ScaFixFrame scaffolding
How many scaffold frames do I need?
Frame scaffolding is counted in frame lines and lifts. These tables give the frames, deck units, cross braces and base jacks for straight walls from 20' to 100' and for every US frame system with its own ScaFix system page, worked out by the same engine as the ScaFix app.
By Ole Emil Frikstad Urstad · How the numbers are computed ·
How many scaffold frames do I need for one wall?
One frame per frame line and lift, and there is one more frame line than bays. A straight 40' × 20' wall with Waco Frame (USA) takes 4 bays (4 × 10'): 5 lines × 2 lifts = 10 frames, plus 2 short frames, 8 deck units, 16 cross braces and 10 base jacks.
How many frames for common wall sizes?
Waco Frame (USA), 5' wide, on straight walls of whole 10' bays, level ground, no corners. «Frames» are the full 6'-7" frames; the short frames and the top-lift guardrail posts are in «Parts in all».
| Wall (length × height) | Bays | Lifts with decks | Frames | Deck units | Cross braces | Base jacks | Parts in all |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' × 10' | 2 (2 × 10') | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 32 |
| 30' × 13' | 3 (3 × 10') | 1 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 44 |
| 40' × 20' | 4 (4 × 10') | 2 | 10 | 8 | 16 | 10 | 93 |
| 60' × 20' | 6 (6 × 10') | 2 | 14 | 12 | 24 | 14 | 133 |
| 80' × 26' | 8 (8 × 10') | 3 | 27 | 24 | 48 | 18 | 224 |
| 100' × 30' | 10 (10 × 10') | 4 | 44 | 40 | 80 | 22 | 361 |
Does the frame type change the count?
Every US frame system with its own ScaFix system page on the same 40' × 20' wall. The frame height and the height of the first lift decide how many lifts reach the top deck: with the lowest frames, 5', Metaltech Saferstack Mason (USA) needs 15 frames where Waco Frame (USA) needs 10.
| Frame system | Frame width | Frame height | Bays | Lifts with decks | Frames | Deck units | Cross braces | Parts in all |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waco Frame (USA) | 5' | 6'-7" | 4 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 16 | 93 |
| WACO Narrow Frame (USA) | 2'-3 1/2" | 6'-7" | 4 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 16 | 93 |
| WACO RED Access Frame (USA) | 5' | 6'-7" | 4 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 16 | 93 |
| Metaltech Saferstack (USA) | 5' | 6'-4" | 4 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 24 | 120 |
| Metaltech Saferstack Ladder Arch (USA) | 5' | 6'-4" | 4 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 24 | 120 |
| Metaltech Saferstack Mason (USA) | 5' | 5' | 4 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 24 | 120 |
| StepUp Frame & Brace | 3' | 6'-4" | 4 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 24 | 120 |
| WACO RED Box Frame (USA) | 5' | 5'-1" | 4 | 3 | 15 | 12 | 24 | 120 |
How do I count scaffold frames by hand?
Every row in the tables above follows these rules, computed by the engine, not typed in.
- Bays: divide the wall length by the bay length (10' here) and round up. Frame lines are the bays plus one.
- Lifts: the frame height sets how many lifts reach the top deck; the tables show the lifts the engine gives each wall height. Each lift with a deck needs one frame on every frame line.
- Frames: frame lines × lifts. Add the short frames or posts the system uses to reach the top guardrail.
- Deck units: bays × lifts with decks. How many planks make one deck unit depends on the plank width and the frame width: check the manufacturer's deck table.
- Cross braces: two per bay and lift, one on each face. Base jacks: two per frame line, one under each leg.
- Then add guardrails, toeboards, end rails, access and wall ties by the manufacturer's rules.
What do the US rules say about frames and planks?
- Frames and panels must be braced by cross, horizontal or diagonal braces, and joined vertically by coupling or stacking pins or an equivalent means: 29 CFR 1926.452(c)(2)–(3).
- Each platform on all working levels must be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports: 29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1).
- Frames and other uprights bear on base plates and mud sills or another adequate firm foundation: 29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2).
- ScaFix is a planning aid, not a structural calculation or approval of the scaffold. The manufacturer's instructions and a competent person's inspection apply.
Questions and answers
How many scaffold frames do I need for a 40' wall?
With Waco Frame (USA), a 40' long, 20' high wall needs 10 full frames by the ScaFix engine: 5 frame lines × 2 lifts, plus 2 short frames. A lower frame, or a higher wall, adds lifts and so frames.
How many planks does a frame scaffold need?
ScaFix counts one deck unit per bay and lift with a deck: 8 on the 40' × 20' wall. The number of planks in one deck unit depends on the plank width and the frame width; check the manufacturer's deck table.
How many cross braces does a frame scaffold need?
ScaFix puts a cross brace on both faces of every bay and lift: 16 on the 40' × 20' wall with 4 bays and 2 lifts. OSHA requires frames to be braced; the manufacturer's instructions say how.
How many base jacks does a frame scaffold need?
Two per frame line, one under each frame leg: 10 for the 5 frame lines of the 40' wall. Each leg bears on a base plate and a mud sill or another firm foundation.
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