ACROW FORMWORK TECHNOLOGY

RING LOCK SCAFFOLDING

USER MANUAL
Contents
1. Overview
2. Introduction
3. System components
4. Assembly & Dismantling
5. Criteria for design
6. Tying instructions and anchor forces
7. Reactions on supports
8. Instructions & limitations
2. Introduction
2.1 System Description
The ACROW RING LOCK SCAFFOLDIN SYSTEM describes a working scaffold designed according to the
requirements set down in EN 12810 and EN 12811.

The Ring lock scaffolding system is a modular system. It is mainly consists of:

1. Base jacks (the support elements).

2. Ring lock standards provided by a ring every 500mm.
3. Ring lock transoms (horizontal members in the short direction).
4. Ring lock ledgers (horizontal members in the long direction).
5. Ring lock diagonals (diagonal members).
6. Self-locking steel planks.
7. Toe boards.
8. Supplementary components: Console brackets, Cantilever bracket, Pedestrian frame and Bridging
girder.

2.2 Standard configurations

2.2.1 Façade scaffold 75cm width

System widths = 75.

Bay lengths: 90/120/150/180/210/240/270/300 cm.

Load classes: 1-3 according to EN 12811-1 (0.75 – 2.00) kN/ m².

Standard configuration according to EN 12810 for a scaffold assembly: 24 m high plus maximum spindle
extension / internal brackets at every level / external brackets / pavement gantries / bridging / nets /
tarpaulins.

2.2.2 Façade scaffold 105cm width

System widths = 105.

Bay lengths: 90/120/150/180/210/240/270/300 cm.

Load classes: According to EN 12811-1, up to load class 6 (6.0KN/m²).

Standard configuration according to EN 12810 for a scaffold assembly: 24 m high plus maximum spindle
extension / internal brackets at every level / external brackets / pavement gantries / bridging / nets /
tarpaulins.
2.2.4 Ring lock fixed towers

Dimensions: The uniform grid dimensions in both vertical and horizontal directions allow almost any
adjustments to be made to suit site conditions. Vertical grid dimensions which can be achieved by the rings
supplied every 50cm. Horizontal grid every 30cm.

2.2.5 Ring lock mobile towers

The Ring lock mobile towers are equipped by polyurethane wheels with braking mechanism to facilitate
moving the tower.

2.2.6 Ring lock staircase

It describes stair towers with the staircase units in the same direction and stair towers with alternating
staircase units as a means of access for temporary work to be carried out on working areas situated above
ground level.

Ground plan dimensions 2.10 x 3.00 m

4.80 x 2.40 m

Clear stair width 74 cm for 2.10 x 3.00 m

94 cm for 4.80 x 2.40 m

Permissible loads:
For stair flights and decking 2.0 kN/m2

Story height 2.00 m

Stair flights correspond to Class A according to EN 12811, Part 1

From 2.0 m up to a maximum 70.0 m assembly height with appropriate anchoring.

2.3 Instructions
2.3.1 General instructions

1. The contractor-user- has to ensure that the applied loads don’t exceed the permissible loads specified for
the system configuration used; also the wind loads mustn’t exceed the designed velocity pressure of (1.1
kN/m²).

2. The ground and the wall supporting the scaffold are sufficiently solid to carry the loads imposed on them
from ties and base plates.

3. Couplers used must comply with EN74, ties made up of galvanized steel S235JR with minimum
dimensions Ø 48.3*3.2mm.
4. Any deviations from the standard configuration or instructions provided in this guide may only be carried
out after a separate assessment has been implemented by ACROW construction.

5. All country-specific laws, standards and other safety regulations are to be taken into account.

6. Materials used should be original ACROW materials, and they should be in perfect working conditions.

2.3.2 Safety Instructions

1. All components are to be inspected before each use and any damaged components mustn’t be
used.
2. During unfavorable weather conditions, suitable precautions and measures are to be taken in order
to ensure both working safety and stability.
3. In no case the user will remove ties or other structural elements from the scaffolding.
4. The working areas have to be safe and secured and can be safely accessed. Areas of risk must be
cordoned off and clearly marked, openings on accessible working areas must be kept closed during
working operations.
5. The elements must not suffer strong knocks and excessive crushing during use, manipulation,
storage and transport.
6. Make sure that the rope used in lifting elements is in good condition.
7. When moving the components, make sure they are lifted and set down so that any unintentional
tilting over, falling apart, sliding or rolling away is avoided.
8. Do not leave objects strewn in the circulation routes, and do not handle objects in areas where this
would pose a risk to third parties.
9. Never move the mobile tower when personnel or materials are on the tower.
10. The tower should be moved slowly and smoothly, and it should be hitched for pulling from the
lowest point possible.
11. Assure that all protections are properly set up in the material storage and handling areas.
12. When assembling and disassembling, follow the ACROW technical instructions on assembly.
13. If working under other conditions, consult the Technical Department.
3. System components

