Allround Scaffolding Ideal for Fast High Level Access and Site Protection

Layher Group produces high-quality scaffolding systems in Germany. Layher has worldwide presence with more than 40 sales subsidiaries. The products are being used by industries like Construction, chemical plants, power plants, at shipyards and offshore. Now days for demanding and complex scaffolding applications – i.e. wherever conventional scaffolding technology falls short of optimal thus cost effective use, Layher Allround Scaffolding convincingly comes in with an unmatched range of advantages: unbeatably fast assembly, persuasive economic arguments and an extensive range of series-produced accessories.

More Possibilities - Layher Products and Services
Layher's present product characteri- stics and services help customers achieve long-term success and increase the profitability of their companies. The Layher Allround Scaffolding has been established as a synonym for modular scaffolds on the market.

Allround scaffolding uses a simple, unique and bolt free connection technology. Sliding the wedge head over the rosette and inserting the wedge into the opening immediately secures the component. There is still sufficient play to secure the other end of the ledger. A hammer blow to the wedge transforms the loose connection into a superbly strong structurally rigid one. The face of the wedge head is now precisely positioned against the standard. Connections in quick to assemble and spanner less scaffolding systems make a unique combination: providing structural strength immediately on assembly and subsequent ultimate force transmission while offering a choice of automatically right – angled or splayed connections with universal safety right from the start.

Application
Scaffolding and protective systems from a single source: during restoration of the famous Building, scaffolding created "more possibilities" using the comprehensive Layher range of basic and accessory parts – with Allround work scaffolding exactly matching the octagonal architecture and including a walkway across the pyramid-shaped roof, with a platform stairway for site access, and with a 3 metre-high Protect wall for pedestrian safety. The advantages: quick to assemble, safe to use.

The historical centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – attracts millions of tourists to Italy every year. One important attraction is the Cathedral Square, and its impressive dome, Probably built originally in the 4th and 5th centuries, the outer façade of the present octagonal structure and its roof of stone, white marble and green serpentine are currently undergoing extensive restoration. This is made possible by a thoughtfully designed scaffolding structure. The main requirements: safety for workers and pedestrians alike, and speed of assembly during the maintenance work.

"More possibilities" are created here by the versatile product portfolio from Layher, the leading manufacturer of system scaffolding. With its comprehensive range of basic and accessory parts, every requirement encountered at construction sites can be met quickly and safely – from work scaffolding to site protection. For upward access, the Allround system was the right solution. Thanks to bolt-free wedge-head connection, a logical assembly sequence and high fitting precision, the modular system scaffolding not only enabled the erectors on the spot to build it quickly, but also proved limitless in its use, easily coping with the complex ground plane and highly structured architecture. So the 3,000 square metres of work scaffolding around the Baptistery were put up efficiently and also precisely adapted to the octagonal shape, the many projections and recesses and the pyramid-shaped roof.

The basis was a 0.73 metre-wide and hence slender Allround structure hugging the octagonal architecture and the Annex. To narrow the gap between the scaffolding and the façade, the scaffolding was then widened to match the building contours, with brackets of differing length from the Allround construction kit. That makes the work of the restorers both easier and safer. Access to this tourist attraction was assured by gateways created using lattice beams in the scaffolding, while the lantern was accessed by an angled walkway over the roof plus a circular work scaffolding "all round" this pinnacle of the dome. But the work scaffolding itself was also "rounded" – for even greater safety. To do so, the scaffolding erectors used ledgers to create tension rings all around the scaffolding, anchoring the latter on the façade to resist both tensile and compressive stresses.

To make access both faster and safer inside the scaffolding too, the erectors assembled for this project an external platform stairway – also part of the Layher construction kit system. The advantages: problem-free carrying of working materials or tools, no need to open and close access hatches in scaffolding decks, and greater safety thanks to wide tread areas and guardrails. And not least, less time needed for ascent and descent. Measurements done at Layher have shown a time saving of more than 40 present compared with internal ladder access. The new easy-access stairway ensures even more convenient access. For high ascents in particular, the 175 millimetre-wide grooved steps make climbing stairways more pleasant.

As regards safety and efficiency, the topic of site protection also played a key role: protection of the workers from the weather, prevention of site stoppages, and above all protection of the pedestrians on the busy square. Here too Layher offers economical solutions: for effective protection of the topmost work platform from rain, rails from the Keder System in combination with tarpaulins were used. Unauthorized access to the site is however prevented by 3 metre-high walls from the Protect System. The dust-tight cassette elements, easily attached to the scaffolding, and if required with suitable door elements of varying width, are ideal for meeting the latest standards of environ-mental protection, noise prevention, weather proofing and pedestrian safety, while providing an attractive appearance to preserve the aesthetic appeal of inner city areas.

Excellent prospects for on-schedule restoration of this attractive building, which merits detailed scrutiny not least on account of its bronze doors. The most famous of these are the one of the greatest works of the sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti. Scenes from the Old Testament decorate the four by six metre door, which Michelangelo himself deemed worthy to adorn the Gates of Paradise.

Versatile to use thanks to a comprehensive range of parts: with brackets from the Allround construction kit, the erectors were able to adapt the work scaffolding for restoring the Baptistery of San Giovanni quickly and safely to the building geometry.