Scaffold Calculator UK
Calculate tubes, fittings, boards & ties instantly
Professional Scaffold Calculator
Material estimator for UK scaffolders - TG20:13 compliant
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🏗️ Building Regulations & Safety Standards
- • TG20:13 Guidance: Covers standard configurations up to 50m height
- • Height to Base Ratio: Must not exceed 3.5:1 for standard scaffolding
- • Wall Ties: Required every 4m horizontal and vertical (Building Regs)
- • Load Class 3: Supports 244 kg/m² uniformly distributed
- • Platform Width: Minimum 600mm (WAHR 2005)
- • Inspection: Required every 7 days during use (legal requirement)
- • Competent Person: Design & erection by trained scaffolder only
Understanding Scaffold Material Calculations
Professional scaffold estimating requires accurate calculation of tubes, fittings, boards, ties, and load capacity based on dimensions and configuration type. This calculator determines exact material quantities in accordance with TG20:13 guidance and Building Regulations, accounting for bay spacing (2.5m), lift height (2m), and safety requirements. Understanding the relationship between height, base width, stability ratios, and tie requirements is essential for safe design and compliant projects.
Key principle: Independent scaffolding requires double rows of standards and is more stable but material-intensive. Putlog scaffolding uses building support, reducing material but requiring suitable tie points. Height to base ratio must not exceed 3.5:1 - exceeding this requires additional bracing and enhanced tying. Wall ties are critical for stability and must be installed as work progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between independent and putlog scaffolding?
Independent (tube & fitting) has double rows of standards and doesn't rely on building support. Putlog has single row supported by the building using putlog arms through windows/onto walls. Independent is more versatile; putlog is economical but limited to buildings with suitable tie points.
Q: How many wall ties do I need?
Building Regulations and TG20:13 require ties every 4 metres horizontally and vertically maximum. This calculator determines tie quantity based on your dimensions. Ties are critical for stability and must be installed as work progresses, not retrospectively.
Q: What's the maximum height for standard scaffold?
TG20:13 covers standard configurations up to 50 metres height. Beyond 50m requires specialist engineering design by a qualified scaffold engineer. Height exceeding 3.5 times base width requires additional stability measures.
Q: How much weight can a Class 3 scaffold support?
Class 3 (light duty) supports 244 kg/m² uniformly distributed load. This is typical for general construction and painting. Class 1-2 are lighter (75-153 kg/m²), Class 4-6 are heavier (305-600 kg/m²). Load class must be tagged on the scaffold.
Q: What is height to base ratio and why does it matter?
Height to base ratio must not exceed 3.5:1 for standard independent scaffolding. For example, a 35m high scaffold must have minimum 10m base width. Narrower bases exceeding this ratio require additional bracing, enhanced tying, or specialist engineering design.
✓ Professional Quality Assurance
This calculator provides professional estimates based on TG20:13 guidance, BS EN 12811, and Building Regulations. All calculations assume standard configurations - projects exceeding thresholds (50m height, 3.5:1 ratio) require specialist engineering design. Always verify calculations independently and ensure scaffold is inspected by competent person before use. Non-compliance with work at height regulations can result in prosecution and fines. Download your PDF results for site records.
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