Plain base

Code 6221177000851
Weight 1.16 Kg

Post Head Jack Tubular-38mm (60cm) 1.5˝

Code 6221177013127
Weight 3.77 Kg

Post Head Jack Solid-34mm (L) 1.5”

Code 6221177013103
Weight 5.30 Kg

Rivet Pin 17 mm, L=12.5 cm

Code 6221177012304
Weight Kg

Spring Clip (medium)

Code 6221177087289
Weight Kg
Ring lock standards

L (m) Code Weight (Kg)

0.50 6221177125240 2.75
1.00 6221177125257 5.04
1.50 6221177125264 7.33
2.00 6221177125271 9.62
2.50 6221177125288 11.91
3.00 6221177125295 14.20

Ring lock transoms

L (m) Code Weight (Kg)

0.75 2.71
1.05 3.59

Ring lock ledgers

L (m) Code Weight (Kg)

0.90 6221177125493 3.15
1.20 6221177125509 4.02
1.50 6221177125516 4.90
1.80 6221177125523 5.77
2.10 6221177125530 6.64
2.40 6221177125547 7.52
1.70 6221177125554 8.39
3.00 6221177125561 9.26
Ring lock diagonals

L (m) Code Weight (Kg)

0.9/1.0 6221177125578 5.10
0.9/1.5 6221177125585 6.35
0.9/2.0 6221177125592 7.69
1.0/1.0 6221177125073 5.28
1.2/1.0 6221177125608 5.67
1.2/1.5 6221177125615 6.79
1.2/2.0 6221177125622 8.05
1.5/1.0 6221177125639 6.34
1.5/1.5 6221177125646 7.33
1.5/2.0 6221177125653 8.49
1.8/1.0 6221177125660 7.06
1.8/1.5 6221177125677 7.95
1.8/2.0 6221177125684 9.01
2.0/1.0 6221177125059 7.56
2.1/1.0 6221177125691 7.82
2.1/1.5 6221177125707 8.61
2.1/2.0 6221177125714 9.59
2.4/1.0 6221177125721 8.61
2.4/1.5 6221177125738 9.32
2.4/2.0 6221177125745 10.22
2.7/1.0 6221177125752 9.42
2.7/1.5 6221177125769 10.06
2.7/2.0 6221177125776 10.88
3.0/1.0 6221177125783 10.23
3.0/1.5 6221177125790 10.82
3.0/2.0 6221177125806 11.58
Platform units

L (m) Code Weight (Kg)

0.90
1.20
1.50
1.80
2.10
2.40
2.70
3.00

Access Platform units

L (m) Code Weight (Kg)

0.90
1.20
1.50
1.80
2.10
2.40
2.70
3.00
Toe board

L (m) Code Weight (Kg)

0.75 2.33
1.05 2.96
0.90 2.64
1.20 3.27
1.50 3.90
1.80 4.53
2.10 5.16
2.40 5.79
2.70 6.42
3.00 7.05

Console bracket 412

Code
Weight 3.91 Kg
Console bracket 706

Code
Weight 6.69 Kg

Cantilever brace
Pedestrian frame

Code
Weight 36.25 Kg

Guardrails
Bridging girder

Code
Weight 60.70 Kg

Bridging girder tube

Code
Weight 3.82 Kg

Bridging girder collar

Code
Weight Kg
Transom with couplers

Code
Weight 3.40 Kg

Ring lock truss ledger

Code
Weight 9.79 Kg

Guardrail post

Code
Weight 5.68 Kg
Double couplers

Code
Weight Kg

Ladder

Code
Weight Kg
Polyurethane wheel

Code
Weight Kg

Stair case broken beam

Stair case step

Staircase handrail
4. Assembly & Dismantling
4.1 Assembly of basic scaffold
1. Position the post head jacks on the ground; and space them as mentioned in the drawings (deck to
building distance must not exceed 30 cm). The scaffold must be erected with load distribution plates
or structures capable of withstanding all imposed loads.

750mm < 300mm

2. Place the base standards on the post head jacks with the spigots upwards; the use of these standards
facilitates the alignment and leveling of the base; and also to decrease the level of the first ring from
the ground by 200mm.
3. Form a base frame by connecting the base standards transversely with the decking transom (0.75m
or 1.05m) and longitudinally with the ledgers. Insert the wedge in the corresponding holes in the
lower rings of the standard. Ensure all ledgers and decking transoms are leveled by adjusting the post
head jacks. Then securely fix all the wedges.

