Learn More About Swing Stage Services 

Swing stage scaffolds are the most commonly used suspended platforms. They are ideal for high-elevation tasks such as building maintenance, window cleaning, signage installation, painting, exterior finishing, and accessing narrow or hard-to-reach areas in high-rise construction.

Key benefits include:

• Quick vertical movement for lightweight applications
• Lower material costs
• Easy access to elevated work areas
• Efficient workflows and task management
• Faster setup and takedown compared to other suspended platforms
• Convenient transportation and storage when not in use

Explore Swing Stage Scaffolding

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Dulles International Airport is one of the world’s largest airports, servicing the DC-metro region and beyond.  The air traffic control tower – the watchful eyes 330’ in the air ensures the safety of thousands of passengers daily. Recently this tower suffered an unexpected and highly critical window issue that required immediate attention. 

But how do you replace a window 330’ up in the air?

This is where Scaffolding Solutions took flight. 

The Challenge

The original contractor was unable to complete the job, leaving Dulles International Airport in a bind. A safe solution was needed and it was needed quickly. Scaffolding Solutions developed a solution that utilized a suspended scaffold platform (swing stage) that was hung from atop the tower.

This project presented several unique challenges:

• Tight Schedule: Due to the urgency of the situation, Scaffolding Solutions had to develop a plan and execute the project within a timeframe significantly shorter than the usual planning period for such a complex job. To plan and prepare for a job of this magnitude would usually take up to a month – we got it done in 2 days. 
• High-Security Environment: Working on the control tower required navigating stringent airport safety and security protocols to ensure the unimpeded flow of personnel and air traffic.
• Wind Load Concerns: The scaffolding needed to be erected at a height of 330 feet, where wind presented a critical challenge. Material movement via crane had to be precisely coordinated to avoid interfering with air traffic.
• Minimal Disruption: Scaffolding Solutions needed to ensure the project caused minimal disruption to ongoing air traffic control operations. Sticking to the schedule that was already in place from the previous contractor was essential in preventing any flight delays or cancellations. 

The Solution

Scaffolding Solutions rose to the challenge with a multifaceted solution:

• Swift Response: Our team sprang into action, immediately planning the project, securing permits, and mobilizing resources to meet the tight deadline. The airport already had a timeline in place when we were brought in and we had to quickly execute with no time to waste. In total, the project took us 5 days to complete – 2 days to plan, 2 days to execute, and 1 day to clear the site.
• Safety at Every Altitude: Working 330’ in the air, safely managing wind load issues as we stocked and de-stocked the tower required a highly coordinated effort by the whole team. A crew of highly skilled and safety-focused installers were assigned to the project, ensuring the well-being of the airport staff and safety personnel, tower management, airport management, head of maintenance, construction personnel, electricians, security team, control tower workers, and, of course, our staff as well.
• Custom Scaffolding Solutions: A swing stage with roof rigging, along with a combination of system scaffolding, was chosen specifically to address the control tower’s unique architecture and towering scale.
• Clear Communication and Coordination: Scaffolding Solutions maintained open communication with the contractor, Dulles Airport personnel, and air traffic control. This ensured everyone was aware of the project timeline, safety protocols, and potential airspace limitations.

The Result

Despite the urgency and complexity of the project, Scaffolding Solutions was able to complete the job on time, on budget, and most importantly, safely. The airport staff, the general contractor, and our crew were able to work together efficiently while adhering to strict safety protocols. Dulles Airport operations continued uninterrupted – the project didn’t cause any delays or interfere with the takeoffs or landings of any planes – and the necessary window repairs were completed quickly.

“Dulles Airport celebrated that the project did not cause any delays to the airport nor the landing and takeoff of airplanes. Work was completed 100% to the plan that was presented.” 

