The Scaffold Base Jack is an important component located at the bottom of the scaffolding system. It mainly supports the entire scaffolding structure and adjusts its height. When building a scaffold, since the ground cannot always be completely flat, the base can compensate for this unevenness through its own adjustment device to keep the scaffolding level and stable. This is crucial to ensure the safety of construction workers on the scaffolding and the accuracy of construction operations.
Structural composition
Chassis: Usually a large metal plate, generally square or round. Its function is to increase the contact area with the ground, thereby dispersing the weight of the scaffolding and reducing the pressure on the ground. For example, when building a scaffolding on a relatively soft ground, a larger chassis can prevent the scaffolding from sinking. The chassis is mostly made of cast iron or steel plate, which has high strength and stability.
Adjustment screw: This is the core adjustment component of the base. It is generally a screw made of high-strength metal material (such as carbon steel), which can change its extension length by rotation. The top of the adjustment screw is connected to the scaffolding pole, and the height of the scaffolding pole can be accurately adjusted by rotating the screw. In some construction scenarios with high precision requirements, such as the installation of large equipment, the accuracy of the adjustment screw can reach the millimeter level.
Nut and locking device: The nut is used to adjust the height with the adjustment screw. When adjusted to the appropriate height, the locking device can fix the nut to prevent the screw from loosening due to vibration and other reasons during use. This locking device can be a simple nut tightening method or a complex device with a latch or other mechanical locking structure to ensure that the height of the scaffolding remains stable during use.
Type
Fixed height base: The height of this base is fixed and is usually used when the ground is relatively flat. Its structure is relatively simple, mainly consisting of a chassis and a pole connector, and the cost is low. However, its use scenario is subject to certain restrictions. Once the ground is uneven, it cannot work well.
Adjustable height base: This is the most common base. It can flexibly adjust the height within a certain range (usually a few centimeters to more than ten centimeters) to adapt to various grounds of different flatness. Its adjustment methods include manual screw rotation adjustment and adjustment using tools (such as wrenches). In some large-scale construction projects, due to the complex ground conditions at the construction site, adjustable height bases have been widely used.
Installation and use points
Pre-installation inspection: Before installing the scaffolding base, check whether the various parts of the base are intact, especially whether the threaded part of the adjusting screw is damaged, whether the chassis is flat, etc. If the parts are found to be damaged, they should be replaced in time to avoid affecting the stability of the scaffolding.
Installation location: The base should be evenly distributed at the bottom of the scaffolding pole, and ensure that the chassis is in full contact with the ground. When placing the base, avoid placing the chassis in soft, waterlogged or obvious potholes. If these situations cannot be avoided, additional measures need to be taken, such as placing wooden boards or steel plates under the chassis to enhance stability.
Height adjustment: When adjusting the height, use appropriate tools (for the base that can be adjusted by manually rotating the screw, you can directly operate it by hand, and for the base that requires tool adjustment, use matching wrenches and other tools), and adjust both sides or multiple sides at the same time to ensure the level of the scaffolding. After the adjustment is completed, check whether the locking device has firmly locked the adjustment screw to prevent it from loosening.
Regular inspection: During the use of the scaffolding, the status of the bottom support should be checked regularly. Especially after experiencing severe weather such as strong winds and heavy rains, or when heavy objects on the scaffolding are frequently moved, check whether the chassis of the bottom support is displaced, whether the adjustment screw is loose, etc., and deal with the problems in time if found.