A sidewalk shed is a temporary structure erected over a sidewalk to protect pedestrians from falling debris during construction, demolition, or renovation of a building. It provides a covered walkway, ensuring public safety while work is being carried out overhead.
Key Components of a Sidewalk Shed System
Vertical Supports (Posts or Columns): These are the vertical members that bear the load of the shed. They are typically made of steel and provide the necessary height and support.
Horizontal Supports (Beams or Girders): These are the horizontal members that span across the vertical supports and form the framework of the shed. They support the roof and distribute the load.
Roofing: This is the top covering of the shed, which can be made of various materials like wood, steel, or corrugated metal. It protects pedestrians from falling objects.
Bracing: Diagonal or horizontal members that provide stability to the shed and prevent it from swaying or collapsing.
Decking: The walkway surface of the shed, usually made of wood or steel, providing a safe passage for pedestrians.
Lighting: Artificial lighting installed within the shed to ensure visibility and safety, especially during nighttime.
Sidewalk Bridge Post Legs: These are heavy-duty vertical supports, typically made of steel, that provide the primary support for the sidewalk shed. They are designed to bear substantial loads, including the weight of the shed and any additional loads from construction activities or pedestrian traffic.
Header Clamp: A connector, often made of steel, that is used to attach the sidewalk bridge post legs to horizontal beams or girders (often I-beams). The header clamp ensures a secure connection between these components, contributing to the overall stability of the sidewalk shed structure.
Girth: Horizontal members, often steel pipes, that connect to the sidewalk bridge post legs. Girths provide lateral support and stability to the post legs, preventing them from buckling or swaying. They also help distribute the load from the structure.
Galvanized Sheets: These are sheets of steel that have been coated with zinc to protect them from corrosion. Galvanized sheets are often used for the roofing of sidewalk sheds due to their durability and resistance to weathering.
