Seminar - Wilson Yuan - Test of connections in Wedge coupler scaffolding system

Wednesday, April 16, 2003, 1.10 - 1.50 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Room 3

Abstract

The stability and strength of scaffolding and form-work systems depend strongly on the characteristics of the connections of these systems are usually semi-rigid and may feature initial looseness with the effect of producing out-of-plumb of the frame. This seminar describes a series of joint test on the connections of the modular scaffold system according with AS/NZS 4576:1995, using a conventional wedge-type connector. The test was first performed cyclically with increasing levels of rotation so as to determine the initial stiffness and looseness, and eventually to failure to determine the strength. A series of test was conducted on the wedge coupler connection and spigot joint to characteristics for rotations in the vertical and/or horizontal planes, as well as for twist rotation.