HOARDINGS –

A guide to good practice

First Published – October 2012

Revised – December 2013
(architectural panel fixing highlighted)
Revised – April 2014
(Table B1 heading amended)
Revised – August 2020
(Periodic review and update)

This TWF Guidance is available

as a free download from
www.twforum.org.uk

Document: TWf2012: 01
(revised August 2020)
NOTE: If you need to print this document,
be aware that the pages
are prepared with alternate (even)
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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Members of the Working Party

This revision has been prepared by Ray Filip (RKF Consult Ltd) and David Thomas (TWf).
Contributors and commentators included: Mike Dyer (Hochtief UK Construction Ltd), Stuart Marchand (Wentworth
House Partnership), Alan Miles (Costain), Peter Pallett (Pallett TemporaryWorks Ltd), Jim Richings (Taylor Woodrow), Joe
Scurrah (Galliford Try), Andrew Stotesbury (Lendlease) and Kevin Wells (CLD Fencing Systems).
Classification of tempoarary works: 1.5.1
The original working group comprised:
Convenor Eur. Ing. P.F. Pallett Pallett TemporaryWorks Ltd
Secretary J. Carpenter Temporary Works Forum
Members C.J. Bennion Morgan Sindall Professional Services Ltd
M. Butler Hoard-it Ltd
M. Dyer Hochtief (UK) Construction Ltd
A. Hollingshurst Kier Construction - Engineering
A. Jones RMD Kwikform Ltd
A. Miles Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
K. Shivji Miller Construction (UK) Ltd
S. Smith Contractors Design Services Ltd
G. Tolley Balfour Beatty Major Civil Engineering Ltd
P. Wilson Kier Construction – Engineering
Corresponding Members D. Baker Balfour Beatty Major Civil Engineering Ltd
I. Donaldson Balfour Beatty Construction
S. Dudhia Balfour Beatty Construction
R. Hare-Winton BAM Construct UK Ltd
S. Marchand Wentworth House Partnership
T. J. Hyland Network Rail
P. Markham R N P Associates
G. Mathieson George Mathieson Associates
A. Rattray Health & Safety Executive
J. Sammons Balfour Beatty Major Civil Engineering Ltd
P. F. Thomas Health & Safety Executive
J. Wilson Civil Engineering Contractors Association
L.L. York Temporary Works Consultant

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

Synopsis Foreword
Site hoardings are common features, particularly in The Temporary Works Forum gratefully acknowledges the
populated areas. However, despite their temporary and contribution made by members of the working party and
incidental nature they are important structures, often of others in the preparation of this guidance.
some height, and attracting significant loads. They have The working party recognise that some photographs
been known to collapse and cause both death and injury. may show breaches of current safety regulations but the
This guidance note is written to assist all parties involved photographs have been retained in the guide to illustrate
in construction understand the key issues, and to give particular items of interest.
specific assistance to those specifying, managing, Readers should note that the documents referenced in
designing and installing these structures. this Guide and Appendix A are subject to revision from
Hoarding design can be complex and needs engineering time to time and should therefore ensure that they are in
judgement. The designer should have a level of possession of the latest version.
competence commensurate with the complexity. All Although guidance is given on different methods of design
hoarding designs should be independently checked. of post-in-hole foundations, one particular method is
Main changes recommended with planting depths stated for timber
The main changes made in this guide are: posts for 2.5m high hoardings for three different ground
conditions. This does not preclude designers from using
1. references updated; sound engineering judgement in their design of alternative
2. updated to take into account CDM2015 and BS 5975: solutions.
2019; The two different design methodologies (viz. permissible
3. some notes added on the consideration of hoarding stress and limit state) may not result in identical solutions
duration, shielding factors, wind effects around tall and engineering judgement may need to be exercised.
buildings; Both methods produce ‘safe’ solutions. However, queries
can arise when using one methodology for the design and
4. reduction of passive resistance due to slopes near to
the other for the design check. (This issue is not exclusive
post-in-hole hoarding foundations;
to the design of hoardings.) The TWf advises that the two
5. notes added regarding the use of fixing anchors for methodologies should not be mixed; and those involved
hoarding foundations; should agree on which methodology is to adopted.
6. updated wind probability factor and factors of safety Disclaimer
(and example calculation revised accordingly);
Although the Temporary Works Forum does its best to
7. Appendix F and G added. ensure that any advice, recommendations or information
General Note: it may give either in this publication or elsewhere is
accurate, no liability or responsibility of any kind (including
Users of this document should be aware that BSI has
liability for negligence) howsoever and from whatsoever
withdrawn all permissible stress codes (with the exception
cause arising, is accepted in this respect by the Forum, its
of BS 5975).
servants or agents.
This TWf guidance still refers to BS 5268-2: 2002 for
permissible stress design as the factors and values used
are still considered valid.
BS EN 1995-1-1: 2004 + A1: 2014 is the Eurocode limit
state code for timber design.

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Contents
To navigate to page - hover over an item below and ‘click’. Return to contents by clicking on the ‘Return to the
contents’ at the bottom of every page.

