Shoring and false works
Shoring and false works are technically two separate areas of construction work which are employed at different times, but there are many similarities between the two techniques which mean they are often considered and described together. A scaffolding technician with experience in one discipline will quickly be able to adapt their knowledge to the other, even if they have no direct experience with it. At MTEC Scaffolding, we place equal emphasis on both methods when training our personnel, in order to have the same standard of service available to all our customers, whatever their requirements may be.
When discussing either of these techniques with engineers or other tradespeople, the similarities in application can lead to confusion. It is therefore important to bear in mind the differences, including the situations in which each method will be employed. Shoring is a technique used in the alteration of existing structures, including remedial work. Whenever structural elements of a building are to be removed or modified, it is essential to provide enough reinforcement to prevent any movement or damage throughout the rest of the structure. Shoring is one of the most established and effective ways to achieve this.
The connection between methods of shoring and scaffolding is too obvious to be overlooked. The MO of the scaffolding trade involves using poles and surfaces to provide strong, stable platforms which will bear loads and provide access to work areas. In this regard, scaffolding techniques are perfectly suited to the installation of light-to-medium shoring systems. For building alterations and renovations, you will likely already have a scaffolding team on site. When you use MTEC for your basic scaffolding needs, you can call on our experienced and qualified team to perform additional tasks, including birdcage scaffolds, temporary roof scaffolds, and of course, scaffolding shoring.
Falsework is similar to shoring in many ways, however the key difference is that it is employed during the construction, rather than the alteration, of a structural element. This isn’t to say that shoring and falsework can’t both be employed extensively within the same building project, however whereas the purpose of shoring is to maintain the structural properties of a component, engineers use falsework in construction of components which will play a structural role.
One of the most common ways of using this technique is to engineer a ‘blank’ the size and shape of the intended gap beneath an arched structure, then construct the building around it. The ‘blank’ is dismantled when the structure is self-supporting. Without the use of falsework bridge construction techniques over the years would have been impacted significantly.
Since such temporary supports must have all the load-bearing properties of the eventual completed structure, it is obvious that falsework design must be undertaken by expert designers with a keep grasp of the safety implications of their work. If you intend to have your scaffolding contractors provide such a service, be sure to work with a company who have experience in falsework construction and the necessary resources to install falseworks which can remain in place for as long as they are needed.
Contact us to enquire further about shoring and falsework services.