A room scaffold is a three-dimensionally assembled scaffolding system that enables work areas, access routes, and load transfer across multiple levels. It provides safe access to components with complex geometry, spans large distances, and supports work platforms, shoring, or temporary platforms. In concrete demolition and special deconstruction, during strip-out and cutting operations, in rock excavation and tunnel construction, as well as in special deployments, the room scaffold forms the logistical and safety basis for positioning and controlled use of tools such as concrete crushers, rock and concrete splitters, combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, tank cutters, and the associated hydraulic power units from Darda GmbH.
Definition: What is meant by room scaffold
A room scaffold is a modularly assembled, spatially acting scaffold whose load transfer occurs not only linearly (in the longitudinal direction) or across a plane (in one level), but three-dimensionally. It consists of vertical uprights, horizontal ledgers, diagonals, and decks that are connected into cubic or spatial units. Room scaffolds are used as working, protection, or shoring scaffolds to safely guide people, materials, and work processes. They are deployed wherever conventional façade scaffolds are insufficient—such as in atriums, halls, bridges, machine foundations, shafts, boilers, or existing structures with many installations.
Setup and function of room scaffolds
Room scaffolds are based on system components that are connected in grid dimensions. Spatial bracing via diagonals and node connections creates a load-bearing volume that transfers loads from self-weight, personnel, tools, materials, and workers to the bearing surfaces. Working levels are formed by decks that are slip-resistant and load-bearing; guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards secure the levels against falls and material drop.
In deconstruction, one functionally distinguishes between working scaffolds (access and processing), protection scaffolds (catch and protection tasks), and shoring scaffolds (temporary support). Room scaffolds can combine these functions, for example when a working level with a higher load class simultaneously acts as shoring for components that are removed step by step using concrete crushers or rock and concrete splitters.
System types, modules, and adaptability
In practice, a distinction is made between modular system scaffolds and conventional tube-and-coupler constructions. Modular systems offer defined nodes with recurring connection options, which accelerates the spatial arrangement and makes load transfer more predictable. Tube-and-coupler enables maximum geometric freedom, for example in plants, shafts, or curved structures.
Spatial grid
The choice of grid influences load-bearing capacity, usable width, and material demand. Smaller grids provide higher stiffness and more favorable deflections, which noticeably improves stability during cutting and pressing operations with hydraulic tools from Darda GmbH. Larger grids are material-efficient but require targeted bracing and more frequent anchoring.
Load classes, loads, and design in deconstruction
Room scaffolds are designed according to load classes that define permissible uniformly distributed loads, point loads, and live loads. Additional actions occur during demolition work: dynamic components from cutting, splitting, secondary breakage, vibrations, and short-term point loads due to storage of remnants or machine components.
- Uniformly distributed loads: Material staging, tool weight, pedestrian traffic.
- Point and line loads: Bearings of concrete slabs, beams, or natural stones that are released and placed using concrete crushers.
- Dynamic actions: Impulses during controlled set-down, reaction forces from rock and concrete splitters, or during sheet and tank cutting.
For the working levels where concrete crushers, combination shears, or Multi Cutters are used, load and width classes must be selected so that equipment, power packs, and material do not exceed the limits in total. Anchoring, bracing, and load paths must be aligned with actual work sequences, especially when components are cut out of the existing structure in stages.
Planning: interfaces between room scaffold and work methods
Planning a room scaffold starts with the work concept: Which components are released in which sequence, how are they cut, secured, transported, and disposed of? In concrete demolition and special deconstruction, these questions are tied to the tool selection by Darda GmbH, because cutting, pressing, and splitting impose different requirements on working space, edge clearances, bearings, and safety.
- Define the working levels and accesses, including escape and material routes.
- Dimension the load classes for working and material zones.
- Position hydraulic power packs, hose routing, and drip protection.
- Plan attachment points, set-down areas, and intermediate storage.
- Define dust, noise, and vibration measures.
A continuous material flow concept is crucial: from releasing the component, via interim set-down on the scaffold, to onward transport. Short routes and clear separation between personnel and load movements increase safety and productivity.
Use on the room scaffold: concrete crushers, rock and concrete splitters, and complementary tools
Concrete crushers from Darda GmbH are preferably used on room scaffolds when reinforced components are to be deconstructed in a controlled, quiet, and low-vibration manner. By reducing components to manageable pieces, load peaks on scaffold levels can be limited. Rock and concrete splitters are suitable for massive, thick-walled components where controlled crack propagation is created by widening and breaking occurs without impact energy. This reduces vibrations in the existing structure—an advantage in sensitive environments such as hospitals, laboratories, or heritage structures.
Combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, and tank cutters from Darda GmbH complement the work when profiles, sheets, cable trays, lines, tanks, or vessels are to be dismantled. For use on working levels, provide slip-resistant decks, edge clearance, sufficient headroom, and secured tool storage.
Workpiece handling and set-down areas
When working with concrete crushers or splitters, controlled set-down is critical. Set-down areas should be level, load-bearing, and secured against rolling away. Toe boards prevent small fragments from sliding off. Larger elements are secured with lifting gear and guided using chain hoists, winches, or lifting devices.
Hydraulic power packs and hose management on the scaffold
Hydraulic power packs from Darda GmbH provide the operating pressure for concrete crushers, combination shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, tank cutters, and rock and concrete splitters. On room scaffolds, locations must be chosen to ensure load-bearing capacity, ventilation, and accessibility. A hose routing without trip hazards is mandatory; penetrations must be protected against edge damage, and drip and leakage zones must be provided.
- Prepare set-up areas to match the load class and ensure they are level.
- Mark hose routes, secure them against falls, and provide mechanical protection.
- Keep operating areas clear; arrange emergency stop within reach.
