Cuplock Scaffolding is composed of standardized metal components connected by socket-type bowl coupler joints, featuring stable structure, convenient assembly, and other advantages. The following is an analysis of its core parts and functions:
I. Basic Supporting Components
Vertical StandardsVertical load-bearing members made of Q235 or Q345 steel, usually with an outer diameter of 48mm and a wall thickness of 3.5mm. Lower bowl couplers are welded and fixed on the shaft every 500mm, and a slidable forged upper bowl coupler is installed at the top to lock crossbars and diagonal braces via limit pins. The length specifications of vertical standards include 600mm, 1200mm, 1800mm, etc., with a single load-bearing capacity of 15-35kN.
Adjustable Base PlateInstalled at the bottom of vertical standards for height adjustment and load distribution. The common model is KTZ500, with a screw adjustment range of 1800-3200mm. The base plate size is 120×120×4mm or 150×150×6mm, and the surface is treated with hot-dip galvanization or powder coating for corrosion resistance.
II. Horizontal Connecting Components
Horizontal LedgersConnect vertical standards to form a horizontal frame, with plugs welded at both ends that can be directly inserted into the bowl couplers of vertical standards. Common specifications include HG-30 (300mm) and HG-60 (600mm), made of Q235B steel, with a theoretical weight of 1.67-6.28kg per piece. The connection between horizontal ledgers and vertical standards requires no bolts and achieves self-locking by tapping the upper bowl coupler.
Frame PlanksProvide working platforms, divided into steel planks, wooden planks, and bamboo planks. Steel planks are stamped from 2-3mm thick steel plates with anti-slip patterns on the surface; wooden planks need to be made of 50mm thick Chinese fir with anti-corrosion treatment; bamboo planks are suitable for temporary projects. Some manufacturers can customize lengths, such as 1.5-3.6m.
III. Stability Reinforcement Components
Diagonal BracesEnhance overall rigidity, with rotatable joints riveted at both ends, installed at the bowl coupler nodes of vertical standards. Diagonal braces are made of Q235 steel pipes, forming a triangular support structure with horizontal ledgers, usually spaced 1.2-1.8m apart.
Anchoring ComponentsConnect the scaffolding to the main structure of the building to prevent lateral displacement. Common forms include steel pipe hoops or embedded parts, which need to be designed in accordance with GB 51210-2016 "Code for Safety Technology of Scaffolding in Construction" with a spacing not exceeding 4.5m.
IV. Core Node Components
Bowl CouplerConsists of a lower bowl coupler (welded to the vertical standard), an upper bowl coupler (slidable), horizontal ledger plugs, and limit pins. During assembly, insert the horizontal ledger plug into the lower bowl coupler, tap the upper bowl coupler to fasten it to the plug, and the limit pin prevents the upper bowl coupler from loosening. The shear strength of the bowl coupler joint exceeds 30kN, meeting the requirements of GB 24911-2010 "Safety Requirements for Steel Scaffolding Couplers".
Safety PinA round steel pin with a diameter of 8-10mm, inserted into the reserved hole of the upper bowl coupler to ensure reliable node connection. Some high-end products adopt spring-type anti-loosening pins to further improve safety.
V. Auxiliary Functional Components
Adjustable U-JackInstalled at the top of vertical standards for adjusting the height of formwork supports. The screw diameter is 40-48mm, the adjustment range is 500-700mm, the load-bearing capacity can reach 20kN, and the material is ZG230-450 cast steel.
Stair TowersModularly designed ladder components that can be seamlessly connected to the main scaffolding structure, equipped with handrails and toe boards, complying with EN 1004 "Scaffolding - Performance Requirements and Test Methods".
VI. Material and Manufacturing Standards
Steel Selection: Vertical standards and horizontal ledgers are made of Q235B or Q345B steel; bowl couplers are forged from Q235 steel; adjustable base plate screws are made of 45# steel.
Surface Treatment: Hot-Dip Galvanization (HDG) or powder coating, with a salt spray test life of over 1000 hours, suitable for high-corrosion environments such as marine and chemical industries.
International Certifications: Products need to pass third-party tests such as CE, SGS, and TÜV, complying with standards such as EN 74 (Europe), BS 1139 (UK), and AS 1576 (Australia).
VII. Application Scenarios
Cuplock Scaffolding is widely used in construction, bridge maintenance, shipbuilding, and other fields. Its modular design supports curved layout and arbitrary height difference terrain, making it particularly suitable for high-rise building external scaffolding, large-span support systems, and special-shaped structure construction. For example, in bridge pier construction, vertical standards, horizontal ledgers, and diagonal braces can be combined to form an annular support to meet the formwork fixing needs of different diameters.
VIII. Safety Specifications
Erection Requirements: The verticality deviation of vertical standards shall not exceed 1/500 of the scaffolding height and 50mm; the working layer shall be fully paved with frame planks and equipped with 1.2m high protective railings.
Load Control: The uniformly distributed load of structural scaffolding shall not exceed 5kN/m², and that of decorative scaffolding shall not exceed 3kN/m²; overloading is strictly prohibited.
Regular Inspections: Conduct a comprehensive inspection at least once a week, focusing on the connection of bowl coupler nodes, settlement of vertical standard foundations, and corrosion of components; re-inspection is required after strong winds and heavy rains.
Through the standardized combination of the above components, Cuplock Scaffolding can quickly build safe and efficient working platforms. Its modular design balances flexibility and stability, making it one of the mainstream choices in modern construction.
