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120574072-AS-1576-2-Scaffolding Couplers Accessories (Australian Standard) PDF
120574072-AS-1576-2-Scaffolding Couplers Accessories (Australian Standard) PDF
2—1991
Australian StandardR
Scaffolding
Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to
periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important
therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
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Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue
of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian Standard’, which
subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of
withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are
welcomed. Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without
delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
Australian StandardR
Scaffolding
Incorporating:
Amdt 1—1992
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STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Scaffolding
1.1 SCOPE This Standard specifies requirements for couplers and accessories for light, medium
and heavy duty scaffolding, in accordance with AS 1576.1.
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1111 ISO metric hexagon commercial bolts and screws
1112 ISO metric hexagon nuts, including thin nuts, slotted nuts and castle nuts
1237 Flat metal washers for general engineering purposes (metric series)
1444 Wrought alloy steels—Standard and hardenability (H) series
1576 Scaffolding
1576.1 Part 1: General requirements
1594 Hot-rolled low carbon steel plate, sheet and strip
1734 Aluminium and aluminium alloys—Flat sheet, coiled sheet and plate
1866 Aluminium and aluminium alloys—Extruded rod, bar, solid and hollow shapes
1874 Aluminium and aluminium alloys—Ingots and castings
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5 AS 1576.2—1991
1.4 MARKETING Each coupler and accessory, excluding baseplate and spanner, shall be marked
with the manufacturer’s name or trademark.
NOTE: Manufacturers making a statement of compli ance wit h this Austr alian Standard on a product, or on packaging or
promotional materi al related to that product, are advised to ensure that such compli ance is capable of being verif ied.
Independent cert if ication is avail able from Standard Australi a under the StandardsMark Product Certi fi cati on Scheme.
The StandardsMark, shown below, is a registered certi fi cati on trade mark owned by Standards Austr alia and granted under
li cence to manufacturers whose products comply wit h the requir ements of suitable Austr alian Standards and who operate
sound quali ty assurance programs to ensure consistent product quali ty.
Furt her informati on on product cert if ication and the suitabili ty of this Standard for cert if ication is available fr om Standards
Australi a’s Quali ty Assurance Services, 1 The Crescent, Homebush, N.S.W., 2140.
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AS 1576.2—1991 6
SECTION 2 MATERIALS
2.1 PROPERTIES Where the properties of any material are in doubt, the material shall be
subjected to such test or tests necessary to determine the properties concerned.
2.2 STEEL Steel couplers and accessories shall be manufactured from steel complying with
AS 1444, AS 1594, AS 3678 and AS 3679, as appropriate.
2.3 ALUMINIUM
2.3.1 Cast components. Components formed by sand or permanent gravity-mould casting methods
shall comply with AS 1874 and with the minimum mechanical properties given in Table 2.1.
Pressure die casting shall not be used as a method of manufacture and the 700 series alloys shall
not be used.
TABLE 2.1
MINIMUM PROPERTIES FOR CAST COMPONENTS
Tensil e strength Elongati on
Casting Method MPa %
Sand cast 205 3
Permanent mould 220 5
2.3.2 Wrought components Components made from wrought alloys shall comply with AS 1866
for extrusions and AS 1734 for sheet and plate, and shall comply with the minimum mechanical
properties given in Table 2.2.
TABLE 2.2.
MINIMUM PROPERTIES FOR WROUGHT COMPONENTS
Method of Tensil e strength 0.2% proof Elongati on
manufacture MPa stress, MPa %
Extr usion 262 241 8
Plate 303 213 8
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7 AS 1576.2—1991
3.1 GENERAL All couplers and accessories shall be manufactured for fixing to tube for which they
have been designed to be used.
3.2 COUPLERS
3.2.1 General requirements Couplers shall comply with following: .
(a) All couplers shall be designed and constructed so that—
(i) when assembled but before being tightened, no part can become inadvertently detached; and
(ii) when tightened, the coupler cannot be inadvertently released.
(b) Couplers when used as designed shall not damage the scaffold tube.
