System and method for fixedly connecting scaffolds on construction site

Abstract

A scaffold attachment apparatus and method for attaching a conventional scaffold to a linear or curvilinear surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 409,502, filed on September 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for securing scaffolding at a construction site. More specifically, the systems and methods utilize unique scaffolding anchors to secure conventional scaffolding to linear surfaces or various curved surfaces. Background Art

[0004] Historically, tank manufacturers preassembled, erected, and skipped their own scaffolding systems. This work process required additional on-site training and experts to physically inspect and green-tag the scaffolding system. This division of labor was not optimal, with two separate teams having to verify the readiness of the same scaffold. Beam-clamp connections were also common for most suspended scaffolding systems. These were often partially or fully fixed, built-in, and not easily moved once green-tagged and put into service. Disadvantages included achieving the tonnage required to get workers to various work fronts throughout the life of the project.

[0005] Custom scaffolding systems are also common in tank erection. Typically, custom scaffolding systems interact with welded steel attachments. One disadvantage is that scaffolding is typically customized for curved steel plate structures and is not typically used for any other type of construction commodity (i.e., civil construction, structural steel, concrete work, etc.). Therefore, this type of scaffolding system is more expensive to manufacture. Field-erected tanks that are more than three turns (approximately 30ft) in height require dedicated access: i) to provide access / exit for workers at the working front; and ii) to provide wind protection for the tank shell, which prevents the tank shell from blowing inward during high winds. These scaffolds are highly customized, expensive, and vary in design among tank projects (i.e., FET, LNG, sphere). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 is a front view showing one embodiment of a scaffold securing device according to the present disclosure, the scaffold securing device being attached to a conventional scaffold.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the fixing device of the scaffold.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged views of the scaffold securing device showing the scaffold securing device attached to different conventional scaffolds.

[0010] Figure 4 It is shown by Figure 1 A perspective view of a conventional scaffolding secured to a curved surface with the scaffolding securing means in FIG.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the scaffold fixing device in FIG. 1 shows the adjustment of the connector.

[0012] Figure 6 As part of the scaffolding fixing device Figure 1 A side view of the coupling is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 As part of the scaffolding fixing device Figure 1 Front view of the coupling shown.

[0014] Figure 8 As part of the scaffolding fixing device Figure 1 Bottom view of the coupling shown.

[0015] Fig. 9 As part of the scaffolding fixing device Figure 1 A perspective view of the base shown DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The subject matter of the present disclosure is specifically described, however, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the subject matter may also be implemented in other ways to include different structures, steps and / or combinations similar to and / or less than those described herein in combination with other current or future technologies. Although the term "step" can be used in this article to describe the different elements of the method adopted, the term should not be interpreted as implying any specific order among or between the various steps disclosed herein, unless this specification is clearly limited to a specific order. Based on the study of the following drawings and detailed description, other features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be or will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The purpose is to include all of these additional features and advantages within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. In addition, the drawings shown are exemplary only and are not intended to advocate or imply any restrictions on the environment, architecture, design or process in which different embodiments can be implemented.

[0017] The systems and methods disclosed herein overcome the disadvantages of the prior art associated with conventional scaffolding systems, which need to be customized for tank construction and are therefore not suitable for other construction projects. The systems and methods overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by using unique scaffolding attachment devices to attach conventional scaffolding to linear surfaces or different curved surfaces. The systems and methods can be used on various permanent plant structures during field construction activities, so that scaffolding system components can be attached strategically and just in time at the work front.

[0018] In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a scaffold fixing device, which includes: i) a base suitable for fixing to a fixed surface, the base having a flat surface and a support member substantially perpendicular to the flat surface of the base, the support member forming an upper extension and a lower extension at one end of the support member at a predetermined distance from the flat surface of the base; ii) a connector for temporarily connecting the scaffold to the base, the connector having a flat surface, a first restraining side, a second restraining side and an adapter attached to the flat surface for temporarily fixing the connector to the scaffold, the first restraining side and the second restraining side being substantially perpendicular to the flat surface and separated by a support arm and a removable restraining arm, the support arm being fixed between the first restraining side and the second restraining side for supporting the connector on the support arm member of the base, the removable restraining arm being connected to the first restraining side and the second restraining side below the support arm for enabling connection and separation between the scaffold and the base; and iii) wherein the fixing device enables sufficient movement between the base and the connector to fix the scaffold to a linear surface or different curved surfaces.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes a method for securing a scaffold, comprising: i) securing a base to a fixed curved surface; ii) securing a connector to the scaffold, the connector having a flat surface, a first restraining side, a second restraining side, and an adapter attached to the flat surface for securing the connector to the scaffold; and iii) coupling the scaffold to the base with the connector by adjusting the connector based on the fixed curved surface while the scaffold is coupled to the base.