~ Frank Giuliano, Scaffolding Solutions

Scaffolding Solutions successfully and safely installed several systems, including a swing stage with roof rigging and a mixture of system scaffolding to fit the unique needs of the jobsite. Carolina Classic and Dulles Airport were extremely pleased with the results of this complicated project. Thanks to meticulous planning and execution, the job was completed on time and on budget with minimal disruption to airport operations – not just meeting, but exceeding their expectations.

Let Scaffolding Solutions Help You Tackle Your Next Scaffolding Install Project

The Dulles Airport Emergency Project is a prime example of Scaffolding Solutions’ unwavering commitment to safety and exceptional service. Even in a high-pressure situation with critical deadlines, our focus on ensuring the safety of workers, air traffic controllers, and the public never wavered. This dedication to safety is at the core of everything we do.

At Scaffolding Solutions, “safety” isn’t just a slogan – it’s a promise. Whether you’re 20’ in the air or 330’, safety is paramount. Our Scaffolding Solutions team members are all highly trained and dedicated to following strict safety protocols on every project – keeping you and your team safe at any job site.

We go beyond industry standards with comprehensive training programs, weather-resistant materials, and dedicated risk managers assigned to every project. Our meticulously planned installations adhere to strict OSHA guidelines, and thorough safety briefings ensure everyone on-site understands the protocols. We also utilize state-of-the-art equipment, including the innovative Turner OCTO® system and Bee Access suspended scaffold systems, for maximum stability and worker protection.

Partnering with Scaffolding Solutions goes beyond safety. We offer exceptional service and adaptability. Our team takes the time to understand your specific needs – from navigating oddly-shaped or complex structures to preserving historical buildings, we’ll craft a custom solution just for you. Together, we’ll find creative solutions to get your project done right, on time, and within budget. Choose Scaffolding Solutions – your trusted partner for safe and successful work at all heights.

The post Case Study: Emergency High Altitude Solution for a Virginia Airport appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington D.C. champions the work of women artists through exhibits, online content, programs, and collections. NMWA has been located in the same building since it first opened in 1983.

As time went by, the 112-year-old iconic building was starting to show signs of its age—exterior cornices and designs were crumbling, and the original windows were cracked. Because of this, the Board decided it was time to raise the money needed for a restoration and re-imagination.

In August of 2021, the museum closed its doors, and construction work began on a multi-year total renovation of the interior and exterior of the building. Grunley Construction Company won the contracting bid and hired Scaffolding Solutions to provide the necessary scaffolding for the project. 

An Intricate and Heavy Challenge

The building itself was constructed in 1908 in the Classical Revival style, and it features an intricate terracotta design, cornices, and other complex architectural elements. Construction workers would need to remove each of the 1,200lb exterior stones and very carefully place them onto the scaffolding. 

This project had several unique challenges, such as the delicate exterior, shoring under the north and south vaults to support scaffolding, and a uniquely-engineered trolley system. Compression ties into the windows were also required.  Extensive in-house testing and engineering shop drawings were developed.

Grunley had very specific access needs that made this a highly complex job. They needed to 

get within 8 inches of access all over the building. The drawings also required Scaffolding Solutions to match and reflect the layout, while the scaffolding had to be strong enough to support the weight of the 1,200lb stones.

The Solution

Scaffolding Solutions immediately got to work and incorporated a variety of unique features into the design:

• Lateral stability was provided by utilizing scaffolding compression ties on the lower half of the building and brick anchors above the limestone
• Access scaffolding that extends above the hoist operations on the 5th floor
• Shoring beneath the North and West elevation vaults- including shoring for the construction and scaffolding loads
• Netting on scaffolding including the decorative netting on the west side – seen in the image to the right. The netting is a mural by the notable artist MISS CHELOVE.
• Interior needle beam shoring (Needle shoring to support party wall for the new door)
• Custom designed dual-direction trolley beam connections

After Scaffolding Solutions set up the scaffolding, construction workers realized that the stones were three times larger than initially anticipated. 

