Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The construction of an independent scaffold for a storey building is a critical aspect of ensuring safety and efficiency during the construction process. This research project focuses on developing a comprehensive guide for constructing an independent scaffold that meets the specific requirements of a storey building. The scaffold design takes into consideration factors such as building height, load capacity, materials, and safety regulations. The research methodology involves a detailed analysis of existing scaffold designs and construction practices to identify best practices and potential improvements. Through a combination of literature review, case studies, and expert interviews, the project aims to gather valuable insights into the key considerations and challenges associated with constructing an independent scaffold for storey buildings. The scaffold design process will involve selecting suitable materials such as steel or aluminum tubes, couplers, boards, and safety components. The design will be tailored to the unique requirements of a storey building, including the need for adequate support at each level, stability against wind loads, and ease of access for workers and materials. Safety is a paramount concern in scaffold construction, and the project will place a strong emphasis on compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations. This includes ensuring proper installation, regular inspections, and adherence to load capacity limits. The scaffold design will incorporate safety features such as guardrails, toe boards, and fall protection systems to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Efficiency is another key focus area of the project, with the aim of optimizing the scaffold design to streamline the construction process and improve productivity. This includes considering factors such as ease of assembly, reusability of components, and compatibility with construction equipment. Overall, the construction of an independent scaffold for a storey building is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful planning, design, and implementation. By developing a comprehensive guide based on best practices and expert insights, this research project aims to provide valuable guidance for construction professionals and stakeholders involved in building storey structures.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1         BACKGROUND OF STUDY

A scaffold is a temporary frame structures that aids building works or workers to carry out construction work at a height that their hands may not reach when standing on the ground. It may also be defined as a temporary frame structure from which persons can gain access to place of work in order to carry out building operations (Chudley & Greeno, 1999). Scaffolds consist mainly of working platforms, ladder, guard rails and standards. A scaffold can be made up of tabular steel, tabular aluminum or wood. Scaffold provides support to the workers and permanent structures during its erection and until it become self supporting (Osman et al, 1998; Elkink, 2005).

There are basically two forms of scaffolding, namely putlog (dependent) and independent scaffolds.

Putlog scaffold consist of single row of standards or uprights set away from the wall at a distances which will accommodate the required width of the working platform. The standards are joined together with the ledgers and are tied to the building with putlogs.

Independent scaffolds have two rows of standards which are tied by cross member called transoms. The scaffold does not rely upon the building for support. In this work, the independent scaffold will not be fabricated for a three (3) storey. Tabular steel members will be used for the fabrication.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Working at a height above 1.5 meters is a major problem in the construction industry. The quest to solve this problem has led to the need for a solution to the problem is the use of scaffold. Also, the construction and understanding of the working principles of a scaffold is an important aspect of Civil Engineering practice. It is therefore important that scaffold be fabricated and use to teach the students on the construction techniques, Working principles and parts (components) of a scaffold and at the same scan use to provide training/entrepreneurial development studies for those carrying out vocational study in scaffold.

1.3 AIMS/OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main purpose of this fabrication is to construct a tabular steel independent scaffold for a three (3) storey building. The specific objectives include:

1. Provision of scaffold for teaching in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Departments and other Entrepreneurship Development services.
2. Provide scaffold that can generate revenue for the institution.
3. Provide the required equipment as prescribed by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for accreditation of Engineering programmers at both ND and HND levels.

1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY

The scope of study will include:

1. Selecting and purchasing of scaffold accessories and metal parts.
2. Construction of the independent scaffold.

iii.           Installation/Erection of the scaffold.

1. Drawing of the scaffold.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study are:

1. Provision of necessary skill and knowledge of scaffold fabrication.
2. Provision of practical tools/Equipment for scaffolding training and NBTE accreditation in the department.