Pipe scaffold design and drawings

A supported scaffold drawing set has to show a plan examiner that the scaffold stands up, stays tied to the building, carries the load it is rated for, and does not overload whatever it sits on.

What the set contains

Typically a site plan showing the scaffold footprint relative to the building and the sidewalk, elevations on each affected frontage, a typical bay section, the tie and bracing pattern, base and sill detail, and the duty rating with the load assumptions behind it.

Where the scaffold is enclosed with netting or tarps, wind loading changes materially and the drawings should reflect what is actually going up rather than a bare frame.

Ties and bracing

Tie spacing and pattern are where a scaffold set is really judged. The drawings should show tie locations on elevation, the tie detail itself, what the tie connects to, and how the anchor is developed into the wall. Where post-installed anchors are used, testing is a separate requirement handled by a special inspection agency.

Bearing and the structure below

The scaffold has to land on something. Where that something is a sidewalk shed, a loads imposed letter sealed by a registered design professional is required. Where it lands on a roof, terrace or setback, the same question applies to the slab or structure beneath.

Key facts

DOB NOW work type

SF

Design required

Over 40 feet

Duty ratings

25, 50 or 75 psf

Bearing on a shed

Loads imposed letter required