[0020] Reference now Figure 1-Figure 9 , the scaffold fixing device 102 is attached to Figure 1-Figure 2 The traditional scaffolding system 104 and Figure 3The scaffold fixing device 102 includes a base 106, which is suitable for being fixed to a fixed surface 108 by, for example, welding a portion of a flat surface 110 on the base 106 to the fixed surface 108. The base 106 has a support member 112 that is substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 110. The support member 112 forms an upper extension 114a and a lower extension 114b at a predetermined distance 902 from the flat surface 110. The scaffold fixing device 102 further includes a coupler 116 for temporarily connecting the scaffold system 104 to the base 106. The coupler 116 has a flat surface 118, a first restraining side 120, a second restraining side 502 ( Figure 5 ) and an adapter 122, which is attached to the flat surface 118 by, for example, welding, for temporarily securing the coupler 116 to the scaffolding system 104. The adapter 122 may include any shape capable of supporting and securing the scaffolding system 104, such as a hook or a clamp. The first and second restraining sides 120 and 502 are substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 118 and are separated by a support arm 124 fixed between the first and second restraining sides 120 and 502, which is used to support the coupler 116 on the support member 112 of the base 106. The first and second restraining sides 120 and 502 are also separated by a removable restraining arm 126, which is coupled to the first and second restraining sides 120 and 502 below the support arm 124, for enabling the scaffolding system 104 to be coupled and decoupled from the base 106.

[0021] The upper extension 114a and the lower extension 114b of the support member 112 form a combined length 904 that is longer than the distance 704 between the support arm 124 and the restraining arm 126 of the coupler 116, for limiting the movement of the coupler 116 away from the base 106 and maintaining the connection between the scaffolding system 104 and the base 106. The support member 112 extends a predetermined distance 902 away from the planar surface 110 and substantially perpendicular to the planar surface to allow sufficient movement between the base 106 and the coupler 116. Similarly, the first restraining side 120 and the second restraining side 502 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance 706 to allow sufficient movement between the base 106 and the coupler 116. In this manner, the scaffolding attachment device 102 allows sufficient movement between the base 106 and the coupler 116 for attaching the scaffolding system 104 to a linear surface or to various curved surfaces, wherein the various curved surfaces may include cylindrical surfaces and spherical surfaces.

[0022] The removable restraint arm 126 can be coupled to the first restraint side 120 and the second restraint side 502 by passing the removable restraint arm 126 through the opening in the first restraint side 120 and the opening in the second restraint side 502. The cotter pin 202 passes through the opening at one end of the removable restraint arm 126 to complete the coupling. At the other end of the removable restraint arm 126 opposite to the end with the opening, the removable restraint arm 126 can be easily positioned by using the handle 204.

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, the scaffold fixing device 102 can be used to fix a conventional scaffold system 402 to a fixed curved surface 404 (e.g., a storage tank). The base 106 is first fixed to the fixed curved surface 404 by, for example, welding a portion of the flat surface 110 on the base 106 to the fixed curved surface 404. Then, the coupler 116 can be fixed to the scaffold system 402 using the adapter 122. Then, by adjusting the coupler 116 based on the fixed curved surface 404, the scaffold system 402 can be connected to the base 106 using the coupler 116 while the scaffold system 402 is connected to the base 106. Preferably, the scaffold system 402 is connected to the base 106 above the ground. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the coupler 116 can be easily adjusted by simply moving the coupler 116 on the base 106 when the scaffold system 402 is coupled to the base 106 above the ground. Therefore, the scaffold attachment device 102 can be used to attach a conventional scaffold system 402 to the inside or outside of any fixed curved surface.

[0024] Thus, the systems and methods disclosed herein allow conventional scaffolding systems to be supported at or above elevation on both linear and curved surfaces with the following on-site advantages: i) adaptability (can be attached to a variety of structures including curved steel walls (interior or exterior), structural steel columns / beams, and concrete embeds); and ii) flexibility (install / remove preassembled / modular scaffolding units and install at level 1, 2, ... or install at level 1 and roll to the next location at the same level). In addition, the increased mobility enables planning for reduced scaffolding material / tonnage, and the scaffolding can be moved to the next work front if not working simultaneously. This saves material, labor, and provides additional space / clearance on the job site to allow crews to separate jobs or prepare alternate materials or equipment.

[0025] Additional benefits may include: i) Health and Safety – proven technology with a high degree of core competency in management and field deployment; ii) Quality – proven technology with parts being mass produced through mature supply chain QA / QC and SQ processes; iii) Productivity – improved EPC synergy throughout the scoping, specification, transportation, erection, demobilization of scaffolding materials at the site erection tank work front; iv) Increased digitization – changes in physical technology support tracking using existing advanced analytics tools (e.g., power BI, telematics, material tracking, etc.) and plate structures can be added to digital tracking systems where appropriate; v) Future Readiness – Readiness deliverables include: (a) Scope Guides that enable straightforward identification of project scope and specification of technology to support early proposal / estimation / supply work, (b) Construction Specifications that allow PM / Construction Coordinator to specify and communicate during early planning and project execution, (c) Constructability Notices – communicate information and understanding that solutions exist and are ready to deploy; and vi) Sustainability – Scaffolding suppliers will continue to evolve and improve technology.

