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Types of temporary construction

Short answer

Temporary construction comprises structures built only for the construction period. Key types are scaffolding (platforms for workers), formwork (concrete moulds), shoring (support for unsafe walls), underpinning (deepening foundations), timbering of trenches (side support), centering (arch support), and dewatering/cofferdams.

Define temporary construction in the building and explain the types of temporary construction used in buildings with necessary sketches.

Temporary construction means structures built only for a limited period to help the construction of a permanent building, and removed after use. Examples are scaffolding, formwork, shoring, underpinning and timbering of trenches.

Types

  1. Scaffolding: a platform at height for workers and materials. Types are single (brick layer's), double (mason's) and cantilever scaffold.
   Single scaffold        Double scaffold
   wall |  ledger         wall |  | ledger
   putlog==|--|           ---- |--|--|
        standard          standard x2
  1. Formwork (shuttering): moulds of timber, plywood or steel that hold the wet concrete until it hardens (for footings, columns, beams, slabs).
   column form: [ sheathing ]
     | yoke | yoke |   props & wedges
  1. Shoring: temporary support to an unsafe wall or structure by raking, flying or dead shores.
        wall plate
   wall |\ raker

  1. Underpinning: strengthening of an existing foundation by extending it to a deeper or firmer layer.

  2. Timbering of trenches (formwork for excavation): supports for the sides of a trench using poling boards, struts and walings.

  3. Centering: temporary support for arches, vaults and domes.

  4. Dewatering/cofferdams for foundation work in water.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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