Archaeologists have found evidence of scaffolding dating back 17 000 years, reaffirming the vital role that these revolutionary access solutions have in today’s construction, maintenance, and renovation industries. Combining the building blocks of centuries ago with modern components has allowed us at Disc-O-Scaff to provide scaffolding equipment for sale that is more adaptable and durable.

A Look at Kwikstage Scaffolding

Kwikstage scaffolding is regarded as the most widely used scaffolding, presenting commercial and industrial projects with access solutions that are reliable and versatile and that can hold substantial weight on the erected platforms safely. Below are a few of the many benefits of this scaffold solution:

• It is simple to assemble, use, and dismantle.
• The modular design makes it easy to transport and store.
• Lengths, heights, and widths vary depending on requirements and projects.
• There are no loose fittings or screws as each component has been designed to seamlessly fit into each other.
• Hardly any maintenance is required.
• It can be adapted to various construction sites and builds.

Designed for Safety

Every component of our Kwikstage scaffolding for sale takes safety into consideration. As much as these access solutions are a temporary structure, making sure that all the elements provide the functionality that they are designed for gives contractors a better understanding of the importance of safe scaffolding.

1. Crucial Components

Before beginning any work, make sure that the solid adjustable base jacks have amply levelled the scaffold and that the standards have been properly connected and secured to transfer the weight load onto the base plates. Affixing the ledgers ensures that the scaffolding will be supported both inside and outside the scaffold tower. Without ledgers, the scaffolding will be unstable and dangerous. Horizontal tubes then span across the ledgers at level and regular intervals to support the weight of the working platforms. Couplers or clamps are used to connect the tubes to the ledgers.    

• Platforms

To ensure stability, use hook-on boards made of non-slip steel with interlocking, non-tilt ends that securely fit together. Knowing that hand-held tools will be taken onto platforms, the addition of toe boards to the platforms prevents loose objects from falling off.

• Additional Strength and Support

Diagonal braces provide additional strength and reinforced ledgers allow stacking over the length for more support. For areas that don’t have support from below, we would suggest the use of cantilever brackets.

• Safety and Storage Considerations

Non-slip staircases, handrails, and hook-on ladders provide workers with a safe means of accessing the desired platform height. Trap doors allow access points for the hook-on ladders which are used to close the gap once the worker has reached working height.

Superior Scaffolding and Formwork Solutions

At Disc-O-Scaff, we understand the importance of scaffolding and assure you that our Kwikstage and Selflock scaffolding solutions are manufactured per regulatory compliances and that we only use SABS-approved materials. Contact us and we will gladly supply you with your preferred access or formwork solution.

Scaffolding and formwork are two vital elements of any build or renovation project, as without them, structural solutions and workers’ safety at heights cannot be assured. To ensure the suitability of access solutions and shuttering for specific projects, it is crucial to rely on the expertise of industry leaders in scaffolding and formwork, such as Disc-O-Scaff.

When are Scaffolding and Formwork Used Simultaneously in Construction?

Often, scaffolding and formwork are used together in construction, especially when elevated slabs need support work to hold the concrete while it gains strength whilst hardening. Both scaffolding and formwork need to be designed to ensure that they are strong enough to carry the weight of the concrete, reinforcing, cast-in items, and the workers and equipment.  

Importance of Formwork in Construction

Used as a mould for a structure in which wet concrete is poured and then hardened, the type of formwork is based on the structural member construction such as slab, beam, or column formwork. At Disc-O-Scaff, our formwork solutions are extremely versatile, allowing construction companies to construct formwork on-site, no matter what type of shuttering is required.

• Economy Form Panels

These panels are available in sizes varying between 75mm to 600mm wide and 900mm to 3000mm long. As a result, they are ideal for a variety of formworks. Made from steel panels that are joined by clips and wedge sets for a smooth surface finish, they can be used to construct walls, columns, bridges, and more.

• Filler Panels

When non-standard formwork is used, filler panels are used to fill gaps and facilitate stripping in confined areas. The lengths of our filler panels are between 900mm and 3m x 200mm.   

