Formwork &

Scaffolding
ACROW CYCLONE

Scaffold Couplers
General Technical and Application Manual

Boral Know How

Scaffold Couplers

Introduction
Scaffold couplers are essentially the fundamental component that is used to assemble tube-and-coupler
scaffolding as encompassed by AS1576. Tube-and-coupler scaffolding is defined in AS1576.3 as 'a scaffold in
which individual circular tubes serving as standards, braces or ties are joined together by means of purpose
designed couplers'.
This basic fitting that is designed to join two scaffold tubes can be used to create a diverse range of scaffolding
structures or used as an accessory to prefabricated scaffolding systems.
This manual includes basic types of scaffold couplers which join two tubes together as well as special couplers
used to connect scaffold tube to other components, equipment or structures.

Important
The technical and application guidelines contained in this booklet are recommended methods to be used with
scaffold couplers supplied by Boral Formwork & Scaffolding Pty Ltd.
Recommendations and technical details must be accurately followed to obtain the correct performance of the
product. Deviation from the recommended usage will require a separate engineering design and/or verification
by the Boral Formwork & Scaffolding Engineering Department.
The use and application of scaffold couplers must be in compliance with the requirements of Statutory
Regulations and Australian Standards for Scaffolding (AS/NZS1576 'Scaffolding' and AS/NZS 4576 'Guidelines
for Scaffolding') as applicable.
The illustrations of the assembly configurations are guidelines only.
Site specific Hazard and Risk assessments may need to be generated for specific projects.
As part of the risk management processes, we draw your attention to the requirement that scaffolders must, as
part of their competency, be competent in manual lifting techniques. Therefore, scaffolders erecting, altering
or dismantling scaffolding must follow the manual handling guidelines published by Regulatory Authorities or
other guidelines and codes of practice recognised as being acceptable by such Regulatory Authorities.
Personnel who erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding over 4m in height must hold a current National, State or
Territory Certificate in Scaffolding to the appropriate class.

Working Load Limits

Working Load Limits (WLLs) are given for couplers that are covered by AS1576.2 and comply to that standard.
WLLs for couplers shown may be limited by components to which they are attached. Hence, load capacity of
such components must be checked for suitability to support resultant loads.

Product Codes
The product codes shown on the following pages are sales codes.
To determine the hire code for the product remove the Z prefix.
Example: Sale code for Double Coupler is ZDC
Hire code for Double Coupler is DC.

Disclaimer
1 Photographs/illustrations shown within this brochure are intended as expressing the diversity and possible applications of the product and as
such must not be used as assembly instructions.
2 In line with Boral Formwork & Scaffoldings commitment to continuous product development and improvement, the information contained in
this brochure may be changed without notice.
3 Every effort has been made to give appropriate guidelines for the use of this product, however, Boral Formwork & Scaffolding Pty Ltd accepts
no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of this information.
Should the users require any further information or guidance, they are encouraged to contact their local Boral Formwork & Scaffolding outlet.

General Technical and Application Manual

Product

Description

Double Coupler

Code
Number

Mass
Kg

ZDC

1.05

ZSC

1.18

ZRDC

1.80

ZRSC

2.20

Joins two scaffold tubes having outside

diameter of 48.3mm at right angles.
Tightening nuts suit standard Scaffold Spanner
(23mm A/F).
Replaceable 'T' bolts, nuts and washers.
Robust design made from drop forged steel for
durability and reliability.
Hot dip galvanised finish for corrosion resistance.
Complies with the requirements of AS1576.2.
Typical working load limit of 6.25kN against slip
at tightening torque of 54 Nm.
Can be used to resist tension or compression loads.

Swivel Coupler
Joins scaffold tube having outside diameter of
48.3mm at any angle.
Each half of the Coupler is interconnected with
a swivel pin.
Typically used for connecting bracing members.
Also used for tension splicing of scaffold tubes.
Tightening nuts suit standard Scaffold Spanner
(23mm A/F).
Replaceable 'T' bolts, nuts and washers.
Robust design made from drop forged steel for
durability and reliability.
Hot dip galvanised finish for corrosion resistance.
Complies with the requirements of AS1576.2.
WLL = 6.25 kN against slip at tightening torque
of 54 Nm.
Can be used to resist tension or compression
loads in bracing.
Should not be used to support primary members.
(Refer Clause 3.2.2 of AS1576.2-1991)

Reduction Double Coupler

Similar to Double Coupler except that it
connects 48 O.D. tube to 60 O.D.