- Minimize fire loads; keep ignition sources away.
For indoor work, emissions and ventilation must be considered. Position hydraulic power packs so that waste heat is dissipated and noise is damped; in sensitive areas, enclosures and acoustic shielding help. Measures must be planned project-specifically and always aligned with generally accepted rules of technology.
Room scaffold in strip-out and cutting
In strip-out, the room scaffold serves as a fine-meshed network of routes through the existing structure. Lightweight system bays can be brought close to components so that lines, trays, and fit-out parts can be dismantled with Multi Cutters, steel shears, or concrete crushers. When cutting openings, breakthroughs, or separation cuts, ensure that edge areas on the scaffold are freely accessible and safe to walk without removing guardrails. Temporary intermediate safeguards, foldable guardrails, or offset working levels create safe access.
Material logistics
Deconstruction generates material flows in both directions: replacement material, auxiliaries, and equipment up; demolition debris down. Chutes, big bags, containers, hoists, and material lifts integrate the scaffold into the logistics process. Loads must be balanced in advance to prevent impermissible temporary accumulations.
Room scaffold in concrete demolition and special deconstruction
Where components are statically sensitive, a room scaffold supports gradual, low-load removal. The combination of shoring scaffold and working scaffold makes it possible to catch components before separating them, crush them with concrete crushers, and remove them step by step. Rock and concrete splitters are helpful for producing low-noise crack joints that are subsequently finished with crushers. This reduces vibrations and protects adjacent components.
For reinforced elements, the cutting sequence is defined so that tensile forces in the reinforcement are discharged in a controlled manner. Working clearances, tool mountings, and shoring must be coordinated. The room scaffold provides the platforms, attachment points, and accesses for this.
Use in rock excavation, tunnel construction, and special operations
In shafts, adits, and caverns, a room scaffold creates safe working positions in front of cast-in-place concrete, masonry, or rock faces. Rock and concrete splitters from Darda GmbH can thus be used even in hard-to-reach areas without having to bring in large machines. During tank cutting in industrial plants, room scaffolds serve as circumferential working platforms to cut and remove shell plates, manholes, and internal fittings in a controlled manner. In special operations—such as in heritage buildings—the modular, low-residue assembly allows adaptation to sensitive surfaces and irregular geometries.
Environmental and emission protection
Room scaffolds facilitate the implementation of dust, noise, and protection measures: enclosures, curtains, mist or spray dust can be routed directly along the scaffold levels. Tools such as concrete crushers and rock and concrete splitters support a low-vibration and often quieter work method, which is advantageous in inner-city locations or during ongoing operations.
Occupational safety, organization, and qualification
Scaffolds may only be planned, erected, modified, and released by competent persons. Operation follows the applicable rules of scaffolding and occupational safety. For work with hydraulic tools, fall protection, load management, safe tool handling, training, personal protective equipment, and clear communication are key. Information in Darda GmbH documentation, operating instructions, and site instructions must be observed. Legal requirements must be reviewed for the specific project; binding assessments are carried out by qualified persons and the responsible authorities.
- Use clear traffic routes with an anti-trip concept.
- Secure tools against falling, e.g., with tethering systems.
- Define and monitor material zones.
- Changes to the scaffold only after approval.
Quality assurance and documentation
Before commissioning, the room scaffold is accepted and documented. Visual inspections before work starts and after exceptional events (impacts, weather, changes to the structure) are mandatory. As deconstruction progresses, the structural behavior of the existing building changes—anchoring and load paths of the scaffold must be adapted and released again accordingly.
Trial runs and sequences
Short trial sequences with concrete crushers or rock and concrete splitters reveal how components behave and what reaction forces occur. The findings feed into detailed planning: location of additional diagonals, intermediate shoring, adjustment of set-down areas, or the sequence of cuts and splits.
Avoiding common mistakes
Mistakes often arise from unclear load assumptions, missing set-down areas, unplanned material accumulations, and inadequate hose routing. Equally critical are provisional openings in decks or removed guardrails without equivalent replacement. For work with hydraulic power packs, leakage and fire protection must be considered; this includes proper containment and cordoning measures, regular tightness checks, and safe storage of operating supplies.
Practical examples: process chains in deconstruction
A proven approach in strip-out: room scaffold with two working levels—upper level for dismantling with Multi Cutters and steel shears, underlying material level with a higher load class for interim storage. Tied-off components are crushed with concrete crushers, moved over short routes to set-down areas, and then lowered using a material lift or winch. For massive components, a crack line is first produced with rock and concrete splitters; segments are then released and removed in controlled sizes.
Maintenance and care of the work environment
Cleanliness and order on scaffold levels increase safety and work quality. Broken small parts are removed promptly, decks are kept dry, hose lines are coiled or routed. Tools from Darda GmbH are maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications; wear parts are replaced in good time to avoid performance loss and leaks.
Material selection and compatibility
Components of the room scaffold must be compatible with each other. Mixed use requires a separate assessment. Decks and toe boards with increased impact resistance prove their worth under mechanical stress from demolition debris. For areas with sparks (e.g., tank cutters), suitable protective overlays, shielding, and an orderly environment are essential.
Ergonomics and efficiency
Short reaching and walking distances, ergonomic working heights, and sufficiently large working surfaces improve efficiency and health protection. This is especially true when handling concrete crushers or combination shears, which require a secure stance and body control. A well-thought-out arrangement of power packs, tools, and set-down points prevents unnecessary load shifts and reduces fatigue.
Coordination with other trades
Several trades often work in parallel in existing buildings: hazardous material remediation, strip-out, cutting/grinding operations, building services. The room scaffold is both interface and traffic route; coordination minimizes downtime and rework. Time windows for noisy activities, storage zones, and restricted areas must be agreed upon as binding and clearly signposted.