Design Calculations
Our scaffold design calculations turn a layout into something you can actually build with confidence — checked, justified, and ready for approval. We assess loads, member capacities, ties and stability so the temporary works perform as intended, not as hoped. Calculations are produced using trusted engineering software to suit the complexity of the structure and any third-party requirements.
For many scaffold designs, the key to a safe, efficient solution is getting the “nuts and bolts” right — and that’s where TEDDS comes into its own. We use TEDDS to produce clear, auditable calculations for the individual components and checks that make up the overall scaffold design. This typically includes items such as member capacity checks, axial/bending verification, base and bearing pressures, as well as tie loads and connection checks where applicable. The benefit for you is simple: the maths is transparent, repeatable, and easy for site teams and reviewers to follow.
TEDDS is particularly well-suited to standard and repeatable scaffolding scenarios, temporary works checks, and situations where a client or third party needs to see the working clearly laid out. Each calculation sheet is structured so the design assumptions are obvious — loads in, checks performed, results out — with supporting notes to explain what governs the design and why. That means fewer questions, fewer delays, and a smoother route through internal sign-off or independent review.
We don’t just “press print” either. We apply engineering judgement to ensure the calculation reflects what’s actually being erected on site: real load paths, realistic eccentricities, sensible assumptions, and practical tie strategies. Where the scaffold arrangement or loading becomes more complex, TEDDS outputs can be used alongside 3D analysis to provide a complete design package that is both rigorous and buildable.
TEDDS Calculations
SCIA Engineer - (3D Structural Analysis)
When a scaffold gets more complex — unusual geometry, heavy loading, sheeting, restricted tie locations, bridges, cantilevers, or anything that makes your gut say “this one needs proving properly” — SCIA is our go-to tool. We use SCIA Engineer to build a full 3D structural model of the scaffold so we can analyse the global behaviour of the structure, not just isolated members. That means we can demonstrate overall stability, load distribution, sway performance, and critical forces in standards, ledgers, transoms and ties under realistic combinations.
SCIA is especially valuable for designs where load paths aren’t obvious or where small changes can have a big knock-on effect. By modelling the scaffold in 3D, we can identify the governing elements early, quantify tie loads and reactions, and check how the structure performs when subjected to wind actions (particularly important for sheeted scaffolds that behave like a sail), imposed loads, and eccentricities. The result is a robust calculation pack that stands up to scrutiny from clients, insurers, and independent checkers — because it’s based on a full-system analysis rather than best-guess assumptions.
Our outputs don’t just show “pass/fail”; they provide meaningful design information you can use on site. We’ll typically include key analysis results, critical member forces, tie load schedules (where relevant), and clear design notes explaining the assumptions, load cases, and what controls the design. In short: SCIA helps us prove the scaffold works as a structure — giving you confidence that what’s drawn can be erected safely, efficiently, and in line with temporary works expectations.
Need a scaffold design? Get in touch today by email or phone to discuss your project and required submission information.