Category Archives: Frame
The Sterling House (part 2) – “Can’t you hear me knocking?”
We showed you the brilliant landing platform on the 30th floor of the Sterling House Apartments (18th & JFK) in our previous blog. See it here: It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s a crane landing platform? (part 1) and I promised to bring you the second part. So here it is…
Overhead sidewalk protection all around this building.
It’s a multipurpose overhead protection system (as you will see in the following pics) not only did it have to provide protection for the pedestrians around this busy apartment building but it also had to provide support for our swing staging all around the facade. If you look to the right on the photo below you will see the tops of the motors peeking out above the panels.
And to do this – Superior Scaffold deployed the heavy duty 767 Philly canopy frames with steel beams on top.
One of the biggest challenges was to create a canopy over the entryway to the Sterling House down over the sidewalk. It was quite a distance and at several elevations. To bridge the gap Superior incorporated a series of system scaffold pieces into the overall design to create the perfect overhead sidewalk protecton for the client. It’s almost like 2 separate canopies but you can see in the pic below how the one actually rests on top of the other.
This was a creative scaffolding solution to this problem.
And I wanted to point out our two latest safety features. You might have already noticed the long yellow banners attached to the legs of the frame scaffold in the photos. These say “warning tripping hazard” and are in response to the number of people walking the streets while staring down at their cell phones.
And the second safety change we’ve made recently comes at the bottom of the frame jack where the plate meets the concrete. We now cut off the sides of the wood to fit the size of the jack plate completely – no more overhanging area for people to get caught up on while they walk and text and surf the web. We are always looking for ways to make our scaffolding safer to the general public. We will be constantly updating and improving as new insights become available.
Save some brain power for the Sterling House Pt 3 (“Swing, Swing, Swing”) coming real soon!
Call Superior Scaffold today at (215) 743-2200 for all of your scaffold, scaffolding needs.
#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade
#masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry#suspendedscaffold
#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa#electrical#2157432200#pa#de#nj#ny#md#rents
#sales#design#erection#dismantle#deliver#swingstaging#swings#stages#shoring#USA
#nationwide#national
Superior Scaffold emergency services to the rescue! (20th and JFK)
Superior Scaffold’s emergency services crew was called out to the Kennedy House Thursday night after a 25 foot long concrete wrapped beam fell to the ground from the 4th floor parking garage. Superior had a crew on the scene that morning and transformed the sidewalk…
FROM THIS…
TO THIS… In less than 12 hours!
A 70 foot long, double-wide sidewalk protection system to safely shuttle pedestrians around the building.
Thank goodness there were no injuries. The beam was decorative and not supportive. You can see were it came lose from the facade of the building four stories up.
Angel explains the plan to Superior estimator, Pat McAndrew.
On first inspection, it looks like one of the connectors might have rusted. City crews can now get safely up to the side of the building. They will be using a high reach to thoroughly inspect the area and then make determinations from there.
It only took one phone call to Tony Pini and several hours later Superior had a plan in place, equipment loaded up and crews ready to roll.
The Center City apartment complex also houses the Brazilian steakhouse restaurant, Chima.
Our fast and friendly crew will get the job done right – every time!
If you have an emergency where you need scaffold, sidewalk protection, canopy or scaffolding – call Superior Scaffold anytime at (215) 743-2200 and ask for Tony P.
We have the fastest response times in the business.
Check out some of our other emergency service calls:
Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center
More information on the 20th and JFK story:
http://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/state/article_0964de7f-d7cd-50dd-97c0-7822cdf9e3af.html
#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade#masonry
#canopy#overheadprotection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry#suspendedscaffold
#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa#electrical#2157432200#pa#de#nj#ny#md#rents
Superior Scaffold Rental Department: Rent, lease and buy scaffolding
It’s true. We rent just about everything. Many people know Superior Scaffold as a premiere scaffolding company that designs and implements scaffolding and access solutions for all types for customers and general contractors. But for those of you who don’t know we also have a top notch rental department where you can get all kinds of equipment for just about any project. Here, let Dave give you a quick run down.
So whether you are a general contractor, a do it your-selfer, or a regular scaffolding guru – we have you covered. I thought I’d feature a few items from frame rental division (all of which can be found on our website.) We have thousands of items so call Dave at (215) 743-2200 and he will take care of you.
Here are some popular rental items from our Frame scaffold rental division.
Standard Mason, masonry frames (151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 15602)
Ladder frames (123, 124, 125, 126)
Narrow Frames 36″ Wide. We have a variety of scaffold, scaffolding, narrow frames (136, 135, 133, 13602, 13502)
15606 – (aka J frame) has the widest walk through.
15607 – (aka h frame) The strongest design of walk thru frames
Aluminum deck, decks, Plywood Planks (5307-19, 5308-19, 5310-19)
OSHA grade laminated scaffold plank (ml-06, ml-08, ml-10, ml-16)
Braces, cross braces, single, double
We have scaffold, access ladders, ladders, stairs, railings, guard rails and rope & wheel systems for scaffolding.
Scaffold and scaffolding accessories like screw jack, base plate, caster, coupling pin, pins, saddle, and fasteners.
We also rent a full line of decorator scaffold (painter scaffold, baker scaffold), debris chutes, netting, safety equipment, and much much more.
Go to our website and check it out for yourself or stop by our shop at:
Superior Scaffold Services
520 East Luzerne Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 423-2200
For a map click here:
Or you can download some of our catalogs for your own reference:
As Dave says, “When it’s time to rent equipment – rent from the best. Superior Scaffold.”
#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade
#masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry#suspendedscaffold
#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa#scaffoldrentalphiladelphia#scaffoldingrentalphilly
Double Wide, frame vs. system scaffold – when to use
At first glance, what do you see? A double-wide canopy spanning the entire sidewalk?
If you did – you would be correct but there is more to it than meets the eye. You don’t think we would just toss up a double wide sidewalk shed using our famous 767-00 “Philly” frames would you? Of course not. What you have to remember is that this a large span we have to cover so the facade resoration can go on overhead. And there are certain regulations that are mandated by our state as to the amount of weight this canonpy must support. In Philadelphia it’s 300lb psf.
My first thought was; why didn’t they use a system scaffold to bridge the gap? I understand that there would have to be two foot towers to support the beams and that would be a bit of cluster (you know what). But I’m no engineer. So then I thought, why don’t I just ask Superior Scaffold top engineer, Mike Leone? After all, he’s the man who has to design all these scaffold projects to meet code. I’ll let him tell you in his own inimitable way.
“You can make system scaffold work in a situation like this, but you would have to configure it properly and have enough posts/verticals and watch your leg spacing to get 300 psf rating. It would be a lot more pieces than using the canopy frames and would take longer to erect. So this is faster and less expensive and you get the same rating,” said Mike. “The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets Code requires a minimum interior opening of 6 feet. The Philly frame, as the name implies, was made specifically to comply with these codes.”
So there you have it. Not only is up to code but can also be faster to erect. I noticed another feature of this type of set up as well. It could help with the pedestrian traffic flow. It creates an isle-like walkway where traffic can flow easily in both directions just like on a highway.
And I just love to see the photos of how they erect these projects. Take a look.
They also painted the wood panels to help match the decor of the building. That’s another little added touch that Superior offers. Very cool.
We at Superior are always spanning the globe for unique scaffolding solutions to bring you.
That reminds me… Cue the music. “Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of scaffold… the thrill of erection… and the agony of having to take it down… This is Philly’s Wide World of Scaffold! Sorry, it just brought me back there for a minute.
If you have a large sidewalk or area that needs overhead protection (canopy, sidewalk shed) call Superior Scaffold at (215) 743-2200 or hit the website at www.superiorscaffold.com today.
#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade
#masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry
#suspendedscaffold#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa
Amtrak rides the Superior Scaffold rails around the entire building
Superior Scaffold is proud to be providing scaffolding support for Amrak’s renovation of their 30th St. Station in downtown Philadelphia. The historic building that opened in 1933 will get a much needed facelift. It’s an incredible looking structure and can you just imagine what it’s going to be like when it’s finished? Wow…
Amtrak wants to make the neoclassical 30th Street Station a more welcoming gateway to West Philadelphia and Center City. The 30th Street Station handles 120 Amtrak trains, 960 SEPTA trains, and 26 NJ Transit trains each weekday. More than four million Amtrak passengers went through the station last year.
Superior’s first order of business was to erect canopies and sidewalk protection around the entire building – and that’s a good sized building. The station is a hustling, bustling metropolis all of its own with cars, buses, and lots of people all the time. Those are just some of the challenges faced when erecting scaffolding around a busy building like this. For that reason, most of the work was done at night as pedestrian and vehicle traffic was diminished.
I love this part of the description because we actually get to see BEFORE and AFTER shots of the scaffolding (something we don’t always get). But this gives you an insider’s look at just what goes into scaffolding an historic building like this. It also lets us see some the challenges crews face.
The jersey barriers on each side were quite the problem. Superior had to scaffold around all the physical obstacles, lamp posts, bollards, parking meters, taxi cabs, pedestrians.
All of 30th Street Station is hollow underneath so Amtrak required Superior to build canopies on top of barriers to distribute weight load.
