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

# Types of scaffolding

Building Technology · Chapter 8: Temporary construction

- Asked in: 2070 Magh
- Video: [Types of Scaffolding | Scaffolding | Building Construction | Civil Engineering](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_2ZDfWLtN4) — 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-types
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-8

## Question

Define scaffolding. Describe the types of scaffolding with necessary sketches.

## Short answer

Scaffolding is a temporary framework of timber, bamboo or steel erected to support workers and materials at height during construction. Types include single (brick layer's) with one row of standards, double (mason's) with two rows, cantilever with projecting needles, suspended, trestle, steel tubular, and patented.

## 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.

#### Types of scaffolding
**1. Single (brick layer's) scaffold:** A single row of standards is placed 1.2-1.5 m from the wall, joined by ledgers. Putlogs rest on the ledgers at one end and are fixed in the wall holes at the other end. Used in brick masonry.

```text
  wall |           ledger
  wall |--putlog---|---
  wall |           |
  wall |         standard
  wall |           |
```

**2. Double (mason's) scaffold:** Two rows of standards, the first 20-30 cm from the wall, the second about 1.2-1.5 m away, joined by ledgers and putlogs resting on the two ledgers. Used for stone masonry, where holes cannot be made in the wall.

```text
  wall | std  ledger  std
  wall | |=putlog=====| |
  wall | |            | |
  wall | |  braces X  | |
```

**3. Cantilever scaffold:** Needles projecting out of the wall (through holes) carry the platform, with struts. Used when the ground is unsuitable for standards.

**4. Suspended scaffold:** A platform hangs from the roof by ropes or chains, raised and lowered. Used for painting and repairs.

**5. Trestle scaffold:** Movable platform on ladders or trestles; for inside work up to 5 m.

**6. Steel (tubular) scaffold:** Steel tubes with couplers; strong, fast to assemble, re-usable and used for high buildings.

**7. Patented scaffold:** Manufactured frames with special couplings.

## Check yourself

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

1. In a single scaffold, putlogs:
   A. Rest on two ledgers
   B. Rest on ledger at one end and in wall holes at the other
   C. Hang from roof
   D. Are not used
   Answer: B. Single scaffold has a single row of standards and putlogs fixed in the wall. (Key point: Single scaffold)

2. A suspended scaffold is used for:
   A. Foundations
   B. Stone masonry
   C. Trench work
   D. Painting and repairs, hanging from the roof by ropes or chains
   Answer: D. Its platform hangs from the roof and can be raised and lowered. (Key point: Suspended scaffold)

3. Why is tubular steel scaffold favoured for high buildings?
   A. It needs wall holes
   B. Cheap timber
   C. It is permanent
   D. Strong, fast to assemble and re-usable
   Answer: D. Steel tubes with couplers are strong, quick and reusable. (Key point: Steel scaffold)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Cantilever scaffolding with sketches](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Acantilever-scaffolding-sketch) — Building Technology, chapter 8
- [Why temporary construction; single and double scaffolding](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Ascaffolding-single-double) — Building Technology, chapter 8
- [Why joints are necessary; expansion joint](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Ajoints-why-expansion) — Building Technology, chapter 10, asked 2×