4. Place the first platforms as an assembly aid to check squareness, they

can be removed later. This does not apply to bays where access
platforms are fitted, in these bays two platform units should be fitted to 16mm
support the ladder. When placing the platforms on the transoms they
are self-locked, in order to remove them you have to open the lock by
moving the hook upwards. Moreover no gap fillers are required
between platforms.
5. Insert the first level vertical standards into the base standards. It’s
recommended to start the assembly with standards of 2.5m in
order to provide safe position for the scaffolders when they come
to the next level. Connect the verticals to each other using a rivet
pin and a spring clip.

6. At 2m from the horizontal ledgers already installed, put up the

next horizontal ledgers and decking transoms, secure the
wedges. Fit the next platform units from below. For the access
pays access platforms are used. Alternate the direction of the
ladders for each level! When the ladder access is not being used
the access hatch must remain closed.

7. Then install the diagonal brace in their corresponding bays as in

the design; in basic scaffold the diagonals are required in the
base level only; ledgers used for guardrails brace the scaffold in
the longitudinal direction.
8. When setting foot on the next scaffold level, a ledger must be fitted to serve
as a guardrail. Fit both ends of the ledger into the ring on the outside
standard and securely fix the wedges. Ledgers, which are fitted as guardrails,
have a structural function and therefore must be installed for the full
elevation of the scaffold. Complete the side protection; in every bay, fit the
second ledger and the toe board. At the end of the scaffold fit the end
guardrails and the end toe board.

9. Erecting of further scaffold bays is as previously

described.

10. Anchoring is carried out progressively during the

erection of the scaffold according to the relevant
anchor pattern. Ring bolts are used for fastening to
the façade. Wall ties fitted directly to the tube of the
vertical standard immediately beneath the decking
transom with couplers complying with DIN EN 74.
Anchors do not carry vertical loads.

11. Installation of further levels carried out in same

sequence, access platforms are fitted with the opening
hatch in an alternate position.
4.2 Assembly of supplementary components
Supplementary components -except pedestrian frames- should always be fitted after completion of the base
scaffold.

1. Assembly of console brackets

Console brackets are used to extend the working area of the scaffold.
Internal brackets must be installed at every level of the scaffold.

Erection of brackets takes place from the lower level, first fit the bracket end
connector into the ring and secure the wedge by a hammer blow. Before
accessing the next level, install the platforms on the consoles.

Erect (1.0m) vertical standards on console brackets to fit

the guardrails onto it. Connect the brackets with ledgers,
and then put on the toe boards to complete the side
protection.

The guardrail vertical standard has to be joined to the

bracket using a rivet pin and a spring clip.
2. Assembly of cantilevers

Cantilevers are used when obstacles in the wall to cover make it necessary to change
direction, in the vertical plane, of the scaffolding. The cantilever is comprised of 2 parts
(cantilever transom and cantilever brace). The two components must be joined before
proceeding to assembly (pre-assembly).

Assemble the scaffolding according to the basic assembly instructions up to the level
where the change of direction is indicated. Tie off the scaffolding to the wall on the two
levels covered by the cantilever. On the last platform, pre-assemble the cantilever.
Insert it in the corresponding position. This should be done with two scaffolders on two
different levels.

Repeat the previous step until completing the scaffolding with

cantilevers. Install the cantilever platforms from the lower level.
Install the horizontal ledgers, joining the cantilevers together.
Install a (1 m) standard around the outer perimeter. Complete
the side protection. Use 2 m vertical standards for the next
levels. Installation of further levels takes place as the basic
scaffold sequence.

After completing the next level, platforms and toe boards on the
cantilever level can be removed, except in the access bay and
end guardrails are required to be fitted to the access bay and
basic scaffold. Erect diagonal bracing in the outer bays before
removing plat forms and side protection.
3. Assembly of pedestrian frame

Pedestrian frames are used to create safe

passageway for pedestrians.

First position the post head jacks on the ground,

and space them out in accordance with the
measurements indicated in the drawings. Place the
pedestrian frames over the post head jacks.

Connect the pedestrian frames with ledgers fixed

at the top and bottom of both inner and outer leg.

Fit platform units to cover the complete

passageway.
Bracings may be fitted to the pedestrian frames.

Erection of the first level may begin with either

(1m) vertical standard or (3m) vertical standards,
then complete with (2m) standards.

Guardrails may be fitted to

pedestrian frames to
provide more safety for
passengers.
4. Assembly of bridging girder

To bridge openings or entrances of buildings of spans greater than (3m) bridging girders (50 or 70 cm depth)
can be used depending on the loads to be carried. Only couplers complying with DIN EN 74 may be used.