[0026] The system and method also reduces: i) supply chain requirements and energy associated with manufacturing and transporting scaffolding materials; and ii) fuel requirements (scaffolding materials will be transported on existing trucks, no additional trucks are required). For an 11.6m tank, a typical adjustable metal scaffold may cost, for example, $50,000 or more. The scaffolding is completely customized and most parts cannot be used on tanks of different diameters. In contrast, the system and method disclosed herein will cost $2,126 per year for an 11.6m tank and may include only one custom part that can be used with traditional scaffolding parts on all tanks, regardless of tank size and configuration, and allows customization on site using existing scaffolding parts.

[0027] Thus, the system and method improves the overall process for accessing elevated field-erected structures on construction projects, such as field-erected storage tanks, LNG storage tanks, and LNG spheres. The system and method can also be applied to non-storage tank areas, such as, for example, concrete walls with exterior structural steel and piping, structural steel supports, pipe racks, and other elevated engineering projects as required.

[0028] Although the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the presently preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this is not intended to limit the disclosure of these embodiments. For example, the systems described herein may be implemented in new system scaffolding access applications, or may be retrofitted to conventional scaffolding systems. Additionally, the systems described herein may be implemented in other access solution systems to achieve similar results. Therefore, it is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A scaffold fixing device, comprising: a base adapted to be secured to a fixed surface, the base having a planar surface and a support member substantially perpendicular to the planar surface, the support member forming an upper extension and a lower extension at a predetermined distance from the planar surface; A coupler for temporarily connecting a scaffold to a base, the coupler having a flat surface, a first restraining side, a second restraining side, and an adapter attached to the flat surface for temporarily securing the coupler to the scaffold, the first restraining side and the second restraining side being substantially perpendicular to the flat surface and separated by a support arm and a removable restraining arm, the support arm being fixed between the first restraining side and the second restraining side for supporting the coupler on a support member of the base, and the removable restraining arm being coupled to the first restraining side and the second restraining side below the support arm for enabling coupling and decoupling between the scaffold and the base; and The fixing device enables sufficient movement between the base and the connector, so as to fix the scaffold to a linear surface or different curved surfaces.

2. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The upper extension and the lower extension of the support member form a combined length that is longer than the distance between the support arm and the restraining arm of the coupler for limiting the movement of the coupler away from the base and maintaining the connection between the scaffold and the base.

3. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The support member extends a predetermined distance away from the flat surface and substantially perpendicular to the flat surface to enable sufficient movement between the base and the coupler.

4. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The first restraining side and the second restraining side are spaced apart by a predetermined distance to allow sufficient movement between the base and the coupler.

5. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter is a hook or a clamp suitable for supporting and fixing the scaffold.

6. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The removable restraining arm passes through the opening in the first restraining side and the opening in the second restraining side.

7. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: Different curved surfaces include cylindrical surfaces and spherical surfaces.

8. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The base is adapted to be secured to a fixing surface by welding portions of the planar face to the fixing surface.

9. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The adapter is attached to the flat surface by welding.

10. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 6, wherein: The removable restraining arm is coupled to the first and second restraining sides by a cotter pin passing through an opening at one end of the removable restraining arm.

11. The scaffold fixing device according to claim 10, wherein: The removable restraining arm includes a handle at an end opposite the end having the opening.

12. A method for fixing a scaffold, comprising: securing the base to a fixed curved surface; securing a coupler to a scaffold, the coupler having a planar face, a first restraining side, a second restraining side, and an adapter attached to the planar face for securing the coupler to the scaffold; and The scaffold is coupled to the base with the coupler by adjusting the coupler based on a fixed curved surface while the scaffold is coupled to the base.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The scaffold is coupled to a base above the ground.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The base includes a flat surface and a support member substantially perpendicular to the flat surface, the support member forming an upper extension and a lower extension at a predetermined distance from the flat surface.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first and second restraining sides are separated by a support arm secured therebetween for supporting the coupler on a support member of the base.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The first and second restraining sides are separated by a removable restraining arm coupled to the first and second restraining sides below the support arm for enabling coupling and decoupling between the scaffold and a base.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The upper extension and the lower extension of the support member form a combined length that is longer than the distance between the support arm and the restraining arm of the coupler for limiting the movement of the coupler away from the base and maintaining the connection between the scaffold and the base.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The support member extends a predetermined distance away from the base and substantially perpendicular to the base to allow sufficient movement between the base and the coupler.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first restraining side and the second restraining side are spaced apart by a predetermined distance to allow sufficient movement between the base and the coupler.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The fixed curved surface is a cylindrical surface or a spherical surface.

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