Scaffolding and shuttering are pivotal innovations in modern construction. Scaffolding shuttering is used to provide robust support to concrete. It provides study support for workers at great heights and supports wet concrete while molding it into walls, pillars, and ceilings and laying the groundwork for seamless construction.
There are numerous benefits of scaffolding shuttering, from providing safety support to workers to preventing risks and accidents to smooth and seamless molding. Scaffolding shuttering saves a lot of time and is budget-friendly, too, which is something every contractor wants. Before we begin with the benefits you get, let us first understand what exactly scaffolding shuttering is.
What is Scaffolding and Its Purpose?
Scaffolding is the framework that supports workers during building construction, maintenance, or repair. This temporary support is usually made from steel, aluminum tubes, wood planks (Bamboo), fiberglass, and other sturdy composite materials that can support workers’ weight.
The primary purpose of scaffolding is to provide robust support and a platform in which workers can stand and perform tasks at heights that are not reachable. All the materials are temporarily assembled and cover the whole building. This framework is done in such a way that it would provide multiple platforms or levels for workers to stand and move freely without any risk.
Workers use scaffolding to reach different parts of buildings, like walls, ceilings, and even roofs. Scaffolding enables them to perform tasks like painting, plastering, or installing materials without falling. Once the construction is done, workers will disassemble the scaffolding.
In India, the most popular type of scaffolding is used for long bamboo sticks. These long sticks of Bamboo are tied tightly together with rope. Once they are safely secured, workers walk on these bamboo sticks while they work.
Types of Scaffolding
Here are some scaffolding types commonly seen and used in the construction sector.
- Steel Scaffolding
As its name suggests, this scaffolding is made of steel. It has steel pipes, horizontal (Beams) and vertical (columns), cross lings, and legs. Steel scaffolding is durable and robust, ideal for heavy-duty construction projects like Bridges.
- Aluminum Scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is lightweight yet solid and robust. This type of scaffolding is suitable for projects that need frequent movement and setup. Because of their lightness, they are easy to transport, carry, assemble, and disassemble. Aluminum scaffolding is very suitable for outdoor and indoor projects as they have high resistance against corrosion.
- Wood Scaffolding
Wood Scaffolding uses timber beams, planks, and poles for its framework. It is mainly used in small-scale projects or projects where steel and aluminum cannot be used. Wood Scaffolding is cost-effective and quick to assemble and disassemble. This type of scaffolding is mainly used in small building construction, repairs, or renovations. With proper care and maintenance, timbre can be recycled, extending its longevity.
What is Shuttering and Its Purpose?
If scaffolding is a temporary framework, then shuttering is a temporary formwork. It is used to support and mold wet concrete into intricate shapes. They are only removed when the concrete is hardened and has enough strength to support its weight and any imposed loads.
The primary purpose of shuttering is to hold and prevent any leakage of wet concrete. It is used to set the freshly poured concrete into the desired mold. This ensures that damp concrete has a smooth and precise finish after it dries, which is vital for aesthetics.
Wet concrete is typically left for 24 to 72 hours to set. Once the concrete gains enough self-support and strength, the shuttering formwork is carefully dismantled and removed without causing any damage to the smooth concrete surface.
Types of Shuttering
Here are the various shuttering types, such as wood, plywood, and metal shuttering, and their benefits in construction.
- Wood / Timber shuttering
Wood shuttering is one of contractors ‘ most commonly used shuttering methods because of its ease of availability, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness. This type of shuttering is very suitable for molding and creating various designs, shapes, and sizes. At the same time, boards and planks are cut to the needed size and assembled to form the mold or framework before pouring fresh concrete into it.
- Plywood Shuttering
Plywood Shuttering offers a smooth finish and can withstand the pressure of concrete. Compared to solid wood, plywood provides more durability and strength than is needed to support concrete. That plywood shuttering is weightless, easy to use, and easy to assemble and dismantle. In addition, plywood shuttering can also be cut into required shapes and sizes. Also, plywood shuttering can be reused multiple times depending on quality and care.