Scaffolding Solutions immediately got to work strengthening the scaffolding to support the massive weight of the stones. Despite this unforeseen issue, they kept the project on time.

Result

Grunley Construction Company and the subcontractors are happy with the scaffolding work and Scaffolding Solution’s strict adherence to the specific contract duration to meet all timelines. The project is currently ongoing as of the writing of this case study, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts is scheduled to re-open to the public in Fall 2023. 

The Sr. Project Manager at Grunley Construction sent Scaffolding Solutions an appreciation note for our assistance on this project:

“We really appreciate your assistance with this. It wouldn’t have come together without your help. Seriously, well done and thank you!”

– Kaitlyn Poland, Sr. Project Manager,
Grunley Construction

The Exhibition Coordinator of the museum was thrilled with the progress and sent a personalized note addressed to Scaffolding Solutions and Grunley Construction, praising their work on the custom netting that was made by a local muralist of note:

“Please pass my praise along to everyone with Grunley and Scaffolding Solutions who worked on this – especially the crew that was up on the scaffolding making all the many little adjustments! This has certainly been a collective and collaborative effort, and I’m so appreciative of all involved.”

– Hannah Shambroom
Exhibition Coordinator, National Museum of Women in the Arts

After a few more months of working together, the Exhibition Coordinator of the museum sent us another note regarding their experience working with Grunley Construction and Scaffolding Solutions:

“Katharina and her team couldn’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed working with all of you, and how wonderful the collaboration between all parties was”

– Hannah Shambroom, Exhibition Coordinator, National Museum of Women in the Arts

Construction Scaffolding Experts

Do you have an upcoming or current project that requires scaffolding? At Scaffolding Solutions, our decades of experience have allowed us to tackle some of the most challenging scaffolding jobs out there. Contact us below to learn more about how we can help.

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The post Case Study: Scaffolding to Repair the Women’s Museum in Downtown Washington, D.C. appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) hired contractor W.M. Schlosser to undertake the massive job of providing additional support to the metro train line columns, which would provide for a much longer lifespan. 

W.M. Schlosser turned to Scaffolding Solutions for help installing shoring platforms around existing columns on the metro train line. The work would help support the framing and load for adding pier caps to the columns.

The Challenge

To install the pier caps on the columns, W.M. Schlosser needed site grading for areas of shoring over soft soil and heavy vegetation. They also needed to install shoring platforms at precise levels, high elevations, and over uneven grades with tolerances of less than ¼”.

The January weather in Washington D.C. only added to the challenge. The shoring installers would need to deal with unpredictable snow, high winds, freezing rain, and cold temperatures. 

The project also wound its way through various community areas such as soccer fields, a golf range, roadways, and the highly secure PEPCO power station–where workers would need to obtain special access.

However, W.M. Schlosser’s biggest concern was validating that the shoring platforms could support the load of the concrete poured for the pier caps. 

The Solution

W.M. Schlosser had already partnered with Scaffolding Solutions on previous WMATA projects and understood their values, attention to detail, and commitment to the project’s success—which made Scaffolding Solutions the perfect team for the job.

Scaffolding Solutions immediately got to work and came up with a highly detailed shoring design to support various loads added to each column that ranged in weight from 100k to 300k pounds.

They implemented an OCTOⓇ system as shoring to create the design for the platforms and made sure they were level and plumb—with tolerances of no more than ¼” over a 30’x20’ area.

The Result

Thanks to the complex shoring work performed by Scaffolding Solutions, W.M. Schlosser was able to add the necessary pier caps to strengthen the columns and increase their lifespan.

The approximately 2.5 million dollar project is still ongoing and scheduled for completion in January 2023. W.M. Schlosser is thrilled with the production and workmanship performed by Scaffolding Solutions.

