Passage frame

A wide frame used in the bottom lift so that a pavement or entrance stays open under the scaffold while the lifts above continue as normal.

Also called: pedestrian frame, walk-through frame, pedestrian tunnel frame, gantry frame

In town the facade rarely stands in open ground. A pavement runs in front of the building and it usually has to stay open while the walls above are painted, insulated or rendered. The passage frame solves this. It replaces the normal frame in the bottom lift and is wide enough for pedestrians, pushchairs and wheelchairs to pass between its posts. Above it the scaffold continues in the usual way.

Otherwise the pavement would be closed and people sent into the road, which authorities in busy streets rarely accept. British sites on the public highway need a scaffold licence issued by the council as highway authority; in other countries, check with the local authority in good time. Our guide on scaffolding on the pavement or road covers barriers and lighting.

Design and sizes

A passage frame has two strong posts and a top beam, often built as a small truss. Some systems supply it as one welded part, others deliver posts and beam separately for assembly on site. Seats on the beam receive the frames of the next lift.

Width: clearly wider than a standard frame, often around 1.50 m, leaving a usable footway.
Height: somewhat more than a normal lift so adults walk upright; exact dimensions are in the system documentation.
Material: normally galvanised steel, because high loads concentrate on few points.
Combinations: with inside brackets, a protective fan or sheeting – each with its own rules for ties and jack extension.

Erecting it

Agree the clear width needed and make sure the permit for using the pavement is in place.
Lay sole boards and set base jacks. The permitted jack extension under passage frames is often smaller than in a standard bay, so keep it short.
Stand the frames plumb and secure them against toppling straight away.
Brace the frames in pairs, inside and outside, with horizontal braces and diagonals as the standard configuration shows.
Close the deck over the walkway tightly, fit toe boards and add a fan or net so nothing falls on passers-by.
Build the normal frames on top and fit the extra ties required, frequently from the second lift.
Mark the passage, light it at night and protect the kerb-side posts against vehicles.

Points to watch

Bracing is not optional here. Without the specified braces a passage frame line is much softer than ordinary frames.
The inner posts carry extra load above the walkway; some systems need reinforcement or additional ledgers.
Do not route the access through the pedestrian zone – use a stair tower or a secured ladder placed in front.
Have a passage frame checked at once after any vehicle impact.
Used: beams and posts straight, truss members free of kinks, welded nodes free of cracks.

Decide at the survey whether a passage is needed. It changes the tie plan, the number of diagonals and sometimes the access. Find out on site and you may build the first lift twice. Matching frames are listed under vertical framework.

Frequently asked questions

How wide is a passage frame?

Often around 1.50 m, so that pedestrians and pushchairs pass comfortably. The exact dimension depends on the scaffold system.

Does a scaffold with a pedestrian passage need more ties?

Usually yes. Standard configurations tend to call for additional ties and bracing, often from the second lift, as set out in the system documentation.

Is a fan needed over the walkway?

Passers-by must be protected from falling objects. Tightly laid decks with toe boards do part of the job; depending on the work and the authority's conditions, a fan or net is added.