About Scaffolding

The provision of access for construction by scaffolding is an intrinsic part of nearly all construction types. Although usually temporary, a scaffold is a major structure that must be designed to provide a safe platform withstanding significant loads with acceptable serviceability.

A scaffold must also be able to be erected and demounted quickly and safely using cheap, re-usable modular components - much creative energy has gone into the design of scaffold systems.

How the ACCI can Help In Australia and New Zealand the performances of various types of scaffold are described in the parts of the relevant standard, AS/NZS 1576. The ACCI has had 12 years of experience in the structural testing of scaffolding for use in the Australian market. The centre has conducted proof and destructive tests according to the methods described in AS/NZS 1576 for the conventional systems described in the standard. The ACCI has also applied the test philosophy of AS/NZS 1576 and the more general construction standards to test a range of more unconventional designs from the lightest duty domestic access platforms to heavy steel shoring systems and pedestrian hordings. Types of Testing and Services we Offer

At its Randwick Laboratory, the ACCI has a range equipment for the application of load to structures and the assessment of their response. All testing is reported in detail with images, tabulated results,comments and recommendations where appropriate.

For conventional scaffolds such as steel tube and coupler, aluminium towers, frame assemblies etc. the ACCI can conduct the range of tests specified in AS1576. parts1and 3 with a view to certification of the scaffold and its acceptance by Workcover. Individual components, can be tested as specified in part 2 of the standard and certified. Planks and guardrails are also tested.

For new scaffold systems whose design fall outside those specified by the standard, a programme of tests can be drawn up which draws upon the principles of the standard to test for the load condition envisaged by the designer.