Our Estimating Department utilises a recognised scaffold estimating software package known as C.A.S.E. for producing estimates.

We have a full design and calculation input into all contracts, but we invariably do not commit to design prior to an order being placed. However, if an early involvement leads to a recovery of costs by a higher percentage of contracts won, this would be highly recommended.

Cost savings are achieved by designing out problems spotted early and detailed design is included to show exactly what would be included in the trade contractor's packages.

With the production of quotations it would make sense if the Contractor's scaffold schedules asked the same questions in the same order to mimic the C.A.S.E software program.

For the future, we are very interested in utilising a software package that aids the writing of scaffold schedules by the Contractor, that links in directly with our estimating.

The areas addressed for most types of scaffold should be: -

Lead-in
Which trade is the scaffold for and what detailed adaptions are required.

Frame
Bay centres, lift heights and board configuration

Drawings
Marked up drawings or sketch of requirements

Dimensions and applicable gridline references

Features
Brick guards, netting, sheeting, bridges, sloping ground etc.

Boards
Number of lifts, protection lifts and movement of boards.

Ladders
Inside or outside scaffold. Consider the use of external “Haki” stair tower.

Ties
Mechanical and/or physical, positioning and movement

Loading
Stated in kilo Newton's per metre square. The table 1 on page 17 of BS 5973: 1993 should be used at all times.

Special notes

Appertaining to licenses, working hours, access, storage, work conditions etc.

Period of scaffolding
Including occupation period, the phasing in of progressive scaffold and the period for boarded access at each trade stage

We would suggest that a pro-forma schedule based on a tick chart incorporating all the above be drawn up by your planners/managers and ourselves.

We would also suggest that schedules are numbered from 1-100 and not with A's and B's or 3.1.1 and 3.22 etc. This will make identification more accurate and revisions can be made faster.