Cuplock – Standard

(Vertical Post) - EN10219

Product Overview

The Cuplock Standard, also commonly referred to as the Vertical Post, is the main component of ALTRAD SPAR’s modular scaffolding system that carries the most load. A high-strength structural steel, one of each standard, is the primary material for four precision-forged top and bottom cups, welded at 500 mm centers.

The top cup houses the locking mechanism for up to four ledgers or transoms, while the bottom cup is firmly welded to the tube and serves as the rotational guide. The self-aligning capability of this component enables quick assembly, excellent firmness, and better vertical load distribution.

The Standard is designed and built to comply with BS EN 1139, BS EN 12811, and Aramco GI 8.001 safety standards that are meant to assure steady performance under variable dynamic and static loading ‍‌‍‍‌conditions.

Features & Advantages

  • High Load Capacity: Each standard supports up to 57 kN under test conditions per BS EN 12811 Annex D.
  • Optimized Cup Spacing: 500 mm center distance allows flexible platform height adjustment.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Hot-dip galvanized to ISO 1461 (coating ≥ 85 μm).
  • Dimensional Accuracy: Tolerance ±0.5 mm on key dimensions per BS 1139.
  • Optimistic Locking: Secure cup mechanism eliminates bolt tightening and loose fittings.
  • Traceability: Each post is engraved with a batch number, a heat code, and an ALTRAD SPARQA stamp.

Technical Specifications

  • Material: S355 JR / EN 10025
  • Tube Standard: BS EN 10219
  • Surface Finish: Hot-Dip Galvanized (ISO 1461)
  • Welding: CO₂ / MIG per ISO 3834-2
  • Manufacturing Tolerance: ±0.5 mm

Dimensional Data

Item Code Description Tube OD (mm) Wall (mm) Length (m) Weight (kg) Cup Spacing (mm)
SP-ST-0500 Standard 0.5 m 48.3 3.2 0.5 2.6 500
SP-ST-1000 Standard 1.0 m 48.3 3.2 1.0 5.2 500
SP-ST-1500 Standard 1.5 m 48.3 3.2 1.5 7.8 500
SP-ST-2000 Standard 2.0 m 48.3 3.2 2.0 10.3 500
SP-ST-2500 Standard 2.5 m 48.3 3.2 2.5 12.9 500
SP-ST-3000 Standard 3.0 m 48.3 3.2 3.0 15.6 500

Load Capacity & Performance

Parameter Unit Test Result Reference Standard
Ultimate Load kN 85.5 BS EN 12811-3
Safe Working Load (SWL) kN 57.0 BS EN 12811 Annex D
Deflection at SWL mm ≤ 3.2 BS EN 12811
Safety Factor – 1.5 GI 8.001
Cup Shear Strength kN 25.0 Internal Test Report 2024
Axial Alignment Tolerance mm ± 0.5 BS 1139
Vertical Deviation (Max) mm/m 2 SABIC §9.4

Compliance References

Standard / Client Clause Description
Aramco GI 8.001 5.2.3 Defines minimum vertical scaffold capacity requirements.
SABIC §9.4 Table 2 Specifies inspection and revalidation intervals for structural scaffolding.
BS EN 1139 Sec. 4 Dimensional and straightness tolerance for tubes and components.
BS EN 12811-1 Annex D Performance requirements and testing methods.
ISO 3834-2 Clause 8 Welding quality management and operator qualification.

All standards are inspected in accordance with these requirements and approved for industrial use in Aramco and SABIC facilities.

Quality Assurance

Inspection Process:

  • Incoming Material Verification: Mill test certificate validation per EN 10219.
  • Cup Welding Inspection: Visual and magnetic particle testing (MT) at 10% sample rate.
  • Galvanizing Test: Coating thickness verification (min 85 µm) using Alcolmeter gauge.
  • Dimensional Control: Checked for straightness, cup spacing, and OD using calibrated jigs.
  • Load Test Validation: Quarterly testing under hydraulic load frame (ALTRAD SPARQA Lab).
  • Marking: Engraved with ALTRAD SPARID, batch number, and inspection stamp..

QA/QC Verification Summary

Inspection Stage Method Acceptance Criteria Frequency
Raw Material MTC Verification S355 JR / EN 10219 Every batch
Cup Weld Visual + MT 100% no visible crack 10% sample
Galvanizing Coating Gauge ≥ 85 µm Each lot
Straightness Jig / Vernier ≤ 2 mm/m deviation 100%
Load Test Compression ≥ 57 kN Quarterly
Marking Visual Batch + Heat No. 100%

Marking & Traceability

Each standard includes permanent markings:

  • “ALTRAD SPAR– STANDARD – [Lot No.] – [Heat No.] – [Year]”
  • Inspection stamp from the ALTRAD SPARQA/QC department.
  • Barcode traceability is optional for digital asset tracking (SAP integration ready).

Application Areas

  • Industrial plants and refinery scaffolds
  • Boiler and furnace access structures
  • Heavy-duty shoring and support towers
  • Long-term maintenance platforms in petrochemical units
  • Offshore and marine applications

Maintenance & Inspection

Item Frequency Method
Visual inspection before use Daily Check for dents, corrosion, and cup integrity
Dimensional check Annually Verify cup spacing and straightness
Galvanizing retest Every 3 years Coating gauge ≥ 85 µm
Proof load retest Every 5 years SWL verification as per BS EN 12811