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What is a Cantilever Scaffolding System?

Crewscaff • Oct 18, 2023

Looking for a reliable scaffold hire in Wollongong for your next project? Whether you are working on a construction site, industrial project, or any other type of commercial project, a cantilever scaffolding is one of the many types of scaffolding that a scaffold hire company can erect to provide your workers with a stable platform for carrying out their work.


In this blog post, we'll discuss what a cantilever scaffolding is including its common applications and its different types to help you make an informed decision which cantilevered scaffolding to choose for your next project.

What is cantilever scaffolding?

Cantilever scaffolding, also known as needle scaffolding, is an independent scaffold structure that extends outward from a building and is supported by needles to provide construction and maintenance workers with access to difficult-to-reach areas of buildings.


Compared with conventional scaffolding structures, a cantilever scaffold is sustained at one end and extends horizontally from the structure. Thus, this scaffolding is typically used in construction projects, particularly near the edges of buildings and in limited spaces for convenient and easy access. In addition, edge protection is also placed to provide workers with maximum protection against fall hazards.

material wedge binding type scaffold

Cantilever scaffolding is typically used when the ground surface does not allow for the installation of traditional scaffolding systems or when it is not feasible to build scaffolding from the ground up. Thus, under typical conditions, setting up a cantilever scaffolding system is ideal when the ground surface is stable.


Other limitations that the ground surface is unable to support the weight of conventional scaffolding include uneven or obstructed surfaces. In such cases, a cantilever scaffolding is a suitable solution as it extends horizontally from the building or structure, providing a stable working platform without relying on vertical supports from the ground.

Where is cantilever scaffolding commonly used?

Cantilever scaffolding is commonly used when additional support is needed to reach elevated surfaces and hard-to-reach areas of buildings. It is especially useful for scaffolding applications in tight spaces or near the edges of high-rise buildings. This includes roofing repairs and cleaning, window installation, bridge construction, building maintenance or other tasks that require workers to gain access to upper floors and areas that can't be reached by a regular scaffolding system.

What are the different types of cantilever scaffolding?

There are a few types of cantilever scaffolds commonly used in construction and maintenance work. Here are some common types:

Needle Scaffolding

Needle beam cantilevered scaffolding consists of a horizontal cantilever beam or a horizontal work platform that are supported by needle beams resting on the building or structure under construction. This type of scaffold is commonly used for tasks such as plastering, painting, or repair work.

Double-Frame Cantilever Scaffold

In this cantilevered scaffolding, the two frames that are securely affixed to the building offer enhanced stability and increased load-bearing capacity to support more substantial tasks and instances requiring a larger working platform.

Counterbalanced Cantilever Scaffold

Counterbalanced cantilevered scaffolding uses counterweights that are placed on the opposite side of the cantilever to achieve load balance. This type is commonly used in situations where space is limited on the side of the building or when it is difficult to secure the scaffold to the building.

Trussed Cantilever Scaffold

Trussed cantilever scaffolding uses diagonal bracing and truss-style structures to improve stability and increase load-bearing capacity. This type of scaffold is ideally used on construction and maintenance activities.

Suspended Cantilever Scaffold

A suspended cantilever scaffold is a type of scaffolding structure that is suspended from overhead supports and extends outward, allowing workers to access and work on exterior surfaces of buildings and other high structures.

Rolling Cantilever Scaffold

Mobile or rolling cantilever scaffolding is equipped with wheels or casters, enabling convenient mobility as required. This scaffold structure is ideally used for projects that demand constant relocation.

Joint Tower Scaffold

Joint tower scaffolding or also referred to as modular scaffolding is a type of scaffold that is used commonly in several construction projects due to its strength, adaptability, and ease of assembly. This type of scaffold consists of standardised components like vertical standards, horizontal ledgers, diagonal braces, and connectors that are ideally used to provide a stable platform to workers.

Takeaway

Cantilever scaffolds are a very versatile type of scaffold that can be used in different types of construction projects as they provide a stable platform for workers working in tight spaces and high elevations. At Crewscaff, we offer a wide range of scaffolding solutions for various construction and industrial projects. Whether you need a secure access platform for your building maintenance, bridge repairs, roof repairs, construction, or window installation, we can erect the right scaffold system that ensures the safety of your workers and compliance with all regulations. Contact us today for more information on our scaffold hire services.

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