Duke Gamble, Sales Engineer/Project Manager, Scaffolding Solutions, remarked:

Shoring for Large Construction Projects

Do you have a current or upcoming project that requires shoring? At Scaffolding Solutions, we’ve worked on some of the largest construction projects in the V.A. and Washington D.C. areas. Our decades of experience allow us to jump in and solve the toughest of shoring challenges. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

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The post Case Study: D.C. Metro Station Shoring Project to Add Support for Train Line Columns appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

Read on to learn how the Scaffolding Solutions team managed an extremely tight schedule and high-security environment while engineering a safe solution for the containment vessel’s curved wall.

A Circular Challenge

The curved containment vessel (CV) at the power plant houses the reactor’s core, which had to be shut down before work could begin. The team of workers needed to access four outdoor locations suspended off of a lip that was only 4 ft wide—and had a 140-foot drop. 

The nuclear power plant takes safety very seriously— so this meant that workers had to wear radiation badges, carry dosimeters, and get temperature checks due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. Workers were also required to only use specific, pre-approved wrenches and lifelines.

Stringent background checks were also needed due to the sensitive nature of the area. Workers would have an armed guard escort from the minute they stepped onto the property to the minute they left.

After an extensive screening process, Scaffolding Solutions was hired to provide the scaffolding set up and take down to help the power plant stay within its strict project time frame.

A Highly Customized Solution

Due to the shutdown of the nuclear reactor, everything had to go according to a rigid timeline. In addition to the security and safety challenges, the crew and vendors of Scaffolding Solutions had to be on their A-game—if one thing went wrong, they would have immediately lost the job. 

There were multiple pre-meetings discussing every nut and bolt that would be used—literally. Everything needed to be calculated, checked, and re-checked. Due to the rigorous safety culture, the power plant team had to verify everything—right down to the workers’ gloves. 

The project engineers did not want to drill into CV, so the Scaffolding Solutions team had to develop a specific anchor system. They wound up fabricating three custom beams and brackets that anchor into the CV to hold the beam and suspend the platform for the swing stage. A Bisomac 308 motor would take care of the heavy lifting.

The timeframe was tight—they had 45 days of preplanning and less than a month to install four custom suspended access platforms and safely dismantle the equipment.

The Results

The swing stage scaffolding set up, take down, and CV maintenance project went off without a hitch. The The swing stage scaffolding set up, take down, and CV maintenance project went off without a hitch. The team at Scaffolding Solutions met the strict time frame, safety, and engineering expectations. The power plant and engineering teams were thrilled with the professional service and top-notch scaffolding work that Scaffolding Solutions performed.

Scaffolding for Challenging Access Problems

Do you have an upcoming or current project that requires scaffolding? At Scaffolding Solutions, our decades of experience have allowed us to tackle some of the most challenging scaffolding jobs. Contact us below to learn more about how we can help.

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The post Case Study: Nuclear Power Plant Scaffolding Project appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, houses some of the Smithsonian’s largest aircraft and spacecraft, including a Concorde jet and the Space Shuttle Discovery.

The Center is a popular destination, attracting nearly eight million visitors and aviation enthusiasts every year.

The on-site Boeing Aviation Hangar, which shelters many of the museum’s pieces, is the length of three football fields and reaches a height of 10 stories.

The hangar’s aging roofing membrane needed repair to continue protecting the museum’s valuable aviation artifacts. But before work could begin, the workers required safe access to the roof’s curved exterior.

The general contractor needed a scaffolding system that could match the contour of the barrel-shaped hangar while providing safe access to the museum roof. 

Thanks to their long-standing reputation for technical and creative know-how, Scaffolding Solutions was a perfect fit for the job. The contractor reached out to the Metro Washington DC team of Scaffolding Solutions, who provided an engineered solution that included the following benefits:

• Highly customized scaffolding
• Mitigation of potential wind concerns through customized lateral supports
• Strict adherence to a highly detailed milestone schedule
• Inclusion of site security measures
• Job completed on time and on budget

The Challenge

In addition to the overall cost and short schedule, the client also wanted to ensure that their workers could safely access all parts of the curved roof.