Section Page Section Page

Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5.0 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Main Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5.1 Timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
General Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5.2 Steel or concrete posts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5.3 Facing material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5.4 Fixings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5.5 Scaffold and Proprietary Equipment . . . . . . . 23
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 6.0 Verification of design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
1.0 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 7.0 Site specific issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.0 Responsibility and information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7.1 Workmanship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.0 The Design Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7.2 Inspection in use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.0 Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7.3 Access points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.1 Design life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2 Design loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 APPENDIX A
4.2.1 Minimum notional horizontal load . . . . . 8 Design Documents Covering Associated Structures . . 25
4.2.2 Wind loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2.3 Crowd loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 APPENDIX B
4.2.4 Face material loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Design Considerations - Wind on Hoardings . . . . . . . . 27
4.2.5 Vehicle loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 B.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.2.6 Indirect loads from passing trains . . . . 10 B.2 Maximum wind force on hoardings . . . . . . . . 27
4.3 Design guidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 B.3 Working wind force on hoardings . . . . . . . . . 27
4.4 Load combination factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 B.4 Calculation of the peak velocity pressure . . . . 27
4.4.1 Permissible stress – combination B.5 Combined exposure factor (Cef) . . . . . . . . . . 28
factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 B.6 The net pressure coefficient cp,net . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.4.2 Ultimate limit state - combination
factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 APPENDIX C
4.5 Post design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Working Structural Properties of Timber
4.6 Factors of safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 for Hoardings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.6.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.6.2 Factors of safety - permissible APPENDIX D
stress design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Post planting depths for hoardings using PD 6547 . . . 32
4.6.3 Partial safety factors - limit state D.1 General method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
design - Euro Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 D.2 Post planting depth for hoardings up to
4.6.4 Factors of safety - sliding . . . . . . . . . . 14 2.5m high . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.7 Timber and wood based panel
product properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 APPENDIX E
4.7.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Worked Example of Hoarding Design –
4.7.2 Timber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Post-in-hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.7.3 Wood based panel products . . . . . . . . 16 E.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.8 Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 E.2 Design Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 E.3 Documents used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
4.8.2 Conventional ‘post-in-hole’ . . . . . . . . . 17 E.4 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.8.2.1 Method One PD 6547 E.5 Hoarding design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
simplified for lamp posts . . . . 18 E.6 Foundation design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.8.2.2 Method Two - HA 66/95 E.7 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Section 5 Environmental E.8 Sketch of hoarding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.8.2.3 Method Three - Geotechnical APPENDIX F
design from first principles. . . 18 Worked Example - Reduction of passive resistance
4.8.3 Bolted (or similar) foundations . . . . . . . 19 due to sloping ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.8.4 Proprietary, above ground, foundation
block. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 APPENDIX G
4.8.5 Foundation block / kentledge Worked example of concrete kentledge
foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 block foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
G.1 Consider overturning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
G.2 Consider sliding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

Scope Temporary Works Design Checker (TWDC) – the

This TWf Guidance gives guidance on the information organisation(s) or person(s) appointed to carry out the
necessary for specifying, procuring and sources of design design check of the temporary works
data for the use of site hoardings. Recommendations Permanent Works Designer (PWD) – the organisation
for designers on relevant factors to be used and or person appointed to carry out the design of the
considerations to be incorporated into the design are permanent works
included. 1.0 Background
Proprietary open mesh type fencing products, although The Construction (Design and Management)
used in similar locations to hoardings are not included in Regulations 2015 (‘CDM2015’, Reg. 18) require
this Guide. that the perimeter of a site be ‘readily identifiable’
The TWf Guidance is not a design code, but is intended or ‘fenced off’ (depending upon the level of
to be used in conjunction with the current British risk posed). Generally, the Principal Contractor
Standards and other referenced documents as a guide to (or occasionally the Client) takes measures to
good practice in the design of a hoarding. The hoarding prevent unauthorised access onto the site,
designer is not precluded from using other codes and especially of children. For added security, a solid
methods of design. hoarding is often preferred, as opposed to open-
Definitions: mesh fencing.

Hoarding – A temporary structure of solid construction, Site hoardings are frequently substantial
erected to shield the works from others and to prevent structures: most commonly about 2.4m in
any person gaining access. height, using a plywood sheet (but increasingly
constructed using proprietary steel panels), and
Principal Contractor’s Temporary Works Coordinator hence of solid construction. Hoardings can often
(PC’s TWC) – competent person who is responsible be used to enclose the front of shops while
for the implementation of their organisation’s temporary alterations are in progress.
works procedure and checking that other appointed
managing contractors who are directly or indirectly in their This TWf Guidance considers the hoardings
employ are implementing their procedures erected to construction sites, both in building and
civil engineering where examples of hoardings
Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) – competent up to 4m high are found. These are all subject
person with responsibility for the co-ordination of all to lateral loads of a similar magnitude to those
activities related to their temporary works. affecting permanent works. Failure may bring
Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) – competent fatality or injury and certainly disruption, cost and
person who is responsible to and assists the temporary delay to the project.
works coordinator
Temporary Works Designer (TWD) – the organisation(s)
or person(s) appointed to carry out the design of the
temporary works