- Metal Shuttering
Metal shuttering is made using materials like steel or aluminum. Steel and aluminum are known for their durability, reusability, and precision, thus making them suitable for constructing complex structures.
Metal shuttering is mainly used in projects requiring high precision and high-quality finishes. Metal and steel shuttering are capable of holding heavy weights. The best part about using metal shuttering is that it is less prone to damage than other shuttering methods (wood and plywood). One of the prime advantages of using metal shuttering is that it can be reused for a certain amount of time. This feature enables a reduction in overall project costs and expenses.
The best example where metal shuttering is used is during the construction of bridges, high-rise buildings, and infrastructure projects.
Cost of Scaffolding and Shuttering
Prices of scaffolding and shuttering rely on several factors, such as material, quality, quantity, and location.
Scaffolding Costs:
- Steel: ₹200 to ₹40,000 per piece, depending on thickness, diameter, and material grade.
- Aluminum: ₹15,000 to ₹28,000 per piece, depending on material grade and dimensions. Aluminum scaffolding is weightless and easy to carry but is more expensive than steel.
- Wood: ₹100 to ₹12,000 per piece, depending on material, size and quality. Wood Scaffolding is easy to use and cost-effective; it requires frequent maintenance and replacement.
Shuttering Costs:
- Timber: ₹100 to ₹2,000 per piece, depending on size, thickness, and quality. It is comparatively less expensive but has a high cost when it comes to labor.
- Plywood: ₹200 to ₹3,000 per piece, depending on thickness and quality.
- Metal: ₹500 to ₹2,000 per piece, depending on whether the metal is galvanized and its thickness. Metal shuttering is durable and can be used multiple times, but its initial cost is slightly higher.
The prices may vary depending on the material, thickness, and weight capacity, etc.
Additional costs that you may have to pay are:
- Labor costs.
- Transportation cost.
- Safety equipment costs.
Benefits of Scaffolding and Shuttering in Construction
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Provides Safety and Stability
Scaffolding provides a safe platform for workers to work on. It also ensures they can easily access all parts of buildings to perform various tasks. For example, workers working in tall buildings like Mumbai can reach every corner of the building without putting themselves in danger and risk.
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Enhances Efficiency
Both scaffolding and shuttering help workers complete their tasks efficiently. While scaffolding allows them to move material and equipment quickly, shuttering will enable them to achieve a flawless finish.
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Offers Support
Shuttering, for example, can support and carry the weight of wet concrete till it’s dried and can support itself independently. On the other hand, scaffolding supports workers to complete their work hassle-free.
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Ensure Precise and Accurate Construction
Shuttering sets wet concrete precisely and accurately according to its shape and size. It also reduces the need to work on the concrete after removing the shuttering for a seamless touch. Alternatively, scaffolding allows workers to align walls and floors precisely, ensuring the construction remains robust, straight, and not crooked.
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Save a Lot of Time and Money.
Both scaffolding and shuttering cut down a lot of time and cost that would have ideally taken. For example, scaffolding helps workers reach every inch of the building or monument without damaging it, thus saving extra cost and time. Similarly, shuttering saves time for workers to achieve a flawless finish.
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It is Flexible
Both scaffolding and shuttering are very flexible and can be turned into any shape and size. They can also be adjusted to any height according to the needs.
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Environment-friendly
Certain materials used in scaffolding and shuttering can be reused and recycled. For instance, metal scaffolding and shuttering can be reused again for a certain period.
Conclusion
Scaffolding and shuttering play vital roles in today’s rapidly growing construction industry. They provide essential support and safety to workers, which helps mold and set concrete structures. Scaffolding materials like steel, wood, and aluminum help workers reach difficult areas without compromising their safety. Shuttering, on the other hand, ensures that wet concrete, when poured, is shaped and held securely until it hardens.
With various scaffolding and shuttering materials available, contractors have multiple options, the most suitable choice for their specific needs. Overall, scaffolding and shuttering offer budge-friendly and cost-effective solutions that are much needed.