Scaffolding Solutions faced many challenges, including the building’s massive size and its exposed, airfield-like setting. The scaffolding on the museum’s exterior would be subjected to high wind loads because of its open location. Gusting winds could cause lateral force problems upon the curved shape of the scaffolding.

Scaffolding Solutions also had to maintain site security to protect the planes and the public during scaffolding construction and repair work.

The Solution

The Scaffolding Solutions team approached the highly complex design using the standard components of an OCTO Scaffolding System. 

They adapted the OCTO safety locking features in unique and innovative ways to create a system for the museum’s roof.

Scaffolding Solutions fashioned customized lateral supports that met OSHA safety requirements and the International Building Code for scaffold strength and stability. This helped mitigate the high load concerns from the wind.

To help ensure that all project activities were finished on time and on budget, Scaffolding Solutions created a detailed milestone schedule and shared it with key stakeholders before work commenced.

The Result

The customer was impressed with Scaffolding Solutions’ innovative design. As required, the system tightly hugged the hangar’s curved roofline while providing safe worker access during the roofing membrane repairs.

After Scaffolding Solutions completed the project, the general contractor awarded them with additional responsibilities assisting inside the facility. The new scope of work included constructing interior overhead protection for museum visitors.

Scaffolding Solutions Is Committed To Excellence

At Scaffolding Solutions, we dedicate ourselves to professionalism, safety, and integrity on every job.

Our Project Managers stay with a project from proposal to final closeout. That means our customers always have a consistent point of contact—no changing from one team member to another. This allows us to provide our clients with superior responsiveness through all project phases.

Are you looking for professional scaffolding services in the Mid-Atlantic Region or Metro Washington DC area?

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The post How Scaffolding Solutions Helped an Aviation Hanger with Custom Scaffolding appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

When completed in 1928, the Buncombe County Courthouse became North Carolina’s tallest local government building at 17 stories high. Over time, the landmark structure deteriorated and eventually required extensive restoration.

To get it done, remediation crews would have to work 195 feet above ground to mend the historic building’s exterior brickwork. This meant that safe and reliable scaffolding would be critical to the project’s success.

The county needed experts familiar with complex scaffolding design to provide safe access for the repair. They turned to Scaffolding Solutions, an experienced local supplier with an impressive safety record and a reputation for innovation.

Scaffolding Solutions provided the following solutions and benefits:

• OCTO scaffolding- widely accepted as the safest scaffolding
• The project allowed for continued business operation
• Lack of original blueprints required innovative solutions
• The ability for construction site crews to work in inclement weather

The Challenge

Erecting a rigid scaffolding against the courthouse’s delicate limestone without causing additional damage wasn’t easy. The team at Scaffolding Solutions had multiple challenges right from the start.

A building’s construction plan is used for load-bearing calculations to ensure structural stability and worker safety in a typical construction scaffolding design. But this wasn’t a typical project. Neither records nor blueprints for the 93-year-old Buncombe County Courthouse were available to help with the engineering.

The courthouse building’s shape also added complexity, as an eight-story portion of the scaffolding would have to be erected on a lower section of the roof. This load could endanger the structural integrity of the building.

Inclement weather also presented a challenge for the scaffolding design. Safe access had to account for slippery rain, ice, and snow. Any protective netting or plastic sheets had the potential to get caught in the wind. This would result in greater loads placed on the scaffolding.

The Solution

Scaffolding Solutions resolved every challenge using their extensive knowledge and expertise while working within the project constraints.

To overcome the lack of drawings and records, they used custom engineering solutions for the load calculations. Their approach to anchoring started with a third-party engineer to conduct pull tests on the courthouse limestone. 

By inserting anchors into the structure and measuring the force needed to pull them out, they created a solution specific to the Buncombe County Courthouse.

Scaffolding Solutions used OCTO scaffolding—recognized as a versatile and reliable system, adaptable to various industries and applications. OCTO offers ease of handling and superior strength.

