Self-jacking scaffold for large cylindrical tanks

A method for assembling a self-jacking scaffold system comprising:

• assembling a plurality of scaffold sections proximate a circumference of the tank shell;
• coupling a plurality of jacking assemblies to selected scaffold sections of the plurality of scaffold sections;
• attaching the plurality of scaffold sections to the circumference of the tank shell;
• and
• connecting each of the plurality of scaffold sections to an adjacent scaffold section forming a continuous ring proximate the circumference of the tank shell.

A method for raising a self-jacking scaffold system comprising:

• extending a jacking screw and jacking screw bracket axially upward;
• connecting the jacking screw bracket to an overhead tank bracket for each of a plurality of scaffold sections coupled to a jacking assembly,
• wherein the plurality of scaffold sections are continuously coupled proximate a circumference of a tank shell, the jacking screw bracket is coupled to the jacking assembly, and the overhead tank bracket is coupled to the circumference of the tank shell above the plurality of continuously coupled scaffold sections;
• detaching a plurality of scaffold mounting brackets from a plurality of tank mounting brackets;
• wherein the plurality of scaffold mounting brackets extend from the continuously coupled plurality of scaffold sections toward the tank shell;
• raising the continuously coupled plurality of scaffold sections simultaneously;
• and
• reattaching the plurality of scaffold mounting brackets to a plurality of tank mounting brackets.

A scaffold system comprising:

• a plurality of scaffold sections comprising:
• a top plate element disposed proximate and approximately perpendicular to a circumference of a tank shell;
• a lower frame element disposed axially below the top frame element;
• a truss system, wherein the truss system connects the top plate element to the lower frame element in three dimensions;
• a plurality of self-jacking assemblies comprising:
• a jacking assembly frame;
• a jacking screw;
• a jacking screw bracket;
• wherein each jacking assembly is coupled to at least one scaffold section;
• and
• at least one push-pull bar assembly coupled to at least one of the plurality of scaffold sections or at least one of the self-jacking assemblies,
• wherein at least one push-pull bar assembly comprises a pair of push-pull bars wherein a first end of a first push-pull bar and a first end of a second push-pull bar are coupled to a portion of the scaffold system and wherein a second end of the first push-pull bar and a second end of the second push-pull bar extend toward the tank shell and attach to a scaffold mounting bracket.

A self-jacking assembly comprising:

• a jacking assembly frame;
• a jacking screw;
• a jacking screw bracket;
• and
• at least one push-pull bar assembly configured to extend proximate the self-jacking assembly toward a tank shell.