasteners; portal scaffolding is easy to assemble and disassemble, and has a stable structure, which is suitable for projects with high progress requirements. Construction must be carried out according to safety standards, the site must be leveled and compacted, and the spacing between vertical poles, the step distance of horizontal bars, and the setting of wall connecting parts must be standardized to ensure stability and safety.
3. Collaboration: Function and construction complement each other
Functionally, steel props ensure structural stability, and scaffolding provides construction convenience. The two complement each other. During construction, such as the main structure of a high-rise building, steel props stabilize the structure, while scaffolding facilitates personnel operations. In the construction of large commercial complexes, steel supports are used for large-span spaces, and scaffolding serves internal and external decoration.
In terms of construction sequence, first install steel props to build the “skeleton”, and then build scaffolding according to the process and work surface. The two are closely connected, and any error in any link will affect the progress and quality of the project. For example, in the construction of a super-high-rise core tube, steel props first reinforce the vertical structure, and only after passing the test will scaffolding be built for subsequent operations.
4. Standardized demolition: ensuring safety
At the end of the project, the removal of steel props and scaffolding must follow a strict order. First, remove the scaffolding layer by layer from top to bottom to prevent local instability and clean up the components in time. After that, remove the steel props according to the structural force and design requirements, monitor the structural deformation during the removal, and unload them reasonably, such as using jacks to gradually unload the steel props under large transfer beams.
In short, steel props and scaffolding seem independent but are closely connected, which is crucial to construction projects. Understanding their relationship will help practitioners make reasonable decisions and improve project benefits. Do you have any unique experience in the project? Welcome to share.