Special cribbing ensured additional safety on the courthouse’s lower roof. The innovative design dispersed the scaffolding’s weight evenly onto the roof and walls, protecting construction workers above and below.

The Result

Scaffolding Solutions’ North Carolina office supported the restoration in nine phases. They installed scaffolding one step ahead of the work and took it down one stage behind. 

The team consistently delivered project deliverables on schedule and budget, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and professionalism. Repair crews could safely access the structure to complete their restoration tasks, including window repairs, fixing mortar joints, and waterproofing. The Buncombe County Courthouse restoration will continue into 2021.

This project is a prime example of Scaffolding Solution’s ability to overcome challenges and excel at very complex projects requiring major engineering and manpower.

Thanks to Scaffolding Solutions’ commitment to relationships, the general contractor awarded them another extensive project.

Scaffolding Solutions Handles Projects Large and Small

No matter the size of your scaffolding project, at Scaffolding Solutions, we treat every job with professionalism and integrity. From design to takedown, we deliver safe and reliable scaffolding that fits your needs.

Partner with us and get our expertise working for you to overcome your most challenging scaffolding projects.

Want to know how Scaffolding Solutions can support your commercial scaffolding needs?

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The post Restoration Of a Historical Courthouse With System Scaffolding appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

The Virginia General Assembly Building in downtown Richmond was long overdue for a significant remodel. The structure was scheduled for partial demolition and rebuilding by Gilbane Building Company. 

The improved 15-story building would blend old and new, preserving the original 1912 limestone façade while modernizing the rooms and public spaces. 

Considering that the new structure had no internal elevator, Gilbane needed scaffolding for a building remodel that would allow them to get workers and materials efficiently and safely from floor to floor. 

They contacted the local experts, Scaffolding Solutions, who provided a versatile solution with the following benefits and superior safety features:

• 7,100lbs of hoist capacity
• Dual car lift
• Extremely quick turnaround of revised blueprints and hoist reconfiguration due to an unexpected change of scope
• Safe movement of heavy equipment by the crew
• Job completed on time and on budget

The Challenge

Safety was one of Gilbane Building Company’s major concerns. The scaffolding had to offer a safe environment for everyone on the project. This was of critical importance as the construction progressed upwards.

Without an internal elevator, it was up to the buck hoist system to lift all the workers, tools, and materials to each floor. Work on the Virginia General Assembly Building could progress only as fast as the hoist could feed the job. To keep the project on track, reliability and lift capacity were essential. 

As the project got underway, the team discovered an unexpected 15-inch variance between the base pad and the actual building façade.

The Solution

After discovering the measurements didn’t match the existing building façade, Scaffolding Solutions quickly got to work revising their plans. They realized they could reconfigure the hoist and produce a new set of drawings within a single day—which was an impressive turnaround time.

For the project, Scaffolding Solutions chose a Scando 650 Dual Hoist system. The buck hoist operated like an elevator on the side of the building and was capable of lifting 7,100 pounds. It consisted of two fully enclosed cars operating independently on either side of a central mast. 

Using dual cars, rather than the more common single-car option, Gilbane could easily maintain productivity on the job site. Scaffolding Solutions selected a Scando system because it integrates safety into the design.

“Our number one goal every single day is safety,” says Danny Dunbar, Project Manager for Scaffolding Solutions. “Scando has far more safety features compared to other systems.”

The Scando hoist used for the Virginia General Assembly Building construction site included:

• Magnetic and electronic interlocks to prevent doors from opening while the hoist was in motion
• Pre-programmed landing locations for each floor
• Loading doors that automatically locked when the hoist left the ground
• Doors that could only open from the inside while the hoist was off the ground

As an added benefit, Scaffolding Solutions is headquartered in Richmond, VA. The proximity of the main office to the job site meant that the hoist technicians could be on-site quickly if equipment needed servicing.

