What is False Work?
Definition of False Work in Construction
Term used to identify any support structure that is erected to temporarily support a building component, allowing erection of the structure.
False work can include the use of scaffold, timbers, temporary steel work, bamboo, etc. to support components of a structure, prior to completion. The design of false work to support the erection, is in many applications, as important a structural design element of the project as the final structural design. Bridgework, open span coliseums, open air stadiums, are just a few of the structures that require false work. In many cases, the erection of false work, to support the final work, is as time consuming, or even more time consuming, as the final erection of the structure itself. False work has been in existence since the concept of constructing buildings, bridges and other types of construction projects. The creation of some of the most famous cathedrals, had extensive false work erected, to achieve the domes and arches that cover the large open spaces of these incredible structures.