impalcato

Impalcato is an Italian term used in architecture, civil engineering, and construction to refer to the horizontal structural assembly that supports a floor, roof, or deck, as well as the temporary framework erected to enable work on a building. In its permanent sense, an impalcato consists of a framing system—often including beams, joists, or trusses—upon which a floor or decking is laid. This assembly transfers loads to vertical supports such as walls or columns and may be constructed with timber, steel, or reinforced concrete, depending on the design requirements, span, and load conditions.

In addition to its permanent meaning, impalcato also denotes the temporary scaffolding platforms used during construction or maintenance. Such an impalcato comprises modular frames, planks, and walking surfaces that provide safe access and working surfaces and can be raised, shifted, or dismantled as the project progresses.

Usage and context can influence the precise sense of impalcato. In technical drawings and specifications, the term may indicate either the finished floor deck or the temporary working platform, with the intended meaning clarified by surrounding notes and the project’s terminology. Related terms include impalcatura (scaffolding), solai (floors or decks in some contexts), and travi (beams).