This was done so scaffolding can be installed on top of the canopy to do facade restoration.
Amtrak even specified the type and color of paint…a beautiful soft green. Customizing the look and color of a canopy is an option that many of our clients choose.
This is going to be an 8 – 10 year project.
Superior had to construct overhead protection at different elevations for buses, cars and pedestrians.
The biggest challenge was finding jersey barriers with one flat side as Amtrak mandated.
Fortunately Rob Buckley from Buckley Construction had what the doctor ordered. 177 – 12′ barriers.
Next challenge was setting them in place. We used a lull and a unique clamp made just for lifting the barriers.
We also had to cut many of them to fit into Amtrak’s layout (parking meters, doors, etc.) It’s not easy cutting concrete barriers!
Some shots to give you an idea of the scope of work with the canopies and overhead protection.
Before.
After.
Some of the detailed work that goes into doing an extensive job like this.
These structures are just the first phase in an extensive renovation. They have to be strong enough to support additional scaffoling when they start renovating the facade of the building.
Superior provides scaffolding for renovations, inspections, new construction – just about any type of project.
Give us a call today at (215) 743-2200 or visit www.superiorscaffold.com for more information.
Superior Scaffold Shoring up the Mid-Atlantic
Can you say needle beam? I just love that word. Needle beam, needle beam, needle beam.
Did one just appear?
It did. (See the photos below.)
That is a needle beam. I know, like me, you probably thought it would resemble an actual needle but no. It’s just a term that the engineers like to throw around loosely anytime a beam needs to be put through something for support.
Here’s the actual definition of needle beam from the free dictionary: in shoring, the horizontal cross timber which goes through the wall or a pier, and upon which the weight of the wall rests, when a building is shored up to allow of alterations in the lower part.
Well that makes sense. So now look at the picture. You see the needle beams?
A store in the Hillview Shopping Center in Cherry Hill, NJ wanted to expand the front entrance to their building so the call went out to Superior Scaffold, who are experts with all things shoring by the way (shameless plug). So the grand wizard of engineering, Bob Robinson, devised this nifty bit of shoring using 20 kip heavy duty post shores to support the exterior walls with needle beams sticking through.
And on the inside, Superior used their hi-load shoring frames with aluminum joists to support the bar joists.
How about that? I just realized that I’m going to have to do a post just dealing with scaffold terminology. Kind of like the urban dictionary for scaffolding. I’ll get to that so you all know what 20 Kip means, and what Bar Joists are, etc.
Anyway, the job went swimmingly and the client was thrilled. And I am happy to report that there were no Beetlejuice sightings or random appearances of needle beams either.
Needle beam, needle beam, needle beam….
Poof.
Triple the action for Superior Scaffold at the Old Dublin Pike Bridge in Doylestown, PA.
The stone arch bridge was originally constructed back in 1875 and then rehabbed in 1947. So it was time for a reconditioning – seems that this old bridge still has over 5,000 cars travel over her every day in Doylestown, PA. Crews needed a way to support the structure and to get into the arches to repair the stones and masonry while keeping the road open above.
This was the challenge for Superior Scaffold.
First order of business was diverting the river through two of the arches so one could be fairly dry while the scaffolding was erected. Then, once that was built, the water had to be diverted again so the second, and then third arch could be constructed.
The next challenge was how to best shore up the arches so work could be completed but also support enough weight for heavy machinery traveling the road over head. Superior engineer Bob Robinson decided on 20k scaffold frames to hold up the shoring beams and wood supports. It allowed the road to remain open for business while construction crews completed the work below.
It’s a unique way to solve the problem and keep a major thoroughfare open.
The job went off without a hitch and the mighty river is flowing once again and cars are happily traveling over the old bridge in Buck County.
Call Superior Scaffold at 215 743-2200 or go to http://www.superiorscaffold.com for all of your scaffolding and shoring needs.
Superior Scaffold to provide scaffolding support for Philadelphia Energy Solutions turnaround at old Sunoco refinery.
Superior Scaffold has entered into a deal with Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES), to provide scaffolding support for a turnaround at their large Philadelphia plant. This is the Point Breeze refining complex – which is the old Sunoco plant in South Philly.
Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) is the longest continuously operating refinery on the East Coast, processing 330,000 barrels of crude oil per day into various refined products.
Superior will provide all of the necessary scaffolding support during this shutdown. “Our guys are currently working with PES planning and organizing the massive turnaround so everything goes smoothly,” said Lou Collins, Superior Scaffold estimator. “We anticipate about a 12 week pre-to-post timeframe to complete this job.”
For those who don’t know, a turnaround at a refinery is a planned, periodic shut down (total or partial) of a refinery plant or unit to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul operations and to inspect, test and replace process materials and equipment.