• External Corner Angles

External corner angles join formwork panels to create a perfect 90⁰ angle. Although only available in a standard 50mm x 50mm size, they come in varying lengths up to 3m.

• Flex Form Panels

Constructed from 2mm thick steel, these flexible panels create curved walls with varying lengths (up to 3000mm) and thicknesses (up to 600mm).   

• Rectangular and Circular Column Boxes

Economy panel column boxes and circular column boxes are used to create either rectangular or circular columns. As both are integral structural components, we offer them in a variety of sizes dependent on the structure.  

Scaffolding Solutions

Scaffolding is not only used for formwork support, but it also ensures that workers can carry out tasks at height safely.

• Kwikstage: Most of our Kwikstage scaffolding components, including platforms, are able to carry maximum safe working loads, which we will gladly verify with you.     
• Selflock: Our Selflock scaffolding is ideal for quick access on small building and renovation sites.

Whether the scaffolding and formwork you require is to build monolithic structures or to have an addition to an existing structure, contact us and we will gladly assist you in selecting the right type for your specific project.

Kwikstage Scaffolding: Quick Erection, Simple Assembly, and Easy Use and Deconstruction

Since ancient times, scaffolding has been used to construct, restore, and repair buildings. Selecting to use sturdier material by upgrading the traditional wood scaffolds for sturdier metals such as steel has led to the introduction of Kwikstage scaffolding. Perfectly designed components make the erection, use, and disassembly of these scaffold towers a cost-effective solution for several construction activities.  

Fundamental Kwikstage Scaffolding Components

Each component of our Kwikstage scaffolding at Disc-O-Scaff has been manufactured and designed to fit seamlessly into each other, providing a strong, durable, and safe tower when working from heights.

• Base Jacks – used at the base of the tower to distribute weight and support the standards, ensuring the stability of the scaffolding.
• Standards – connecting the whole scaffold tower to the base jacks are the standards or uprights. They play a vital role in transferring the weight of the scaffolding to the ground.
• Ledger – this component is used to stabilise the working platform and, dependent on its placement, determines the height at which the platforms will be placed.
• Hook-On Boards – the non-slip surface of the hook-on boards interlock with each other, providing a sturdy working platform.  
• Couplers – couplers connect the structural elements of the scaffold tower together. Swivel, fixed, or DH couplers join the tubes at the desired angle.  
• Braces – diagonal bracing increases stability and provides strength, keeping the scaffolding from collapsing due to strong winds and other external forces.

The reinforced ledgers of our Kwikstage scaffolding, used in loading areas, allow for stacking over the length of the ledger for more support.

The Versatility of Kwikstage Scaffolding Systems

Taking into consideration that no two construction projects are the same, scaffolding solutions need to afford a certain amount of versatility. Our Kwikstage scaffolding is flexible enough to be used for numerous types of builds and construction sites.

• The modular design of our Kwikstage scaffolding makes for relatively simple installation and deconstruction.
• Compliance with scaffolding standards, including load weight limits, provides the necessary space and height required to complete tasks safely on multiple platforms and levels.
• Availability in a variety of heights, widths, and lengths provides customised scaffold solutions.
• Various add-ons such as staircases and hook-on ladders make access to higher areas of the scaffold simpler. Stillage and pallets provide storage for tools and smaller components, keeping the platforms free of potential hazards.

From seamless component connections providing ease of installation to quick packing and transport to various construction sites, our Kwikstage scaffolding is an affordable long-term investment and an integral part of any construction project.

Setting the Benchmark in Scaffolding and Formwork

Ideally situated in Gauteng, we at Disc-O-Scaff have manufactured and supplied high-quality scaffolding systems for leading construction and scaffold companies in South Africa for over 10 years. Contact us and we will gladly assist you with scaffolding suitable for your specific requirements.  

Various Types of Formwork Moulds Used in Construction

Made from timber, plastic, plywood, or steel and used as a permanent or temporary structure, formwork is a vital structural component of construction. Formwork has a history that dates back to Ancient Rome where it was used to create one of the Wonders of the World still standing today, the Pantheon. It is no wonder that the advent of steel paved the way for formwork to be used on a wider scale and at a faster pace, helping to create modern architectural marvels. We at Disc-O-Scaff manufacture formwork for slabs, beams, columns, and walls.