Reduction Swivel Coupler

Similar to Swivel Coupler except that it connects
48 O.D. tube to 60 O.D.

Scaffold Couplers
Product

Description

Expanding Joint Pin

Code
Number

Mass
Kg

ZEJCP

1.37

ZESCG

1.20

Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tube standards end to

end internally.
Fits inside scaffold tubes.
Expands to fit internal diameter of scaffold tube
when bolt tightened.
Tightening bolt suits standard Scaffold Spanner
(23mm A/F).
Made from forged steel.
Hot dip galvanised finish.
Under compression loading this Joint Pin
is capable of taking the full capacity of the
scaffold tube.
Not to be used for tension loads. Under tension
loading, it is necessary to splice the joint with
another scaffold tube and Swivel Couplers
(tension load check required).
Not to be used for end to end joining of tube
ledgers.
(Refer Clause 3.2.2 of AS/NZS1576.6-2000).
This Joint Pin must only be used to join
scaffold tube with the same internal diameter,
ie, the same wall thickness.
Typical scaffold tube sizes are:
48.3mm O.D. x 40.3mm I.D. (4.00mm wall
thickness tube) or
48.3mm O.D. x 38.5mm I.D. (4.88mm wall
thickness tube).

External Sleeve Coupler

Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tubes end to end
externally.
Used for end to end joining of scaffold tube
standards.
Locates on outside diameter of scaffold tube
members.
Tightening bolt suits standard Scaffold Spanner.
Made from high quality pressed steel.
Hot dip galvanised finish.
Under compression loading this Coupler
is capable of taking the full capacity of the
scaffold tube.
Not to be used for tension loads. Under tension
loading, it is necessary to splice the joint with
another scaffold tube and Swivel Couplers
(tension load check required).
Can be used for end to end joining of tube
ledgers.
(Refer Clause 3.2.2 of AS/NZS1576.6-2000).
This Coupler must only be used to join scaffold
tube with the same external diameter.
Typical scaffold tube sizes are:
48.3mm O.D. x 40.3mm I.D. (4.00mm wall
thickness tube) or
48.3mm O.D. x 38.5mm I.D. (4.88mm wall
thickness tube).

General Technical and Application Manual

Product

Description

Putlog Coupler

Code
Number

Mass
Kg

ZPC

1.0

ZPCSW

0.7

ZPCHT

0.4

ZPH

1.23

(Standard Double Flap Type)

Putlog Coupler

Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tubes at right angles.

Used for fixing putlog tubes onto ledger tubes.
Tightening nut suits standard Scaffold Spanner
(23mm A/F).
Replaceable 'T' bolt, nut and washer.
Pressed steel flaps and drop forged steel cap.
Hot dip galvanised finish for corrosion
resistance.
Complies with the requirements of AS1576.2.
Typically used for securing guardrails and
midrails at right angles to standards. Other uses
can distort the coupler so that tube retention is
not effective and WLL does not apply.
Not to be used for connecting putlog tubes to
ledger tube in tube-and-coupler scaffolding.
Only use Right Angle Couplers for this purpose.
Refer AS/NZS1576.6 for guidance on tube-andcoupler scaffolding.
WLL = 0.62 kN against slip of tube through flaps
of coupler at tightening torque of 54 Nm.

Putlog Coupler - Wrapover

(Standard Wrapover single type)

Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tubes at right angles.
Used for positioning putlog tubes onto ledger
tubes.
Tightening nut suits standard Scaffold Spanner
(23mm A/F).
Replaceable 'T' bolt, nut and washer.
Pressed steel body and drop forged steel cap.
Hot dip galvanised finish for corrosion
resistance.
Complies with the requirements of AS1576.2.
Typically used for securing guardrails and
midrails to standards at right angles.
Other uses can distort the Coupler so that tube
retention is not effective and WLL does not apply.
Not to be used for connecting putlog tubes to
ledger tube. Only use Right Angle Couplers for
such purpose.
Refer AS/NZS1576.6 for guidance on tube-andcoupler scaffolding.
WLL = 0.62 kN against slip of tube through flaps
of coupler at tightening torque of 54 Nm.

Putlog Coupler - Wrapover

Putlog Coupler - Hook Type

Putlog Coupler - Hook Type

Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tubes at right angles.
Not recommended for fixing of putlog tubes to
ledger tubes for working decks.

