Experimental Investigation of Local Wind Effects on Façade Scaffolding Structures

Wind is one of the main environmental loads acting on temporary scaffolding structures, yet current design codes apply simplified assumptions regarding its distribution. This study presents full-scale measurements of wind velocities on 10 façade scaffolds located across Poland, representing various building geometries and exposure conditions. Each scaffold was instrumented with five two-dimensional ultrasonic anemometers and one three-dimensional rooftop reference anemometer. Data were analysed in 10 min averages, divided into 30° directional sectors and compared with the normative model defined in EN 12811-1 using the site factor cs. The results reveal strong spatial variability of wind action across scaffold surfaces, with measured local velocities ranging from 20% to 140% of the reference values. The parallel flow component exhibited substantial scatter, while the perpendicular component was strongly damped by façade shielding and protective netting. For most mid-façade positions, measured values corresponded to cs=0.25–0.5, whereas corner and edge locations frequently exceeded cs=1.0. The findings demonstrate that the uniform site factors assumed in current standards do not capture the aerodynamic complexity of real scaffolds, especially under oblique or high-intensity wind conditions. The presented dataset provides a unique experimental basis for improving scaffold wind load modelling and developing position-specific design provisions.