What Are Sidewalk Sheds in Urban Construction?

What are Sidewalk Sheds?

Sidewalk sheds are temporary structures or scaffolding erected in urban areas to protect pedestrians from falling debris during construction. Many older buildings in cities undergo renovations, but everyday life must continue uninterrupted, making the installation of sidewalk sheds essential. Owners are required to install sheds when constructing buildings over 40 feet or demolishing buildings over 25 feet, as well as in hazardous situations that require such protection. Once construction, demolition, or repair work is completed, sidewalk sheds must be promptly removed.

Main Components of Sidewalk Sheds

A sidewalk shed project typically involves some or all of the following components:

• Walkthrough frames

• Sidewalk bridge legs

• Steel pipe girts/cross bracing

• Steel pipe railing

• Steel and/or wood deck

• Plywood parapet

• Wood block sills

• Electrical lighting

• Accessories such as beams, scaffold clamps, head clips, etc

  

  
  

Why Are Sidewalk Sheds Important?

1. Safety

Sidewalk sheds protect pedestrians from debris and equipment falling from construction or demolition sites.

2. Maintaining Normal Life

In urban settings, many older buildings require renovation, but residents' daily activities must not be disrupted. Sidewalk sheds, often constructed using walkthrough frames or sidewalk bridge legs, ensure the safe passage of pedestrians.

3. Supporting Business Operations

Sidewalk sheds allow businesses and street-front shops to continue operating during construction, ensuring that operations run smoothly and minimizing the losses caused by long-term construction.

4. Compliance with Laws and Regulations

In cities like New York, owners are required to install sidewalk sheds when certain conditions are met, such as constructing buildings over 40 feet or demolishing buildings over 25 feet.

Although the installation of sidewalk sheds is essential, once erected, they often remain in place for months or even years, significantly impacting local businesses, communities, and the city's appearance, leading to numerous complaints. In New York, these structures are ubiquitous. Efforts have been made to improve the appearance of sidewalk sheds, such as painting murals on them or using them for seasonal displays.

Regulations and Technical Requirements for Sidewalk Sheds

• Any installation of sidewalk sheds requires a building permit. Unapproved constructions are not allowed, and even in emergencies, a permit must be applied for within 24 hours. Permits are valid for one year and must be renewed upon expiration.

• Length: Extends along the property line and an additional 20 feet to adjacent property for buildings over 100 feet tall.

• Width: At least 5 feet wide, providing pedestrian access.

• Passage Height: A minimum clearance of 8 feet.

• Lighting: Passageways must be continuously illuminated by natural or artificial light.

• Roof Strength: Minimum of 300 pounds per square foot (150 pounds per square foot for sheds with no storage space or for buildings under 100 feet).

• Deck Storage: Storing materials on the roof deck is typically illegal and inadvisable.

• Exits: Fire exits must not be blocked.

• Loading Zones: All loading openings (on the deck or street level) must be secured, barricaded, closed, or supervised at all times.

• Street Signs: DOT street signs must remain visible to pedestrians and drivers.

• Advertisements: Commercial advertising is not permitted on sidewalk sheds, but businesses can display temporary signs if the shed blocks their legal signage.

• Shed Removal: The removal of sidewalk sheds must also comply with local building codes.

Conclusion

In summary, sidewalk sheds are crucial in urban environments, especially in large cities. They not only ensure pedestrian safety but also allow daily life and business operations to continue unaffected during construction.

Nanjing Tuoepng Scaffolding supplies and exports all components related to sidewalk sheds from Nanjing, China. We prioritize quality and safety, never compromising on our product standards. Choosing us means choosing peace of mind. Feel free to contact us!