---
title: "Why temporary structures are used"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 8
key: "semester_6/building_technology:why-temp-structures"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/why-temp-structures
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Why temporary structures are used

Building Technology · Chapter 8: Temporary construction

- Asked in: 2079 Asoj, 3 marks
- Video: [what is temporary construction/shoring/scaffolding/formwork/underpinning/Temporary structures easy/](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTldfWUDrWI) — Civil eng.knowledge
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/why-temp-structures
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-8

## Question

Explain why temporary structures are used in building construction.

## Short answer

Temporary structures enable safe working at height via scaffolding, shape concrete through formwork until it gains strength, protect excavations with timbering, support weak structures during repairs using shoring/underpinning, provide speed and economy through reusable components, and ensure quality alignment and finish. They are removed once permanent work is self-supporting.

## Answer

Temporary structures are used because many building operations cannot be done safely or at all without them:

- **Safe working at height:** scaffolding gives masons and painters a stable platform.
- **Shaping concrete:** formwork gives the wet concrete its shape until it gains strength.
- **Protecting the excavation:** timbering prevents collapse of the trench sides and protects workers.
- **Supporting weak structures:** shoring and underpinning protect adjacent walls and buildings during excavation, repair or alteration.
- **Speed and economy:** formwork can be reused many times, scaffolds are cheap and removable.
- **Quality:** proper support gives correct alignment, level and finish of the work.

They are dismantled once the permanent work is complete and can bear its own load.

## Check yourself

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

1. Why is scaffolding used?
   A. To shape concrete
   B. To give masons and painters a stable, safe platform at height
   C. To support trench sides
   D. To deepen foundations
   Answer: B. Scaffolding provides a safe working platform at height. (Key point: Work at height)

2. Which gives speed and economy in temporary works?
   A. They are never removed
   B. Formwork can be reused many times
   C. They are made of gold
   D. They are built once only
   Answer: B. Reusable formwork and cheap removable scaffolds save time and cost. (Key point: Formwork reuse)

3. When are temporary structures dismantled?
   A. Before work starts
   B. Once permanent work is complete and can bear its own load
   C. Immediately after day one
   D. Never
   Answer: B. They are removed after the permanent work can carry its own load. (Key point: When removed)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Types of temporary construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Atemp-construction-types-sketch) — Building Technology, chapter 8, asked 2×
- [Types of temporary construction (list)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Atemp-construction-types-list) — 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
- [Terminology used in stair construction](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Astair-terminology) — Building Technology, chapter 5
- [Shoring and scaffolding, why used](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Ashoring-scaffolding-why) — Building Technology, chapter 8

## 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
- [Why bricks are widely used](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Awhy-bricks-widely-used) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 3, asked 3×