Tube and clamp scaffold

Tube and clamp scaffold (commonly called tube and coupler scaffold) is a versatile type of scaffold consisting of steel tubes and clamps. Vertical tubes are connected to horizontal tubes via right angle clamps. Diagonal tubes are periodically connected to the scaffold via swivel clamps in order to stabilize the scaffold.

This type of scaffold is generally used where unlimited versatility is required. In many countries, it is common in construction. Horizontal tubes (and thus walking-decks) can be placed at any height along the vertical tube (as permitted by engineering constraints), and vertical tubes, or legs, can be spaced at any distance apart, up to the maximum distance allowed by engineering constraints.

Tube and coupler scaffolding is highly used on account of its low cost. Despite technological developments within the construction industry, this tried and tested method remains low cost and highly reliable^[1]

Tube and clamp is among the most labor-intensive of all scaffolding applications, and is therefore generally used only when high capacity, unlimited adaptability and versatility are needed.

This type of scaffold is popular in North American nuclear power plants.

References

UK Health & Safety Executive Scaffold Checklist

Types of Tube and Coupler Scaffold Fittings

External links

• OSHA: A Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry