The types of temporary structures in construction include scaffolding, formwork, shoring, falsework, site offices, storage sheds, hoarding, temporary bridges, and worker facilities. These structures are used for access, support, safety, storage, protection, and smooth site operations during a project. Although they are not permanent, they must be designed, installed, inspected, and removed carefully. Poor temporary works can create serious safety and quality risks. This article explains common temporary structures, their uses, benefits, challenges, and key safety checks for construction sites.
Quick Summary
The main types of temporary structures in construction are scaffolding, formwork, shoring, falsework, temporary fencing, site offices, storage sheds, worker accommodation, cofferdams, access platforms, and temporary bridges. They help workers access heights, support concrete, protect excavations, manage site movement, store materials, and improve construction safety.
What Are Temporary Structures in Construction?
Temporary structures are short-term structures or systems used to assist construction work. They may support workers, equipment, concrete, soil, walls, plant movement, or unfinished parts of a building.
They are different from permanent structures because they are not intended to remain as part of the final building. However, they still need proper design, installation, inspection, and dismantling. HSE explains that temporary works are engineered solutions used to support or protect a structure, equipment, excavation sides, or provide access during construction.
Types of Temporary Structures in Construction
The main types of temporary structures in construction include access systems, support systems, protection systems, site facilities, and temporary movement routes.
|
Temporary structure |
Main purpose |
|
Scaffolding |
Provides access and working platforms |
|
Formwork |
Gives shape and support to fresh concrete |
|
Shoring |
Supports excavations, walls, or weak structures |
|
Falsework |
Supports temporary loads during construction |
|
Hoarding and fencing |
Secures and separates the site |
|
Site offices |
Supports project administration |
|
Storage sheds |
Protects tools, cement, steel, and materials |
|
Worker accommodation |
Provides temporary welfare or lodging |
|
Cofferdams |
Creates dry work areas in waterlogged zones |
|
Temporary bridges and roads |
Allows movement of workers, vehicles, and equipment |
Each type must be selected based on load, location, duration, site risks, and construction sequence.
What are the Temporary Structures and their Roles in Construction?
They are structures used for a specific period, like formwork and scaffolding. They help in
1. Assisting Construction Activities: They provide support during operations like concrete formwork, scaffolding for workers, or bracing during excavation.
2. Ensuring Safety: Temporary structures minimise hazards by providing stable platforms, barriers, or enclosures in high-risk areas.
3. Time and Cost Efficiency: These structures streamline processes by offering specific solutions for particular tasks, reducing project duration and associated costs.
Types of Temporary Structures in Construction
Temporary structures come in various forms, each designed to address specific construction needs. Below are some commonly used types:
1. Scaffolding: It provides access and support for workers during the construction, repair, or maintenance of buildings. They are available in various materials, like steel, plywood and aluminium.
2. Shoring Systems: They are the temporary supports for structures or excavations to prevent collapse. There are different types of shoring systems, like raking shores, flying shores, and dead shores.
3. Formwork: Formworks are temporary molds used to shape concrete during casting. The common materials used are timber, steel, and plastic.
4. Bracing Systems: They provide lateral support to stabilise structures like walls and frames during construction.
5. Cofferdams: Cofferdams are temporary enclosures used to create dry workspaces in water-logged or submerged areas.
6. Construction Hoardings: They are temporary fencing or barriers to secure construction sites and protect the public.
7. Temporary Buildings: Portable structures like site offices, worker accommodations, or storage units.
8. Falsework: Supports that hold up structures until they become self-supporting.
Temporary Buildings in India: Design and Planning
Although temporary structures are built for a short period of time, projects with heavy requirements can reap handsome rewards from investments in planning at the conceptual design stage.
Design Principles of Temporary Buildings
- Modularity and Prefabrication: Use modular components and prefabricated panels for speed, flexibility, and ease of erection/dismantling. Modular construction reduces site disturbance and waste, supporting sustainable design approaches.
- Structural Safety and Compliance: Designs must adhere to NBC 2016 provisions, especially Part 4 (Fire and Life Safety) and Part 2 (Building Planning). Load considerations align with IS codes such as IS 875 for wind/live loads, and IS 14687 for temporary works falsework. Structural review by qualified engineers is essential for complex or large-scale temporary buildings.
- Material Selection: Fire-retardant, weather-resistant materials like GI sheets, aluminum framing, and composite modular panels are preferred. Avoid timber where termite risk is high, unless treated. All materials must meet BIS standards and NBC fire safety norms.
- Accessibility: Barrier-free access is mandatory under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and Harmonized Guidelines on Accessibility (2016). This ensures inclusivity and compliance in design.
Planning and Approvals
- Integrated Approval Process: Planning temporary buildings must include obtaining clearances under municipal Development Control Regulations (DCR), fire department approvals per NBC guidelines, tree preservation authorizations, and environmental clearances under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Single-window systems are increasingly adopted by municipal authorities for faster approvals.
- Site Considerations: Ensure emergency vehicle access, adequate setbacks, minimal grading, and preservation of existing vegetation with compensatory plantation where tree removal is unavoidable. Open spaces must satisfy ventilation, crowd movement, and safety criteria per municipal building bylaws and NBC.
- Foundation and Service Areas: Use lightweight, ballast-based, or anchor-bolt foundations for rapid site setup. Service and waste areas must comply with local sanitation and Solid Waste Management Rules.
Cost Analysis of Temporary Building in India
The cost of a temporary building depends on
- Choice of materials (steel, aluminum, fabric)
- Size and design complexity
- Site location and logistics
- Duration of use
- Level of customisation and finishing
For example, a typical PEB (pre-engineered building) structure costs about ₹300–₹600 per sq.ft, compared to permanent construction costs of ₹1,700–₹4,000 per sq.ft in major metros like Chennai or Mumbai.
Applications of Temporary Structures
Temporary structures are vital across a wide range of construction activities, including but not limited to:
1. High-Rise Construction: Scaffolding and formwork systems ensure accessibility and structural support during the construction of skyscrapers.
2. Bridge and Highway Projects: Falsework and shoring systems allow the safe construction of bridges and elevated highways.
3. Excavation and Foundation Work: Bracing and shoring systems stabilise soil and prevent collapse during deep excavations.
4. Renovation and Restoration Projects: Scaffolding provides access for repair work on existing structures.
5. Marine and Hydroelectric Construction: Cofferdams and other water-retaining structures are essential for underwater construction or repairs.
6. Site Preparation and Security: Temporary hoardings and fencing secure construction sites, keeping them safe from unauthorised access.
Benefits of Temporary Structures
Temporary structures offer numerous benefits to construction projects, such as:
1. Enhanced worker safety: Temporary scaffolding and protective barriers prevent falls, debris-related injuries, and other accidents, creating a safer work environment.
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: These structures are customisable, making them suitable for a wide range of construction scenarios, from urban high-rises to remote infrastructure projects.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions: Temporary solutions are reusable, reducing material waste and the need for multiple procurement cycles.
4. Ease of Installation and Removal: Designed for quick assembly and disassembly, temporary structures minimise disruptions to ongoing construction or usage activities.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Many temporary structures are made from recyclable materials, aligning with modern sustainable construction practices.
Challenges and Innovations in Temporary Structures
While temporary structures are essential, they are not without challenges. Issues such as improper installation, material weakness and inadequate maintenance can lead to safety hazards or project delays. However, many new innovations are being developed to overcome these challenges
Emerging Innovations
1. Modular Designs: Prefabricated components enhance assembly efficiency and adaptability.
2. Smart Monitoring Systems: Sensors integrated into temporary structures monitor stress levels and environmental conditions in real time.
3. Sustainable Materials: The use of eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled composites aligns with green construction initiatives.
Standards Governing Temporary Structures
Ensuring the safe and effective use of temporary structures needs adherence to established standards and regulations. These standards provide guidelines for design, material selection, installation and inspection.
Relevant Standards and Guidelines
1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Provides safety guidelines for scaffolding, excavation support, and other temporary structures in the U.S.
