Bracket brace
A diagonal tube that supports an outside bracket from its outer end down to the standard of the lift below, forming a load-bearing triangle.
Also called: bracket strut, bracket support brace, raking brace, cross diagonal, support strut
A bracket that projects beyond the scaffold acts as a lever. Every kilogram on its decks tries to rotate it downwards, and a large moment builds up at the connection. The bracket brace takes the force out of this lever. It runs diagonally from the outer end of the bracket down to the standard of the lift below and, together with bracket and standard, forms a stiff triangle. A freely cantilevered arm becomes a supported structure that can carry considerably more.
With a 0.73 m outside bracket the brace is mandatory in many systems; with wider brackets for fans or catch platforms it is practically always required. Without it the bracket can sag, the deck can tip and in the worst case a whole section can give way.
Design and lengths
At its core the brace is a galvanised steel tube with a connection at each end, and these depend on the scaffold type. On frame scaffolds a cross diagonal is often used, bolted to the bracket at the top and coupled to the frame at the bottom. On modular scaffolds the brace usually has a wedge head for the rosette at one end and a bracket connection at the other. Common lengths are around 2 m, matching the height of one lift.
Where the instructions allow it, a brace can also be built from scaffold tube and swivel couplers. For two- and three-board brackets, many manufacturers supply dedicated braces whose length and angle are matched exactly to the bracket.
Fitting
- Connect the bracket and swing it inwards so the brace connection is within reach.
- Fix the brace to the bracket at the intended point by bolting, hooking or coupling.
- Swing bracket and brace outwards and connect the lower end to the standard of the lift below, as close as possible to the node or the designated rosette.
- Tighten couplers to 50 Nm and strike wedges until the hammer rebounds. Only then lay decks and fit side protection.
On dismantling, the brace stays in place until the bracket is empty: decks and side protection first, then the brace, the bracket last.
Mistakes to avoid
- Wrong direction: the brace goes down to the lift below, never up. Only then does it support the bracket in compression.
- Wrong length: brackets of different projection often need different braces. Forcing in a short one strains the scaffold.
- Couplers far from the node put the standard into bending.
- Leaving it out because the job is short. A fan that stays for one week needs full support too.
Bent tubes, crushed ends and cracked fittings are scrap. When buying used, assess braces together with the matching brackets: length, connection and end condition must fit. Brackets and braces are listed under bracket frames.