(c) The thinnest section of the body or flap of any coupler shall not be less than 4 mm thick.
(d) Threaded blind holes shall not be used. The design of a coupler shall be such that the engaged length
of any threaded components can be readily determined when assembled.
Where couplers incorporate nuts and bolts to effect tightening, they shall comply with the following
requirements:
(A) A tightening bolt shall comply with AS 1111 and shall have a shank not less than 11 mm diameter
and threaded overall diameter not less than 12 mm diameter.
(B) Nuts shall comply with the material requirements of AS 1112 and shall be not less than 11 mm thick.
Nuts shall be made captive on the bolt.
(C) Washers shall comply with AS 1237 and shall be not less than 1.6 mm thick. Washers shall be fitted
beneath the nut, or be integral with the nut.
(D) Except when the geometry of the fitting is such that when tightened the bolt is positively held in
position, a nib or recess shall be provided on the coupler to prevent the bolt from being displaced
from the coupler when being tightened.
(E) Hinge pins shall be steel of not less than 8 mm diameter, and shall be adequately riveted over or
otherwise suitably prevented from becoming displaced.
3.2.2. Swivel couplers In addition to complying with the requirements listed under Clause 3.2.1., swivel
couplers shall have a steel swivel pin not less than 200 mm2 in area. The swivelling faces shall be smooth
and in contact. This requirement shall not, however, prohibit a metal washer being interposed between the
faces of the coupler, provided that the coupler is no less efficient by the use of the washer. The heads of
the pin shall be well formed and free from any riveting defects.
NOTE: Because of wear of the swivel pin through use, swivel couplers should not be used to support direct loads such as those
transmitted by standards.
3.2.3 End-to-end couplers
3.2.3.1 General End-to-end couplers shall be self-centering, and shall accept an equal length of each of
the tubes.
Compliance with the above requirement shall be achieved by means of a positive stop. Such stop shall
provide an even surface and effective bearing area for the end of the tube which shall have been cut
squarely. The bearing surface shall not, under normal loadings, distort the end of any tube with which it
is in contact.
3.2.3.2 Internal types Each spigot of an internal type (joint pin) shall extend not less than 73 mm on the
internal surface of each tube they connect with. The spigot shall be capable of being expanded within a
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AS 1576.2—1991 8
3.3.2 Adjustable legs Adjustable legs shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) They shall have an extension not exceeding 600 mm.
(b) When fully extended, a 150 mm length of the spindle shall remain in the tube an this engagement
shall be mechanically ensured by a permanently fixed stop. When the difference between the outside
diameter of the spindle and the inside diameter of the scaffold standard is greater than 5 mm, a
washer or spacer shall be fixed at the top of the spindle to reduce the difference in diameter to 5 mm
or less. The nut shall incorporate a spigot or socket which shall have a maximum diametrical
clearance of not more than 3 mm and a depth of not less than 3 mm (see figure 3.1).
(c) The length of the thread in the adjusting nut shall be not less than 0.875 times the nominal thread
diameter.
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
3.3.3 Platform bracket A platform bracket shall be designed for the loads given in AS 1576.1 and so
that it cannot be accidentally displaced or rotate when in use. A stop not less than 38 mm high shall be
permanently fixed to the outer end of the horizontal member to prevent dislodgment of planks.
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9 AS 1576.2—1991
3.3.5 Fork head Fork heads shall be concentric with the supporting member.
The fork shall be formed from not less than 75 mm × 6 mm steel plate to give plate to give a recess not
less than 75 mm deep.
3.3.6 Putlog blade In addition to the requirements of Clause 3.2.1, the following requirements shall
apply to putlog blades:
(a) The fitting shall contain a suitable stop to prevent the end of the tube from encroaching into the blade
area.
(b) The blade section shall be constructed of minimum 75 mm long × 45 mm wide × 6 mm thick steel
with the stop so positioned that the blade has at least 75 mm long bearing surface. The bearing
surface may be tapered at the end to a thickness of not less than 5 mm and shall be not less than
60 mm long before tapering commences.