2. BS 5975:2019 – Code of Practice for Temporary Works Procedures and the Permissible Stress Design of Falsework: A British standard outlining best practices for temporary works, including falsework design and management.
3. EN 12811-1:2003 – Temporary Works Equipment: European standard defining performance requirements for access and working scaffolds.
4. Australian Standard AS 3610 – Formwork for Concrete: Details design and construction requirements for temporary concrete formwork in Australia.
5. IS 14687:1999 – Guidelines for Falsework for Concrete Structures: Indian standard offering recommendations for the design and use of falsework.
6. Temporary Works Forum (TWf) Guidance: Provides insights and technical guidance on managing temporary works effectively.
Monitoring with these standards ensures structural integrity, worker safety, and alignment with legal requirements.
How to Choose the Right Temporary Structure
The right temporary structure depends on the work activity, site risk, load, duration, access need, and safety requirement.
Before selection, check:
- Purpose of the temporary structure
- Expected load from workers, materials, and equipment
- Ground condition and support base
- Height and access requirement
- Weather and wind exposure
- Nearby buildings, roads, and utilities
- Duration of use
- Inspection and maintenance plan
- Dismantling sequence
Complex systems such as falsework, deep excavation support, cofferdams, and heavy working platforms should be designed or checked by a qualified engineer.
Expert Note
Temporary structures should be planned as part of the construction method, not added as an afterthought. HSE recommends that an effective way to manage temporary works is to appoint a Temporary Works Coordinator who ensures suitable designs are prepared, checked, and correctly erected on site.
Conclusion
The types of temporary structures in construction include scaffolding, formwork, shoring, falsework, hoarding, site offices, storage sheds, welfare units, cofferdams, and temporary access systems. They improve safety, productivity, material handling, and construction sequencing when properly planned. However, they must be designed, installed, inspected, and dismantled with care. For high-load, high-risk, or complex temporary works, involve a qualified engineer or competent site professional before use.
FAQs
- What are temporary structures in construction?
Temporary structures in construction are short-term systems used to support, protect, access, store, or manage site activities during a project. They include scaffolding, formwork, shoring, falsework, hoarding, site offices, storage sheds, and temporary access roads. They are removed once their purpose is complete. - What are the main types of temporary structures in construction?
The main types of temporary structures in construction are scaffolding, formwork, shoring, falsework, temporary fencing, hoarding, site offices, storage sheds, worker welfare units, cofferdams, and temporary bridges. Each type serves a specific purpose, such as access, support, protection, storage, or movement. - Why are temporary structures important on construction sites?
Temporary structures are important because they help workers access difficult areas, support concrete and excavations, protect materials, improve safety, and organise site operations. Without them, construction work can become slower, riskier, and less efficient. Their quality directly affects project safety and productivity. - What is the difference between formwork and falsework?
Formwork is the temporary mould that gives shape to fresh concrete. Falsework is the temporary support system that carries formwork, wet concrete, workers, and construction loads until the permanent structure gains strength. Both are temporary works, but they perform different support roles. - What is the difference between scaffolding and shoring?
Scaffolding provides temporary access and working platforms for workers at height. Shoring provides temporary support to excavations, walls, floors, or unstable structures. Scaffolding mainly supports people and tools, while shoring supports soil, structural elements, or construction loads. - Who should inspect temporary structures?
Temporary structures should be inspected by a competent person with the right knowledge and site experience. Complex structures should be checked by an engineer or temporary works professional. Inspections should happen before use, after changes, after severe weather, and at regular intervals during construction. - What materials are used for temporary structures?
Temporary structures may use steel, aluminium, timber, plywood, plastic panels, prefabricated cabins, fabric sheets, concrete blocks, or modular systems. The material depends on purpose, load, duration, weather exposure, cost, and safety requirements. Damaged or weak materials should not be reused without checking. - Are temporary structures safe?
Temporary structures are safe when they are designed, installed, inspected, used, and dismantled correctly. They become unsafe when overloaded, poorly braced, placed on weak ground, built with damaged parts, or modified without approval. Regular inspection and competent supervision are essential for safety.
Sowjanya Siddanoor