The measurement of axial forces in scaffolding standards.

[Display omitted] • A new method of measuring axial forces in façade scaffolding standards. • A new method for examining the path of vertical load transfer from the scaffolding to the ground. • Description of irregularities in the scaffolding based on measurements of axial forces. • Practical examples of using the presented research methods. • Critical evaluation of 115 scaffoldings, tested on construction sites in 2016–2018. The paper presents a new research method for measuring axial forces in scaffolding on a construction site in difficult measurement conditions, consisting of a device, a measurement procedure and a mathematical apparatus for analysing the results. The paper describes the method of evaluating errors in a new type of measurement and methods of avoiding these errors in the analysis of results. The studies were performed on 115 scaffolds. The results analysis included checking the reliability of the results and the rules for their rejection, research of the load uniformity acting on mudsills, and checking whether the anchors are subjected to vertical forces transmitted from the scaffolding. The research results showed that the most of scaffolds did not work properly. The structure instability or incorrect foundation on the ground can cause the measurement results to be unreliable. The described research method may be used in Structural Health Monitoring in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]