Scaffolding Load Capacity Calculator
The SkyCiv Scaffolding Load Calculator allows engineers to design scaffolding as per the American Institute of Steel Construction.(AISC) 360 design standard.
The scaffolding capacity calculator provides multiple design capacities for both the members and couplers. These utilization results are calculated and detailed in a professional report that allows engineers to easily verify each result.
The calculator requires the geometry and material of the scaffolding member, the coupler data, the design load (binding, shear, axial and torsion) as well as the effective length factors. The scaffolding load capacity calculator will calculate member results for axial compression, shear capacity and moment capacity. For couplers the tool will produce results for branding, shear, slipping and torsion capacity.
AISC 360 Scaffolding Calculator
What couplers are available in the scaffolding load capacity calculator?
In the scaffolding load capacity calculator the following types of couplers are available to be used.
Right angle coupler
Right angle couplers connect scaffolding members (generally tubes or pipes) at exactly a 90 degree angle creating stable joints. The right angle coupler in the above scaffolding load capacity calculator requires inputs for capacity in bending, torsion, shear and axial. The calculator will produce results for bending, shear, slipping and torsion capacity for these types of couplers.
Friction type sleeve coupler
Friction type sleeve couplers connect scaffolding members to connect them where rigid joints are required. These types of couplers rely on friction to create a strong and movement free connection between members. The friction type sleeve coupler in the above scaffolding load capacity calculator requires inputs for capacity in bending and axial. The calculator will produce results for bending and slipping capacity for these types of couplers.
Swivel parallel coupler
The swivel parallel coupler is used to connect tube members at a parallel angle whilst maintaining swiveling function. This allows the scaffolding tubes to rotate independently when required. The swivel parallel coupler in the above scaffolding load capacity calculator requires inputs for capacity in axial. The calculator will produce results for axial capacity only for these types of couplers.
Parallel coupler
The parallel coupler is used to connect tube members at a parallel angle but unlike the swivel version does not maintaining swiveling function. This type of parallel coupler create a rigid joint between the tubes. The parallel coupler in the above scaffolding load capacity calculator requires inputs for capacity in axial. The calculator will produce results for axial capacity only for these types of couplers.
What effective length parameters are used in the scaffolding load capacity calculator?
The following factors are required as inputs in the above AISC 360 scaffolding calculator:
- Unbraced Length for Lateral-Torsional Buckling. This is the length of a scaffolding member that is not laterally supported.
- Effective Length Factor for Flexural Buckling about Y-axis. This represents the stability of the member under bending, considering its end conditions and geometry.
- Effective Length Factor for Flexural Buckling about Z-axis. This represents how well the scaffolding member is restrained against lateral bending in that particular direction.
What loads should be considered for scaffolding??
Engineers working on scaffolding systems should design them to resist various types of loads, these loads include:
- Dead Loads generally from the weight of the scaffolding system itself.
- Live Loads generally from workers and equipment used on the scaffolding.
- Wind Loads depending on local conditions and standards.
- Snow Loads where applicable and depending on local conditions and standards.
- Seismic Loads in areas prone to earthquakes and depending on local conditions and standards.
Once the loads have been determined by a qualified structural engineer the can be applied in the design load section of the calculator in the form of bending, shear and axial force.
Scaffolding calculator frequently asked questions
What unit system is supported in the calculator? The calculator defaults to imperial units. Inputs and results are available in metric by clicking the settings button at the top of the left side input panel. What design standard is used? The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC 360) standard is used.
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