Large scaffolds moved on air

Airgonomics have come up with a novel way of moving large scaffolds without the need for dismantling.

Airgonomics have come up with a novel way of moving large scaffolds without the need for dismantling.

In the past these scaffolds, were either mounted on wheels for movement, or simply dismantled and then re-erected in the next position.

The fitting of wheels is a solution to some extent, but with such large scaffolds and the weights involved, this is sometimes impractical.

Airgonomics solution is to simply float the structure on a film of air.

The scaffold is initially designed to accommodate a number of airskates to lift the load without deflection.

When the scaffold is to be moved, the airskates are simply inserted under the scaffold, connected to an air supply and when floatation occurs, the scaffold is simply pushed to its next position.

A Series of 4 scaffolds, each weighing 65 Tonnes, were moved in this way during refurbishment of the hangar roof at RAF Brize Norton.

The total clearance either side of the scaffolds was less than 1 foot, so a way of moving the scaffolds very accurately was needed.

When one section of the roof had been completed the airskates were inserted and the scaffolds were simply pushed to the next section.

The movement of these four scaffolds would have normally taken weeks, but the complete move for all four on air, took only 2 days.

Air is usually provided to the airskates by the hire of normal roadside compressors, again keeping the cost of moving the scaffolds down.

Should the floor be unsuitable for the use of airskates ie not sealed, then thin steel sheets are simply laid to provide a trackway.

There is no limit to the size and weight of scaffolds that can be moved on airskates.

For further information see our website, or alternately give us a call, we would be pleased to discuss any scaffold movement problems you have.

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