World record attempt as a practical project in master craftsman training
ALFIX MODUL MULTI 4.0 enables complex truss construction
As part of the master craftsman training in scaffolding at the Dresden Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer Dresden), a special project was developed and implemented: Germany’s longest bench swing. The goal of the aspiring master scaffolders was to create a structure that would meet the requirements of their final examination, while at the same time demonstrating a technically demanding and practical solution. By successfully completing the project, they were able to surpass previous comparable structures, thus fulfilling the criteria for a new record! This swing has therefore been submitted to Guinness World Records as Germany’s longest bench swing. Official recognition of the world record is currently under final review.
The project was supported by the scaffolding manufacturer ALFIX GmbH in cooperation with the scaffolding company Bindig GmbH. From Mr. Binding’s many years of experience as lecturer at the Chamber of Crafts, there is a close connection between training and practical experience. The ALFIX project department assisted the master craftsmen students with planning and implementation, including structural design and material selection, as well as static calculations and the provision of scaffolding materials.
The ALFIX MODUL MULTI 4.0 system was used for the professional implementation of this design. Its systematic construction allows for the economical and flexible realization of complex construction projects. In particular for custom solutions, the scaffolding system offers a high degree of adaptability thanks to the clever combination of standardised components.
The swing’s supporting structure was carried out as truss girders with a span of approximately 12.0 m. The arrangement of ALFIX tube ledgers, standards, and vertical diagonals created a statically effective system for the safe transfer of the occurring dynamic tensile and compressive forces. The swing itself measured 11.50 m long and was hinged to a continuous three-chord truss using special components, allowing for a smooth and even swinging motion along the entire length of the bench. In order to ensure structural stability, support towers with appropriate ballast were designed on both sides. The assessment of this ballast was developed independently by the trainee master craftsmen, and verified and calculated using a 3D model, both in class and in consultation with the ALFIX project department.
The unique structure was built using ALFIX system components. The seating area was also constructed using components from the ALFIX product portfolio, combining ALBLITZ LW decking with the tried and true ALFIX steel decking. The entire structure is designed for a traffic load of 2.0 tonnes and therefore meets all safety requirements.
The project highlights the importance of practical tasks in master craftsmen training. Through close cooperation between the training company, the Chamber of Crafts, and the scaffolding manufacturer, the aspiring master scaffolders have the opportunity to apply and deepen their specialist knowledge under real-world conditions, while simultaneously successfully integrating an official world record attempt into the planning and execution.
Further information about the system solutions, such as the modular scaffolding system ALFIX MODUL MULTI 4.0 is available on the ALFIX website at www.alfix-systems.com for those interested in learning more.
Inquiries regarding individual construction projects or special structures can be submitted directly using the contact form on the website. The ALFIX GmbH team is available to provide advice and support with planning, creating structural stability calculations, or to offer help with selecting the right system components for your project.