andaimes

Andaimes, a term used in Spanish and Portuguese, refers to temporary structures used to support workers, materials, and tools at height during construction, maintenance, or inspection. In English, the general term is scaffolding or scaffold. These structures enable access to façades, ceilings, and other elevated work areas while providing a stable working surface.

Typical components include vertical standards, horizontal ledgers, transoms or cross braces, base plates or jacks, and, depending on the type, guardrails and toe boards. Couplers or connectors join components, while planks or boards provide working platforms. Some systems use modular elements designed to interlock or couple for quick assembly and disassembly. Accessories may include stabilization ties, brackets, and personal protective equipment anchorage points.

Common types comprise supported scaffolds (frame or system scaffolds), which rest on the ground or a solid surface; suspended scaffolds, where platforms hang from above; and mobile towers, which are mounted on wheels for easy relocation. System scaffolds, such as cuplock or kwikstage systems, are designed for rapid assembly with standardized connections. Each type serves different access needs, height requirements, and site conditions.

Materials typically include steel or aluminum for strength and durability, with timber or composite planks for working surfaces. Design aims to balance rigidity, weight, corrosion resistance, and load capacity. Safety and regulation emphasize proper assembly, secure anchoring, guardrails and toe boards, load limits, routine inspections, training, and weather-related precautions. Standards vary by country, with examples including OSHA regulations in the United States and EN 12811 in Europe.