21 cm

Fix right angled couplers to the vertical standards at the required height. Lift the girder
(distance between top chord and the ring upper face is 21cm), attach the top chord to
the couplers and secure, then connect the bottom chord of the girder to the vertical
standard with right angled couplers.

Form a pre-assembly, insert 2 bridging base standards into 2 bridging tubes, then connect
them with a ring lock transom while join the lower ends of the bridging tubes with a
transom with couplers.

Fit the pre-assembly over the bridging girder; insert a (1m)

standard into the outer bridging base standard. Fit a ledger at
the upper guardrail level in the outer standard and insert a
platform unit on the transom connecting the bridging tubes.

Then from the same safe position slide this assembly on the
top chord of the bridging girder using the ledger and the
platform into the middle of the span. Then fit them into the
already erected bay.
Complete the platform and side protection.

Also the erection of bridging girder can take

place using an auxiliary scaffold.

After erecting the second scaffold level, the

bridging girders can be introduced across the
opening from the first scaffold level platform.
Continue erecting as previously described and on
completion dismantle the temporary scaffold in
the opening.

Data for bracing and anchoring the bridging

girder are explained in the design data and
anchor patterns.
4.3 Forming corners
Corners are often required to complete the full width of the scaffold to provide safe and easy circulation
through the scaffold.

Use a fourth corner vertical standard to form a corner tower continued up to the top of the scaffold; join the
corner standard to the whole scaffold using transoms to hold the platforms.

For out-side corners; complete the side protection and the toe boards.
4.3 Forming corners
Corners are often required to complete the full width of the scaffold to provide safe and easy circulation
through the scaffold.

Use a fourth corner vertical standard to form a corner tower continued up to the top of the scaffold; join the
corner standard to the whole scaffold using transoms to hold the platforms.

For out-side corners; complete the side protection and the toe boards.
4.4 Assembly of staircase
5. Criteria for Design
5.1 Façade scaffold 75cm width

5.1.1 Loads considered on scaffold structure

 Self-weight of components

 Live loads: Considering Load Class 3

-For service wind loading a uniform distributed load qi = 2.0 KN/m² acting on the most
unfavorable decked level and 50% of qi = 1.0 KN/m² on the next level above or below.
-For maximum wind loading a uniform distributed load 25% of qi = 0.5 KN/m² acting
on the most unfavorable decked level.
-For the consoles, the uniform distributed load is taken equal to that of the main
working area.
- The uniform distributed load shall be taken as zero if its consideration leads to more
favorable results.

 Wind loads:
-Working velocity pressure = 0.2 KN/m²
To make allowance for equipment or materials which are on the working area, a
nominal reference area of 400mm high measured from the level of the working area
level over its full length.

-Maximum velocity pressure= 1.1 KN/m² at height 24m in accordance with EN12810-
clause (8.3)-figure (3)
To make allowance for equipment or materials which are on the working area, a
nominal reference area of 200mm high measured from the level of the working area
level over its full length.

Reduction factor for time rate =0.7 for maximum win loading.
Solidity ratio for open façades ɸ=0.4, corresponding to 60% openings

For unclad façades

Site coefficient for open façade in the normal direction Cs=0.75
Site coefficient for closed façade in the normal direction Cs=0.27
 Site coefficient in the parallel direction Cs=1.0
Aero-dynamic coefficient Cf= 1.3

For façade cladded with netting

Site coefficient for open façade Cs=0.75 (for both normal & parallel directions)
Site coefficient for closed façade Cs=0.27 (for both normal & parallel directions)
Aero-dynamic coefficient Cf= 0.8 in the normal direction
Aero-dynamic coefficient Cf= 0.3 in the parallel direction

For façade cladded with sheeting

Site coefficient Cs=1.0 (for both normal & parallel directions)
Aero-dynamic coefficient Cf= 1.3 in the normal direction
Aero-dynamic coefficient Cf= 0.1 in the parallel direction

For the area of the end of a run of working scaffold

Site coefficient Cs=1.0.

 Imperfections = Ѱ*Ned
- Ѱ is the angular deviation at the joints between vertical components.
- Ned is the design value of the compression force.

 Notional horizontal load:

In the absence of wind NHL= greater of 0.3KN or 2.5% of uniform distributed load
acting at the level of the working area applied separately normal and parallel to the
bay.

5.1.2 Load combinations

Service condition: -S.W.

-L.L. ( qi on the most unfavorable level +0.5 qi on the previous level)

-Working wind load or Notional horizontal load

Idle condition: -S.W.