3.3.7 Spanner The spanner for tightening couplers shall have a handle not less than 200 mm nor more
than 250 mm long.
3.3.8 Flange clamps The thinnest section bolt, nut and pin of a flange clamp shall comply with the
requirements of Clause 3.2.1.
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AS 1576.2—1991 10
4.1 COUPLERS
4.1.1 General The coupler shall be capable of being reassembled onto the scaffold tube for which it has
been designed to be used, after each test.
Swivel couplers shall freely swivel after each test.
Distortion of the tube or tubes due to the test with the couplers shall not exceed the following
requirements:
Local distortion =
≤ 1.03
4.1.2 Right-angle coupler When tested in accordance with Appendix A, in each position of the coupler,
a right-angle coupler shall not slip more than 6 mm at its contact face or rotate more than 50 mm as
indicated by the pointer.
When tested in accordance with Appendix B, in each position of the coupler, the right-angle coupler shall
not distort more than 50 mm as indicated by the pointer.
4.1.3 Swivel coupler When tested in accordance with Appendix A, in each position of the coupler, a
swivel coupler shall not slip more than 6 mm at its contact face or rotate more than 100 mm as indicated
by the pointer.
When tested in accordance with Appendix B, in each position of the coupler, the swivel coupler shall not
distort more than 175 mm, as indicated by the pointer.
When tested in accordance with Appendix C, the swivel coupler shall not fail.
4.1.4 Putlog coupler When tested in accordance with Appendix C, a putlog coupler shall not have a
visible gap between the tubes, or the loaded tube slip on the coupler.
When tested in accordance with Appendix D, the putlog coupler shall not slip on the tube.
4.1.5 End-to-end coupler When tested in accordance with Appendix E, an end-to-end coupler shall not
slip on or in the tube.
4.1.6 Parallel coupler splicing test Parallel couplers used to splice tubes when tested in accordance with
Appendix F shall not slip more than 6 mm at their contact face.
4.2 ADJUSTABLE LEG When tested in accordance with Appendix G, an adjustable leg shall not fail.
4.4. CASTOR When tested in accordance with Appendix H, a castor shall not fail.
4.5 PUTLOG BLADE When tested in accordance with Appendix I, a putlog blade shall not show
permanent set.
4.6 FLANGE CLAMP Flange clamps are used in pairs to connect a metal scaffold tube to tapered
flange or universal beams and shall comply with Clause 4.1.1.
When tested in accordance with Appendix J, neither flange clamp shall show any permanent set.
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When tested in accordance with Appendix K, the clamped scaffold tube shall not slip more than 6 mm
at its contact face in relation to the flange of the beam.
When tested in accordance with Appendix L, neither flange clamp shall slip more than 6 mm at its contact
face along the flange of the beam.
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11 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX A
A1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the slip of right-angle and swivel
coupler on metal scaffold tube.
A2 PRINCIPLE The coupler is fixed to two scaffold tubes at right angles. A predetermined force is
applied to one of the tubes. The amount of slippage of the coupler on the other tube is measured, and the
permanent rotation of the loaded tube is also measured.
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AS 1576.2—1991 12
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13 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX B
B1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the distortion of right-angle and swivel
coupler on metal scaffold tube.
B2 PRINCIPLE The coupler is fixed to two scaffold tubes at right angles. The coupler is supported at
the sides and back to prevent it moving down the tube. A predetermined force is applied to the other tube
and the distortion is measured after the force is removed.
B4 TEST SPECIMEN The test specimen, i.e. right-angle, or swivel, coupler shall have been previously
tested in accordance with Appendix A.
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AS 1576.2—1991 14
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15 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX C
C1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the strength of a swivel and putlog
coupler on metal scaffold tube.
C2 PRINCIPLE The coupler is fixed to two scaffold tubes at right angles. A predetermined force is
applied to one of the tubes.
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AS 1576.2—1991 16
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
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17 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX D
D1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the slip of a putlog coupler on metal
scaffold tube.