Different Types of Formwork Moulds

Characterised as beam, slab, or column formwork, these different types of formwork are the horizontal or vertical load-bearing structures in construction, and as such, it is vital that they are constructed properly using moulds capable of containing the wet concrete whilst it hardens and cures. Our moulds will help create a strong and safe structure by ensuring that the structural members can support their own weight as well as the weight of other members.

• Referred to as joist shuttering, beam formwork can be used in the construction of lower and upper beams. As beams support the weight of the floors and ceilings, the intention of beam formwork is to move the load to the framework of a vertical load-bearing element such as columns.  
• Slab formwork is the structural foundation, and as such, the mould used needs to have sufficient horizontal strength to support the significant amount of load-bearing weight that it will be subjected to.
• As column forms are subjected to lateral pressure, having smaller cross sections compared to wall formwork, our square, rectangular, and circular formwork moulds have been specifically designed with sufficient joints and ties to support the weight of the concrete.  

The multiple applications afforded by our Economy form panels makes it possible for them to be the load-bearing members for columns, concrete walls, and bridges, to name a few. For curved walls, we would recommend our Flex form panels, manufactured with a 2mm steel face plate, ensuring flexibility in the panel.

Why Steel Formwork is the Better Option

Why is it better to use steel formwork?

• By selecting steel as a mould, we provide a heavy-duty, high-strength durable material that can be used multiple times in construction projects.
• It produces a better quality concrete surface.
• Unlike other types of formwork, steel does not absorb moisture and shrink or lose its shape.
• Steel moulds are easy to install and dismantle with the added benefit of being used over several designs.

Leaders in Scaffolding and Formwork Solutions 

No matter what type of moulds are needed, with over 10 years of experience in the industry, we at Disc-O-Scaff can guarantee formwork manufactured at the highest standards using only SABS-approved materials. For formwork and scaffolding solutions that suit specific construction requirements, feel free to consult with us.  

Selflock Scaffolding for Small Buildings and Renovation Sites

Balancing on ladders to apply a fresh coat of paint to fascia boards, carry out electrical maintenance, or revive the outer facade of a public building with murals is not a safe or ideal solution. Selflock scaffolding provides you with a supporting temporary platform, enabling you to do those necessary repairs and renovations at elevated heights safely.

With components that simply slot in together, thereby eliminating the need for fittings, our Selflock scaffolding is the perfect tower for projects requiring access solutions.

Advantages of Selflock Scaffolding Towers

Here are four advantages of using Selflock scaffolding towers:

1. Easy Accessibility  

Ladders may appear to be a quicker solution when it comes to quick maintenance jobs. However, using one comes with the distinct disadvantages of having limited movement and nowhere to put your tools. Including all the fundamental components that provide structural integrity, Selflock scaffolding gives you an unrestricted working platform with enough space to safely support you and the equipment needed to get the job done.

• Versatility and Mobility

With small building projects, scaffolding allows for the completion of multiple jobs at construction sites. Lockable swivel castors, fitted to the bottom of the standards, make it easy to relocate the scaffolding to where you need it. Whether required for plastering, painting, or electrical work, the versatility afforded by Selflock scaffolding makes it possible to take advantage of these scaffold solutions during small builds and whilst carrying out maintenance.

• Sturdy and Easy to Assemble

Scaffold towers are constructed according to individual requirements, and making sure that your system is assembled with all the integral components ensures that you have a sturdy and reliable framework for the repairs or renovations that you are undertaking. Big or small builds all have the same thing in common: time and budget constraints. Scaffolding is an influencing factor on any construction site and due to Selflock scaffolding’s ease of assembly and dismantling, what would normally be a time-constraining factor can be done in a matter of hours.

• Durable and Long-Lasting

Part of what makes scaffolding effective is the materials used in making the components. At Disc-O-Scaff, our company manufactures Selflock scaffolding using only SABS-approved superior-quality materials, assuring you of scaffold solutions that are strong, durable, affordable, and able to withstand varying load capacities. For projects that may take a little longer than anticipated, our steel scaffolding is the practical option as there is no need for costly repairs or maintenance.  

