---
title: "Parts of scaffolding"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 8
key: "semester_6/building_technology:scaffolding-parts"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/scaffolding-parts
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Parts of scaffolding

Building Technology · Chapter 8: Temporary construction

- Asked in: 2079 Jestha, 4 marks; 2078 Poush, 4 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Scaffolding & Component Parts of Scaffolding | Building Construction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2eGf4_dVOg) — SGK Online Education
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/scaffolding-parts
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-8

## Question

List the parts of scaffolding with suitable sketch.

## Short answer

Scaffolding parts include vertical standards carrying load to ground, horizontal ledgers parallel to wall, putlogs at right angles resting on ledgers and wall, diagonal braces for stability, guard rails and toe boards for safety, working platform boards on putlogs, base plates to spread load, and ties/clamps connecting scaffold to structure and members.

## Answer

**Scaffolding** is a temporary framework of timber, bamboo or steel erected beside a building so that workers and materials can be placed at height while the structure is built, repaired or cleaned.

#### Parts of scaffolding
- **Standards (uprights):** vertical posts that carry the load to the ground, 1.5-2.4 m apart.
- **Ledgers:** horizontal members parallel to the wall joining the standards.
- **Putlogs (transoms):** horizontal members at right angles to the wall; one end rests on the ledger and the other in the wall.
- **Braces:** diagonal members for stability (facade and cross braces).
- **Guard rails and toe boards:** at the edge for safety.
- **Boards/planks:** the working platform, on putlogs.
- **Base plates (sole plates):** spread load on the ground.
- **Ties and clamps/couplers:** connect scaffold to the structure and members to each other.

```text
    guard rail ----------------------
     toe board        board on putlogs
        |     putlog  ___|____
   wall |   ----|----|  ledger
   wall |          | |
   wall |   brace /  | standard
   wall |        /   |
   _____|______/_____|_____
            base plate
```

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What are standards in a scaffold?
   A. Horizontal members parallel to the wall
   B. Vertical posts that carry the load to the ground
   C. Diagonal members
   D. Boards of the platform
   Answer: B. Standards (uprights) are the vertical posts transferring load to the ground. (Key point: Standards)

2. Which statement is correct?
   A. Ledgers run at right angles to the wall; putlogs run parallel
   B. Ledgers run parallel to the wall; putlogs run at right angles with one end on the ledger and the other in the wall
   C. Both run vertically
   D. Both are diagonal
   Answer: B. Ledgers join standards parallel to the wall; putlogs span from ledger to wall. (Key point: Ledgers vs putlogs)

3. What is the purpose of guard rails and toe boards?
   A. To spread load on the ground
   B. To brace the scaffold diagonally
   C. To give edge safety on the platform
   D. To connect scaffold to the wall
   Answer: C. Guard rails and toe boards at the edge protect workers and prevent materials falling. (Key point: Safety parts)