Scaffold Cuplok Joint Tests (No. R893)

Abstract

This report describes the setup, procedure, and results of scaffold Cuplok joint tests. The aims of the tests are to investigate the joint stiffness for rotations about vertical and horizontal axes in various joint configurations, and carry out statistical analyses of the experimental results. The tests were performed in the laboratory of the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney from second-hand Cuplok scaffold pars provided by Boral Formwork and Scaffolding Pty Ltd. A total of 172 tests were carried out on various joint configurations, bending axes, loading directions, types if material (galvanised or painted components), and degree of tightening of the joints. The results are shown graphically in terms of moment-rotation curves. Since there was substantial variation in Cuplok joint stiffness, a statistical analysis on the results was performed. These experimental studies are especially useful for modelling and performing probabilistic analysis the Cuplok scaffold systems.