Superior will be working with the exchangers, drums, towers, internal reactors and Re-gen and much more all around the complex.
We are proud to bring our 50 years plus of refinery experience to one of Philadelphia’s finest companies. And will keep you posted as we move through this turnaround process.
For all of your industrial scaffolding needs call Lou Collins @ 215 279-8123 or lou@superiorscaffold.com.
Amazing uses for scaffolding. Calpine energy turbine repair.
Every now and then, a really cool use for scaffolding comes across my desk, and this is one of those times. Maybe I’m just genuinely curious as to how stuff works but I thought I’d pass this along.
This is the top of giant electric turbine at the Calpine Energy, Delta, PA power plant. The plant is a state-of-the-art, combined cycle, power generating plant powered mainly by natural gas. The plant consists of 8 electric generators – and these photos are of one of those turbines! Basically, these gigantic turbines spin around at amazing speed to produce electricity for cities and towns.
Calpine called Superior Scaffold out to construct support scaffolding around one of the giant Siemens V84.2 turbines so the top could be removed and stored while work was done inside. As you can see from the photos, just the top of the turbine is enormous. Once inside the turbine, crews had to pull the entire thing apart to find the problem. Once that was addressed workers had to reassemble the entire unit – but this time they welded counter weights on the turbine to keep it spinning up to a tolerance factor of 1000th of and inch.
It always amazes me at the different uses for scaffold – and this is just another in a long list of cool applications.
For a more technical description of how their plant converts energy read this blurb from their website.
The plant works like this: Steam for the steam turbines is generated in heat recovery steam generators – unfired boilers that get their heat from hot gas exhaust leaving the gas turbines. The combustion turbines, which primarily burn natural gas, can also run on low-sulfur diesel fuel oil. When combined, these two power cycles (the gas turbine and the boiler/steam turbine) create a highly fuel-efficient plant, consuming significantly less fuel than needed by a traditional fossil-fired boiler/steam turbine generator plant. This conversion spins the turbines which in turn convert steam into electricity for Delta, PA customers.
Superior scaffold (215) 743-2200
A unique before and after look at Boathouse Row repair, Philadelphia, PA
Superior Scaffold at Bachelors Barge Club (Est 1853), Philadelphia, PA.
Bachelors boathouse #6, (built in 1893) is repairing part of the exterior of their house on Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse row. Superior provided canopy protection for the side of the building while erecting system scaffold above – so crews could get access to the spots that needed repairing without hindering daily operations.
This is a unique opportunity to see a before and after view of the repair process. As you can see in the first series of photos taken by Superior estimator, Pat McAndrew, there are large cracks in the facade of the structure. And you can see just where they are located on the building and where crews will have to get access to affect repairs.
It’s Pat’s job to estimate the amount of man and materials it will take to finish the repairs. And in many instances, it’s also his job to configure the best scaffolding approach to access the job.
Here, he chose 767 Philly frames to construct a canopy (sidewalk shed) over the entryway so Bachelors members could use the building on a daily basis while work continued overhead. This is a great way to keep business as usual for the buildings being worked on while creating a very stable platform for the work crews to complete their tasks above.
Pat also chose a series of system scaffold on top of the canopy to create different levels, in essence, for better access. He also added a hoist and access ladders on the ends giving the scaffolding two separate levels. It’s all very stable and easy to get equipment up and down.
We will provide you with the finished photographs once the work is complete.
If you need an estimate for anything scaffold related (scaffolding, scaffold services, shoring, facade work, inspection) just give Pat a call. He’s one of the best in the business. (215) 743-2200.
A brief history of Bachelors Barge Club.
The club originally housed its boats in a wooded shack on the north side of the Schuylkill River constructed for the imposing sum of $67.85. Today its over 150 members row out of a stately brick boathouse constructed in 1893 on the original site, now known as #6 Boathouse Row. The boathouse is also home to four high school rowing programs and the Wharton Graduate Crew.
Bachelors Barge has hosted high school rowing on a continuous basis since 1948 when Lower Merion initiated a rowing program. Lower Merion was subsequently followed by Harriton High School, The Baldwin School, and Conestoga High School in that order. Wharton Graduate is the most recent tenant to join Bachelors Barge however they have historical ties to the club going back to 1864 when George W. Wharton was an active member.
Home of Drexel crew.
Boathouse Row is a historic site located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the east bank of the Schuylkill River, just north of the Fairmount Water Works and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It consists of a row of 15 boathouses housing social and rowing clubs and their racing shells. Each of the boathouses has its own history, and all have addresses on both Boathouse Row and Kelly Drive (named after famous Philadelphia oarsman John B. Kelly, Jr.).
scaffoldblog 