The Result

Gilbane was delighted with everything Scaffolding Solutions provided. The equipment worked smoothly from day one, and there were no safety concerns. Selecting the Scando 650 Dual Hoist was an incredibly productive choice. 

“Having a dedicated material car while still being able to move personnel floor to floor was a huge benefit,” says Dunbar.

Collaborating to solve the project’s challenges led to an excellent professional relationship between Gilbane and Scaffolding Solutions. Based on the strength of their partnership, Gilbane has since offered to team up with Scaffolding Solutions on another long-term project.

Scaffolding Solutions Is Committed to Safety

At Scaffolding Solutions, we’re dedicated to delivering scaffolding and buck hoist rentals that are dependable, cost-effective, and above all, safe. We support jobs from pre-planning to execution, with professionalism and integrity as the foundation of everything we do.

Your project deserves the best in the industry. Let’s work together to solve your challenges.

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The post 15 Story Building Remodel With Dual Car Lift & 7,100 lb. Capacity appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

Wallops Island also supports military operations, technology development, and satellite tracking for multi-organizational missions including the US Navy, NOAA, the FAA, and Virginia Space and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. 

The Surface Combat Systems Center (SCSC), one of the leading centers on the island, provides maritime integrated warfare systems for US naval fleet operations, training, and research and development. 

The Challenge

SCSC’s 165-foot-tall communication tower, integral in supporting the US Navy’s AEGIS Combat System communications for conducting live tests and training exercises, was aging and needed repairs. 

Safe worker access was required for the reconstructive work, including removing and replacing high-level and roof-top platforms, refurbishing entire masts and elevator roof and enclosure, and installing a new fiberglass deck.

Specific scaffolding system challenges for this project included:

• Supporting the scaffolding structure without using tower platforms, antennae platforms, masts, and adjacent building facades.
• Providing access to 28-foot-tall masts without support from existing structures.
• Providing safe access beneath the 20-foot wide, deteriorating antenna platform
• Managing potential heavy wind loads.
• Providing a safe worksite for construction workers and over 300 military and civilian personnel working at the SCSC facility.

Construction work needed to meet or exceed specifications and safety requirements of the US Army Corps of Engineers EM-385 Construction Health and Safety Regulations. Scaffolding installation also needed to be completed by July 6, 2021, which was an ambitious goal before the additional pressure of a scheduled rocket launch and unexpected storms. 

The Solution

Scaffolding Solutions provided a self-supporting, 165-foot-tall OCTO® scaffolding system to access sensitive platforms and masts. OCTO® addressed potential heavy wind loads and provided a safe working environment. Scaffolding Solutions provided special equipment, design, and resources to complete the scaffolding in time.

Supporting the scaffolding structure 

Scaffolding Solutions had the right system scaffolding for the job and installed OCTO® with rigid five-meter lattice beams that spanned antennae platforms and avoided support from existing structures.

Providing access to masts 

Scaffolding Solutions chose OCTO® system scaffolding, which can be designed to be self-supporting and have locking mechanisms that tightens with use. This provided a rigid and safe scaffolding system for workers to access deteriorating masts without support from existing structures.

Providing safe access beneath the antenna platform 

Scaffolding Solutions addressed this technically challenging problem by installing two cantilevered sections with double-lattice guard rails on the OCTO® scaffold system, making working platforms rigid and allowing workers to safely access the underside of the antennae platform.

Managing potential heavy wind loads 

Scaffolding Solutions relied on OCTO®’s weather resistance and durability, proven in many previous projects completed under adverse environments and proven in this project as the scaffolding system withstood sustained the 50 mile per hour winds of tropical storm Elsa.

Providing a safe worksite 

The OCTO® scaffolding system provides safe access, free from falling objects, to authorized personnel working at the SCSC facility while tower repairs continue.

Scaffolding Solutions installed the communication tower scaffolding system within five weeks. Installation remained quick and efficient while working with strict facility requirements, working through a strong tropical storm, and working around a rocket launch event that cleared Wallops Island of all non-essential personnel. 

