Client: QST
Location: Queen’s Berth, Portland Port
Sector: Marine & Industrial
Service: Suspended Access Scaffolding
Project: Concrete Column Repairs
Team: 6 Scaffolders
Project Overview
3SC Group Scaffolding was appointed by QST to design, supply, erect, inspect and dismantle a bespoke suspended scaffold system beneath the jetty at Queen’s Berth, Portland Port.
The scaffold was required to provide safe working access to concrete columns supporting the jetty, enabling inspection, repair and finishing works to be completed in an area that was otherwise extremely difficult to reach.
Unlike a conventional scaffold built upwards from ground level, the structure had to be installed beneath the jetty and suspended over open water. The working platform was positioned approximately 2.4 metres below the underside of the jetty and configured around the dimensions of the repair area.
The Challenge
The concrete support columns were located beneath an operational marine structure, creating a combination of access, space and environmental challenges for our scaffolders.
The project required us to consider:
- Working beneath an operational jetty
- Constructing scaffold above open water
- Restricted headroom and limited access
- Maintaining scaffold stability at depth
- Providing practical access around the concrete columns
- Coordinating scaffolding activities with ongoing marine operations
- Minimising disruption to activity at Portland Port
With no conventional ground-level working area beneath the repair zone, the scaffold had to be specifically developed for the underside of the jetty.
Bespoke Suspended Scaffold Design
Our solution was a purpose-built suspended scaffold providing a stable working platform beneath the structure.
The completed scaffold incorporated:
- A working level approximately 2.4 metres below the underside of the jetty
- A platform extending approximately 7 metres deep
- A 24-metre main scaffold run
- Approximately 10-metre returns to both the far right and left sides
- Fully tied and braced scaffold construction
- Boarded working areas for the concrete repair team
- Edge protection around the working platforms
- Access configured around the conditions beneath the jetty
The scaffold was engineered and installed around the exact dimensions of the working area rather than attempting to adapt a conventional scaffold arrangement to an unsuitable environment.
Working Above Open Water
Installing scaffolding beneath a jetty creates very different challenges from a typical building project.
Our six-scaffolder team had to work around the existing structure while establishing a secure suspended access system above the water. Limited headroom meant components had to be positioned carefully, while the depth and extent of the scaffold required suitable bracing and support throughout the installation.
The structure was progressively erected to create the working area required by the repair team while maintaining safe access beneath the jetty.
Access for Concrete Column Repairs
Once completed, the suspended scaffold gave operatives practical access to the concrete support columns.
The platform enabled the repair team to carry out:
- Concrete inspection and preparation
- Repairs and patching to the columns
- Finishing works
Providing continuous scaffold access beneath the jetty meant operatives could work from stable platforms positioned around the repair areas rather than relying on less suitable temporary access methods.
Maintaining Portland Port Operations
An important consideration throughout the project was the operational marine environment surrounding Queen’s Berth.
The scaffold installation needed to provide the required access without creating unnecessary interference with activities taking place elsewhere around the jetty.
By developing the suspended structure specifically around the available space, our team was able to provide the required working platforms while keeping the impact on port operations to a minimum.
Safe and Efficient Project Delivery
The scaffold system was installed safely and efficiently and provided secure access throughout the concrete repair works.
All scaffolding works were completed in line with TG20:21 and the site safety requirements.
The completed structure provided QST and its repair team with a practical solution to a difficult access problem, combining a substantial 24-metre working run with deep working platforms and returns extending around both sides of the repair area.
Client Feedback
Following the works, QST confirmed that they were happy with the scaffolding provided.
“QST were happy with the scaffolding works carried out. The team provided a safe and efficient solution with minimal impact to our operations.”
The source document notes that no formal review was provided.
Specialist Marine Scaffolding at Portland Port
This project demonstrates the type of bespoke scaffold engineering required when conventional ground-supported access is not possible.
By suspending the scaffold beneath the operational jetty, 3SC Group Scaffolding created a substantial working platform above open water that allowed the concrete support columns to be inspected, repaired and finished safely.
From suspended scaffolds and marine access systems to specialist industrial structures, we can develop temporary access solutions around challenging locations, restricted working environments and unusual structures.
