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

# Types of temporary construction

Building Technology · Chapter 8: Temporary construction

- Asked in: 2078 Baisakh, 2+6 marks; 2068 Baisakh (old course), 8 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [T1  Types of Temporary Works](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jby6bJd3BwI) — InstRE Sustainability Forum
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/temp-construction-types-sketch
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-8

## Question

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

## 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.

## Answer

**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.

```text
   Single scaffold        Double scaffold
   wall |  ledger         wall |  | ledger
   putlog==|--|           ---- |--|--|
        standard          standard x2
```

2. **Formwork (shuttering):** moulds of timber, plywood or steel that hold the wet concrete until it hardens (for footings, columns, beams, slabs).

```text
   column form: [ sheathing ]
     | yoke | yoke |   props & wedges
```

3. **Shoring:** temporary support to an unsafe wall or structure by raking, flying or dead shores.

```text
        wall plate
   wall |\ raker
```

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

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

6. **Centering:** temporary support for arches, vaults and domes.

7. **Dewatering/cofferdams** for foundation work in water.

## Check yourself

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

1. Temporary construction means:
   A. Structures kept permanently as part of the building
   B. Structures built for a limited period to help construct the permanent building and removed after use
   C. Only scaffolding
   D. Only the foundation
   Answer: B. Temporary works such as scaffolding, formwork and shoring are removed after serving their purpose. (Key point: Definition)

2. What is the function of formwork compared with scaffolding?
   A. Formwork supports unsafe walls; scaffolding strengthens foundations
   B. Formwork holds wet concrete in shape until it hardens; scaffolding gives a working platform at height
   C. Both strengthen foundations
   D. Formwork is permanent; scaffolding is temporary
   Answer: B. Formwork is the mould for wet concrete, while scaffolding is a platform for workers and materials. (Key point: Scaffolding vs formwork)

3. Centering is the temporary support for:
   A. Floors of tiles
   B. Arches, vaults and domes
   C. Trench sides
   D. Roof tiles
   Answer: B. Centering supports arches, vaults and domes during construction. (Key point: Centering)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Why temporary structures are used](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Awhy-temp-structures) — Building Technology, chapter 8
- [Temporary construction, types and requirements](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Atemp-construction-types-requirements) — 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
- [Types of temporary construction (list)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Atemp-construction-types-list) — Building Technology, chapter 8
- [Terminology used in stair construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Astair-terminology) — Building Technology, chapter 5
- [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×

## Related in other subjects

- [Equipment used in hydropower construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Ahydropower-equipment) — Construction Management, chapter 4
- [Polymers in building construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Apolymer-properties-uses-building) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 10, asked 2×
- [Building near river bank; stop construction?](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Abuilding-on-river-bank-flood) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 7
- [Typical damage patterns in masonry buildings](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fdesign_of_timber_and_masonry_structures%3Adamage-patterns-masonry-lateral-loads) — Design of Timber and Masonry Structures, chapter 6