D2 PRINCIPLE The coupler is fixed to two scaffold tubes at right angles. A predetermined force is
applied to one of the tubes. The amount of slippage of the coupler on the tube is measured.
D4 TEST SPECIMEN The test specimen, i.e. the putlog coupler, shall have been previously tested in
accordance with Appendix C.
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AS 1576.2—1991 18
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19 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX E
E1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the slip of an end-to-end coupler on or
in metal scaffold tubing.
E2 PRINCIPLE The coupler connects two scaffold tubes. A predetermined force is applied to the
coupler. Any slippage of the coupler on the tube is observed.
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AS 1576.2—1991 20
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21 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX F
F1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the slip of two parallel couplers used
to splice metal scaffold tube in a tension condition.
F2 PRINCIPLE Two parallel couplers connect two parallel scaffold tubes. A predetermined force is
applied. Any slippage of the couplers on the tubes is observed.
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AS 1576.2—1991 22
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23 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX G
G1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the strength of an adjustable leg and
an adjustable baseplate. An adjustable leg is converted to an adjustable baseplate for testing purposes to
gauge the effect of an eccentric load on the leg.
G2 PRINCIPLE The adjustable leg or baseplate has one end fitted inside a scaffold tube with the
maximum extension of thread shank projecting. A predetermined force is applied to the assembly. The
strength of the adjustable leg or baseplate is measured as a function of the movability of the adjusting nut
and straightness of the shank after the load is removed.
(h) Each page of report shall be signed and dated by the person responsible for the test.
(i) The test force applied to the scaffold tube/adjustable leg or baseplate assembly.
(j) The vertical deflection of the adjusting nut, the change in straightness of the shank, and the ease with
which the adjusting nut can be turned by hand for the full depth of the nut upwards and downwards
from the test position.
(k) A statement whether the adjustable leg or baseplate has failed or not failed. Failure is determined by–
(i) the change in straightness of the shank if it exceeds 2 mm; or
(ii) the inability to turn by hand the adjusting nut for the full depth of the nut upwards and
downwards from the test position.
(l) A reference to this test method, i.e. AS 1576.2, Appendix G.
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AS 1576.2—1991 24
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DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
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25 AS 1576.2—1991
APPENDIX H
H1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the strength of a castor.
H2 PRINCIPLE A predetermined force is applied to the castor and the permanent set, if any, is
measured and reported.
H3 APPARATUS A device capable of applying a compressive load between two platens and retaining
the castor during loading.
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AS 1576.2—1991 26
APPENDIX I
I1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the strength of a putlog blade.
I2 PRINCIPLE The putlog blade is attached to a putlog tube. A predetermined force is applied to the
tube adjacent to the fitting. The permanent set, if any, is measured and reported.
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27 AS 1576.2—1991
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
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AS 1576.2—1991 28
APPENDIX J
J1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the strength of a pair of rigid or swivel
flange clamps.
J2 PRINCIPLE Two flange clamps are attached to a scaffold tube and tapered flange or universal
beam. A predetermined tensile force is applied and permanent set, if any, is measured and reported.
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29 AS 1576.2—1991
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AS 1576.2—1991 30
APPENDIX K
K1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the slip of a metal scaffold tube through
a pair of rigid or swivel flange clamps.
K2 PRINCIPLE Two flange clamps, rigid or swivel, attach a scaffold tube to a tapered flange or
universal beam. A predetermined axial force is applied to the tube. The amount of slippage of the tube
relative to the beam flange is measured.
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31 AS 1576.2—1991
FIGURE K1 TEST APPARATUS FOR SLIP OF TUBE THROUGH THE FLANGE CLAMPS
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AS 1576.2—1991 32
APPENDIX L
L1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the slip of flange clamps along the
flange of the beam.
L2 PRINCIPLE Two flange clamps, rigid or swivel, attach a metal scaffold tube to a tapered flange
or universal beam. A predetermined transverse force is applied to the tube. The amount of slippage of both
flange clamps along the beam flange is measured.
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33 AS 1576.2—1991
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Accessed by Clough Engineering on 05 Sep 2001