Analysis and optimization of brace system in scaffold

Abstract

Scaffold consists of horizontal components, vertical components and lateral braces, while the lateral stiffness of structure is mainly provided by brace system. Brace system can be classified into three groups: concentric brace, eccentric brace and knee brace. Concentric brace enables to offer greater stiffness, for providing direct load transfer. Eccentric brace and knee brace belong to ductile system, maintaining stability by energy consumption braces. Eccentric brace dissipates energy by deforming and buckling, while knee brace disposes energy by form a plastic hinges. Concentric brace is a common way for enhancing lateral stiffness in scaffold. Current studies aimed to investigate detail parameter effects in one brace pattern, while few comparative studies were carried on multiple brace pattern. In this paper, a simplified simulation method was proposed. Throughout simulation analysis, some regulations of brace arrangement were summarized, which provides a guidance during the scaffolding design and optimization process.