When it comes to improved access, increased safety whilst working at heights, easy assembly, and overall affordability, for small builds, quick maintenance jobs, and renovations or repairs, Selflock scaffolding is the ideal solution.

Consult with the Experts First

Whether you prefer the mobility of castor wheels or the added stability of base plates, we at Disc-O-Scaff will never compromise on safety and therefore strongly advise that depending on your specific requirements, you contact us to ascertain the permissible maximum platform weight and height before carrying out any maintenance or renovations. 

How do I Calculate the Load-Bearing Capacity of a Scaffold Tower?

The height and load capacity of a scaffold tower is vital as it has a direct impact on site safety during construction or when carrying out repairs and renovations. Each industry has regulations that need to be specifically followed when it comes to the load-bearing capabilities of scaffolding. Overloading a platform is a serious risk to workers and could lead to the failure of the scaffold components. At Disc-O-Scaff, we take scaffold safety very seriously and ensure that our Kwikstage and Selflock scaffolding systems can hold the required safe working loads.

Preparation of a Scaffold Tower

For any work that involves the assembly of a scaffold tower, it is important to factor in what project the scaffolding will be used for to anticipate the number of tools, workers, equipment, and material that will need to be on a platform at any given time. Will the scaffolding be fixed to an existing structure or assembled at ground level on a solid foundation? Each component of the scaffold needs to be capable of supporting its own weight and at least four times the applied maximum intended load.

Maximum Safe Working Loads (SWL)

The maximum weight that a scaffold tower can hold safely is determined by the different load capacities as well as the type of scaffold tower erected. Load capacities are divided into three sectors and the maximum weight per square metre can be considered the safe working loads:

• Usually used for light renovation work, painting, electrical inspections, and cleaning, a light-duty scaffold tower can handle load allowances of up to 120kgs per m².
• The most frequently used tower is a medium-duty scaffold tower for new construction, brickwork, and blockwork with load-bearing capacities of up to 240kgs per m^2.
• A heavy-duty scaffold tower is used for masonry and cladding with safe required load-carrying amounts of over 240kgs per m².

The maximum safe working load is not an exact science but can be calculated based on the total weight of the workers, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, as well as other reasonably anticipated loads that will affect the structural capabilities of the scaffolding.

Leaders in Scaffolding Solutions

For over 10 years, Disc-O-Scaff has been the leader in scaffolding solutions. Our Selflock systems offer renovators a maximum permissible load of 150kg per m² and our Kwikstage systems, popular amongst building contractors, have load capacities of up to 240kg per m². As we manufacture our scaffold components from the highest-quality, SABS-approved materials, in accordance with scaffolding standards, we would suggest that you consult with us for the proper load-bearing capacity calculations. 

The Benefits of Steel Concrete Formwork

The Benefits of Steel Concrete Formwork

Construction companies make use of concrete formwork due to the strength, durability, and versatility that concrete lends to a build. The excellent properties presented by concrete have made it the most reliable and long-lasting choice of material for numerous building projects. Combined with the right type of formwork, this material has been integral in forming the mammoth structures that form a major part of our urban infrastructure. Understanding the importance of using the correct type of concrete formwork, we at Disc-O-Scaff manufacture and supply quality steel formwork for forming the structural components needed in construction.  

Why Use Steel for Concrete Formwork?

Steel formwork is composed of panels that are modular in design and can be fitted together with clamps, wedges, and clips. This type of concrete formwork is ideal for large construction projects where the shuttering needs to be used multiple times. Steel formwork may be more expensive than other types of shuttering. However, when weighing the advantages over the costs, it is far more beneficial to use this material for concrete formwork:

• Unlike other materials, steel is more resilient as it does not expand or shrink over time and does not absorb moisture from the wet concrete.
• As steel does not change its shape or warp, it is far superior and more accurate.
• Steel has high tensile strength and is more durable than other types of formwork.
• It gives a smooth finish to concrete surfaces without the need for any further treatment
• Parts of the formwork are easily portable and adjustable.
• Formwork can be installed and dismantled with greater ease and speed.

What are the Requirements of Quality Concrete Formwork?