Putlog Head

Putlog Head

Used for single pole putlog scaffolding.

Fits 48 O.D. scaffold tube.
WLL = 6.25 kN (resistance to tube slip where nuts
tightened to 54 Nm torque).
WLL = 2.25 kN (bending of blade).

Scaffold Couplers
Product

Description

RSJ Clamps
Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tube to Tapered or Parallel
Flange steel beams at 900.
Size 1 suitable for RSJ flange thickness up to 19mm.
Size 2 suitable for RSJ flange thickness of 19-38mm.
Size 3 suitable for RSJ flange thickness of 38-57mm.

Code
Number

Mass
Kg

RSJ Clamp N1

1.05

RSJC1
Hire Only

RSJ Clamp N2

RSJC2
RSJ Girder Clamp

Steel
Beam

48 O.D.
scaffold tube

Hire Only

RSJ Clamp N3
WLL =
15.0 kN

48 O.D. scaffold tube

WLL = 6.25kN
Resistance to slip along
tube or along flange of beam

1.07

RSJC3

1.20

Hire Only

Note:
RSJ Clamps must be used in pairs each side of
the flange. Minimum tightening torque = 54 Nm.

Gravlock Girder Clamp

ZGGC

1.50

RSJSC

1.45

Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tube to Tapered or Parallel

Flange steel beams at 900.
Suitable for girder flange thickness up to 44mm.
Gravlock
Girder Clamp

WLL =
15.0 kN

48 O.D. scaffold tube

Steel
Beam

48 O.D.
scaffold
tube

WLL = 6.25kN
Resistance to slip along
tube or along flange of beam

Note:
Gravlock Girder Clamps must be used in pairs
each side of the flange.
Minimum tightening torque = 54 Nm.

RSJ Swivel Clamp

Joins 48 O.D. scaffold tube to Tapered or Parallel
Flange steel beams at various angles.
Suitable for girder flange thickness up to 44mm.
RSJ Swivel Clamp

WLL =
15.0 kN

48 O.D. scaffold tube

Steel
Beam

48 O.D.
scaffold
tube

WLL = 6.25kN
Resistance to slip along
tube or along flange of beam

Note:
RSJ Swivel Clamps must be used in pairs each
side of the flange.
Minimum tightening torque = 54 Nm.

Hire Only

General Technical and Application Manual

Product

Description

Board Clamp

Code
Number

Mass
Kg

ZSBCP

0.60

RC
Hire Only

1.5

ZWTB

2.0

Retains timber scaffold planks to 48 O.D. putlog/

transom tubes.
Suitable for plank thickness range of 35 to 38mm.

Rafter Coupler
Used for clamping scaffold tube to timber runners.
Suitable for timbers 50mm wide.

Wall Tie Bracket

Wall Tie Brackets are an alternative tying method
and they are used where it is not possible or
convenient to tie through windows or around
columns.
Wall Tie Brackets supplied by BF&S comprise a
half Swivel Coupler attached to an angle section
with a pin allowing it to rotate. The angle section
contains an 18mm dia hole for a 16mm dia
fastener or anchor for securing the bracket to the
face of a building wall or similar structure. The
swivel pin attachment enables the Half Coupler to
rotate through 3600.
Suitable anchor
to structure

WLL = 6.25kN

Notes:
The load capacity of the selected anchor and
the structure to which the bracket is attached
must be verified as having suitable capacity to
sustain the Working Load Limit of the bracket.
When determining anchor forces, prying forces
must be considered where they may occur.
Stated WLL is applicable where the following
types of Swivel Coupler is used:
- Boral/Euro
- Boral/Burtons
- Boral/SGB
- Acrow.
Australian Standards for Scaffolding provide
guidance on Anchorage and Tie Assemblies.
In particular refer to Clause 2.8 of AS1576.1 and
Clause 8.5 of AS4576.

Formwork &
Scaffolding
ACROW CYCLONE
BORAL FORMWORK &
SCAFFOLDING PTY LTD
ACN 004 284 806
ABN 35 004 284 806
National Head Office:
2A Mavis Street
Revesby NSW 2212
Telephone: (02) 9780 6555
Facsimile: (02) 9780 6444
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.boral.com.au

Your local contact from our national network of branches

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Boral Know How

Broch 031 Mar 03