-L.L. (0.25 qi on the most unfavorable level)

 -Maximum wind load

*The uniform distributed load shall be taken as zero if its consideration leads to more
favorable results.
6. Tying Instructions and Anchor Forces
6.1 Tying general criteria

Some general criteria are taking into consideration on façade scaffolding.

 First tying level at 4 m height maximum.
 Preferably fit the tie directly beneath the decking transom.
 When there is no covering, every 4m in an alternating pattern or every 6 m
on all standards.
 When there is a net covering, every 2m in an alternating pattern or every 4
m on all standards.
 When there is a sheet covering, every 2m on all standards.
 Tie all standards on the top level.
 In the structural analysis the ties shall not be assumed to transmit vertical
forces.
 Tie all standards to the façade before and after the cantilever.

6.2 Types of tying

Ties type A
The type A ties are fixed to the inner
vertical standards only using right
angled couplers. Anchor forces are Ties Type A

carried normal to the facade.

Ties type B
The type B ties are fixed to both inner
and outer vertical standards using right
angled couplers. Anchor forces are
carried normal and parallel to the façade. Ties Type B
6.3 Façade scaffold 75cm width

6.3.1 UNCLAD FAÇADE

6.3.1.1 Anchor forces for unclad open façade

Bay length F n (KN) F p (KN)

2.4 2.79 1.24
2.7 3.06 1.23
3.0 3.32 1.22
Open façade is the façade with solidity ratio = 0.4 (60% openings)

Maximum jack extension = 350mm

6.3.1.2 Anchor forces for unclad closed façade

Bay length F n (KN) F p (KN)

2.4 1.0 1.24
2.7 1.1 1.23
3.0 1.19 1.22
Closed façade is the façade with solidity ratio = 1.0 (no openings)

Fn: Anchor forces normal to the façade plane.

Fp: Anchor forces parallel to the façade plane.

Maximum jack extension = 350mm

6.3.1.3 Anchor patterns for unclad façade

With tower brace

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000
8000mm
2000
4000
2000

2000
4000 4000mm
2000 300mm

750mm
FRONT VIEW

SECTION VIEW

3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000

TOP VIEW

Note: The side protection is not shown

Ties Type A Ties Type B

 With continuous brace

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000
24000mm
2000
4000
2000
8000mm
2000
4000
2000

2000
4000 4000mm
2000 300mm

750mm
FRONT VIEW

SECTION VIEW

3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000

TOP VIEW

Note: The side protection is not shown

Ties Type A Ties Type B

6.3.2 NET CLOSED FAÇADE

Bay length F n (KN) F p (KN)

2.4 2.70 2.49
2.7 3.01 2.62
3.0 3.41 2.75
Closed façade is the façade with solidity ratio = 1.0 (no openings)

Fn: Anchor forces normal to the façade plane.

Fp: Anchor forces parallel to the façade plane.

Maximum jack extension = 350mm

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000
24000mm
2000
4000
2000
8000mm
2000
4000
2000

2000
4000 4000mm
2000 300mm

750mm
FRONT VIEW

SECTION VIEW

3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000

TOP VIEW

Note: The side protection is not shown

Ties Type A Ties Type B

6.3.3 NET OPEN FAÇADE

Bay length F n (KN) F p (KN)

2.4 3.97 2.10
2.7 4.47 2.27
3.0 4.96 2.45
Open façade is the façade with solidity ratio = 0.4 (60% openings)

Fn: Anchor forces normal to the façade plane.

Fp: Anchor forces parallel to the façade plane.

Maximum jack extension (2.4m) = 350mm

Maximum jack extension (2.7m) = 200mm
Maximum jack extension (3.0m) = 150mm

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000
24000mm
2000
4000
2000

2000
4000 4000
2000

2000
4000
2000 2000 300mm

750mm
FRONT VIEW

SECTION VIEW

3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000

TOP VIEW

Note: The side protection is not shown

Ties Type A Ties Type B

6.3.3 SHEETING OPEN FAÇADE

Bay length F n (KN) F p (KN)

2.4 4.56 2.17
2.7 5.13 2.28
3.0 5.70 2.39
Open façade is the façade with solidity ratio = 0.4 (60% openings)

Fn: Anchor forces normal to the façade plane.

Fp: Anchor forces parallel to the façade plane.

Maximum jack extension = 350mm

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000
24000mm
2000
4000
2000

2000
4000
2000

2000 2000
4000
2000 2000 300mm

750mm
FRONT VIEW

SECTION VIEW

3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000

TOP VIEW

Note: The side protection is not shown

Ties Type A Ties Type B