To ensure that the formwork that you receive from us is suitable for any construction project, we have compiled a list of what you can expect from our quality formwork:

• Rigidity in design – the concrete will retain its shape once cured.
• Strength – our steel formwork will be more than adequate to withstand varying loads.
• Zero leaks – using the correct clamps, wedges, and clips with the formwork will prevent any leakage through the joints.

The panels are also joined together seamlessly on the outer perimeter of the formwork, allowing the concrete to set uniformly to the desired levels, and once the concrete has been cured, they can be easily removed without causing damage.

Leaders in Modular Steel Formwork Fabrication

For over 10 years, we at Disc-O-Scaff have supplied the construction industry with formwork and scaffolding manufactured from SABS-approved materials. Our scaffolding systems and components are engineered in-house and are fabricated in accordance with scaffolding standards, ensuring our customers, both big and small, that the scaffold solutions received from us are of the highest quality. Contact us to find out more about how our formwork panels can be customised for your specific requirements.  

The Importance of Using Beam Formwork for Construction

Walls, floors, doorways, and ceilings are the main parts of a building and, as such, need to have a load-bearing structure, specifically beam formwork, to maintain structural integrity. As this type of shuttering is relied upon to take up the pressure loads of walls, floors, and ceilings and relay it to other structural components, it needs to be formed adhering to strict load-carrying standards. Understanding the importance of beam formwork in a build, we at Disc-O-Scaff have a range of quality steel formwork that will ensure the construction of beams is done according to an engineer’s strict specifications.

Perfectly Engineered Beam Formwork

As part of a load-bearing component, beam formwork needs to be moulded in material (such as steel) that will keep its strength and rigidity during the curing process. Engineered steel formwork is ideal for beams as it is modular in design and will not lose shape or distort, or be affected by the concrete’s moisture while it is curing. This is important as the curing process depends on the length of the beam and is crucial to ensuring that the beams function properly as vital parts of construction support.

The Importance of Beam Formwork in Construction

Beam formwork provides the necessary structural support for a building’s floors, ceilings, and roofs. It is one of the most important components of construction. It must withstand the combined weight of the walls and be able to transfer the vertical bearing load to the framework. Dimensioning and understanding the fundamentals require the assistance of a structural engineer to assess the loads and to measure the stresses and forces that will be impacted on the beams.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Removing Beam Formwork

Keep the beam formwork in place for as long as possible. It should not be removed until such time as the concrete can handle twice the amount of stress to which it would normally be subjected. Formwork must also be removed gradually and carefully to prevent the load from suddenly being transferred to the concrete.

As formwork is a major structural element, special attention is required during the removal. The removal of the formwork should be supervised by an engineer to ensure that the concrete has hardened sufficiently as a load-bearing component.

Consider Consulting with the Experts

Our Economy Form Panels are made up of steel components that can be used for a variety of applications. These panels are quick and easy to assemble and are available in a combination of sizes, making it possible to do beam formwork according to an engineer’s specifications. We manufacture our scaffolding and formwork in-house using only SABS-approved materials and supply all the additional components that are needed to complete formwork projects, such as wedges and jacks. Contact us for successful formwork construction.

The increased demand for additional building infrastructure has enabled the construction industry to grow in leaps and bounds through the various uses of formwork. Where once it took years to complete commercial builds, it is now done in mere months, affording architects and construction companies alike the ability to create the monolithic structures that adorn our urban landscape. Achieving the desired shape for any build can be done on-site with prefabricated quality formwork moulds from Disc-O-Scaff. In an ever-changing world, it is comforting to know that the basics of formwork have remained the same for thousands of years.

Continue reading “The Importance of Formwork in Construction   “ →

Many relate scaffolding purely to the construction industry. However, safe access solutions have extended to several industries, allowing them to use it practically and in some instances, rather creatively. Due to their relative simplicity in design and ease of set-up, scaffolding has extended its use to include events, cleaning, and advertising, to name but a few. Whether the scaffold system you need is for construction or to gain access to stage lighting, Disc-O-Scaff has the perfect solution for your specific requirements.

Continue reading “Various Industries that Use Scaffolding Solutions” →