Workers completed a safe and approved scaffolding before the deadline because of the innovative and versatile design of the OCTO® scaffolding system. 

The Result

The OCTO® system scaffolding is lighter and has fewer components to be assembled. In addition, it was easily transported, easily installed, kept downtime to a minimum allowing continuous and efficient installation, and helped with keeping the project on time and under budget specially for a security-sensitive and time demanding assignment.

The design and installation of the scaffolding system complied with safety requirements of the US Army Corps of Engineers EM-385 Construction Health and Safety Regulations without violations resulting in unplanned modifications. It was completed incident-free and will provide a safe worksite and access for construction workers until October 2021. 

Learn More About Our Scaffolding Services

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The 14-story brick building that housed Bon Secours hospital in Greenville, S.C. was starting to show signs of its age. Over the decades, construction technology had improved by leaps and bounds, and it was now time to undergo a modern renovation. 

Bon Secours hired Western Waterproofing as the contractor for a portion of the job. However, because the hospital still needed to provide care to patients, having construction workers haul materials up the elevators was out of the question. 

Western Waterproofing turned to Scaffolding Solutions to tackle the job of installing a safe and reliable scaffolding system for this 10-phase project. They had worked with Scaffolding Solutions on a previous job and knew they could safely and efficiently complete this complex project.

The Challenge

There were ten different phases of this project due to the hospital requiring minimal construction disruptions. This would allow only one section of the building to remain shut down while renovation work progressed. 

The biggest challenge by far was installing scaffolding on the roof. The contractor had hired another company to install the necessary steel beams, and it was up to Scaffolding Solutions to install the reshoring for support.

Due to work taking place outdoors, wind, lighting, and rain added additional safety challenges. The addition of Poly and Netting changes wind loads, requiring exact calculations to ensure that they stay in place.

The bricks of the building posed an additional problem as well—due to their age, they were crumbling in many places. Scaffolding Solutions needed to develop a different tie system that would allow for safe attachment of the scaffolding directly to the building.

The Solution

The scaffolding install project required several customized solutions. Thanks to the unstable brickwork, Scaffolding Solutions developed a special welded bracket that allowed them to anchor the scaffolding past the brick and directly into the building’s structural steel. This provided stable and secure anchoring points. 

The team also utilized special post shores that were able to support 18,000# and meet the stringent requirements (new, corrosion-resistant metal, high vis color “yellow”, rounded corners to prevent abrasions ) set by the hospital. 

To enable workers to safely lift materials and people without entering the hospital building, Scaffolding Solutions installed a Geda 660 hoist system. All these measures were taken to ensure the safety of the patients and staff.

When you shut down a block of hospital rooms for construction, revenue loss begins immediately. As such, the timing of the work required precision coordination and laser-accurate time estimations. 

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Scaffolding Solutions needed to adhere to special considerations that helped ensure the safety of workers, patients, and hospital personnel. This included working at night and wearing special badges to gain access to the hospital

Results & Successes

Scaffolding Solutions successfully and safely installed several systems, including the OCTO, Swing Stages by BeeAccess, Geda 660, and hoists from BetaMax. Western Waterproofing and the hospital were very pleased with the results of this complicated project that included:

• Minimal disruption to hospital operations
• Adherence to strict health, safety, and COVID-19 regulations
• Job completed on time and on budget
• Multiple customized solutions that solved a set of unique challenges

Let Scaffolding Solutions Help You Tackle Your Next Scaffolding Install Project

At Scaffolding Solutions, our experience and technical know-how allow us to undertake the most complex and challenging jobs. Our hoist and scaffolding systems are safe, cost-effective, and durable. 

We can support your current or next job at any project phase with a strong dedication to integrity and professionalism. Contact us today to see why more contractors choose Scaffolding Solutions to help solve their unique challenges.

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