Fig 1. Typical site hoarding – site view

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

1.0 Background – continued TWf is aware of concerns relating to:

Site hoardings should not be confused with • The lack of design guidance for this common
fencing or environmental barriers, although similar site feature, thus leading to unnecessary
components may be used. The standard on solid repeated effort.
close-boarded fences (BS 1722-5:2006 + A1: • Inadequate, or no hoarding design on some
2018) specifies materials for fences from 1.05m sites.
to 1.80m high using either timber or concrete
posts. • Use of inadequate materials, often with
inadequate durability.
It gives installation and material requirements
but minimal design data. The guidance on • Lack of information prior to design.
environmental barriers (HA 66/95) provides • Insufficient consideration on inspection and
information on noise propagation and attenuation maintenance.
together with guidance on the acoustic
This document is intended to provide guidance
performance of different materials.
on design matters and to indicate minimum levels
Use of proprietary open mesh type fencing of provision.
products, although used in similar locations
2.0 Responsibility and information
to hoardings are not included in this Guide.
Users should refer to the suppliers/importers Site hoardings are usually be the responsibility of
data sheets for correct use and design of such the Principal Contractor. The task of constructing
products. (and designing) the hoarding will normally either
be let to a sub-contractor or be undertaken by
Hoardings are frequently used for advertising,
the Principal Contractor.
by clients and contractors. Whereas painted or
poster style adverts do not alter the fundamental On rarer occasions the hoarding, or its
design principles, the use of advertising signs dimensions, may be specified by the Client,
that project above the hoarding should receive but generally the height and detail is left to the
special attention. There is a separate standard for Principal Contractor and may be influenced by
the design and construction of signs for publicity security needs.
purposes (BS 559:2009).

Fig 2. Site hoarding with advertising

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

As hoardings are a “temporary works” item, If penetrations are to be made into the ground,
the primary source for procedures for their the engaging party (usually the Principal
management and control are given in BS Contractor) should consider the hazards which
5975: 2019. This includes requirements for the may affect effective progress, or which could
appointment of a Temporary Works Coordinator affect the safety or health of persons. Utilities
(TWC and/or PC’s TWC) and for the preparation are the most common hazard in this regard.
of a register of the temporary works on the site Information should also be made available
and preparation of design briefs. On most sites, by the Client as part of the ‘pre-construction
hoardings are likely to be one of the first entries information’ requirements for the procedures
in the register of temporary works. Management and control measures to be put in place for all
procedures would include regular inspections temporary works.
and required maintenance during the life of the 3.0 The Design Brief
hoarding.
The likely information to be included in the design
For any particular design brief, relevant hazards brief for any hoarding would be:
to its location and use need to be identified and
the risks classified; known as “implementation • site location:
class” in BS 5975: 2019 and the classes are • Is the site in a town and more than 2km
‘very low’, ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’. As the from the edge of the town?
implementation class increases so does the level • Is it in the country or by the sea? etc.
of procedure required to control the risks (see BS
• expected duration of hoarding, including
5975: 2019, Table 1). Hazards to be considered
details, if known, for each stage of relocation.
include the proximity of traffic, services, loadings
from wind and/or crowds. The level of design • required minimum height, and length of
and design checking should be appropriate hoarding, including dimensioned plan of the
to the hazards identified, see BS 5975:2019 site showing the line of the hoarding for each
procedures. phase, if appropriate, and the required height.

The importance of the preparation of a suitable • details of any signage to be attached which
design brief in controlling the procurement and may increase dimensions, weight and wind
design for a safe, durable hoarding that is fit for loading. For example on ‘prestigious projects’
purpose, cannot be stressed too strongly. architectural panelling may be specified. The
additional weight and recommended fixing
Normally a site hoarding is erected for the methods of such panelling should be specified
duration of the construction work. This may by the supplier/importer of the panels.
involve several stages and can involve different
contractors, for example demolition, excavation, Note: The use of impervious panelling on
construction, fit out. Although each contractor wood based facing materials can change the
may only expect to be on site for the duration moisture conditions – See Section 5.3
of their own contract, the site hoarding often • details of any specified requirements for
remains substantially unaltered for the overall hoarding lighting (including any earth bonding
construction period. However, due to space requirement), vision panels, decorative
constraints, part of the hoarding may need treatment, application of advertising, etc.
to be modified. The Client therefore has a • ground conditions (relating to strength
duty at the start of construction to give a parameters and any ground contamination).
realistic assessment of the critical sequences, For example, some design methods classify
modifications and likely overall duration. This the ground as “Good”, Average” or “Poor”.
expected design life should be communicated to
• position of relevant utilities, both buried,
the designer of the hoarding in the design brief.
surface and overhead (dead, live and about to
It is particularly important that the parties be energised.).
responsible for the design brief, the design of
• access ways required in or through the
the hoarding, and the relevant design checks
hoarding; both vehicular and pedestrian.
are made clear and explicit. Whoever designs
the hoarding needs to know the layout of the • details of any permits and/or licences
hoarding, the location of the site, the service required.
life, dimensions, below ground obstacles and • details of any fire ratings required for the
hazards, geotechnical ground conditions and materials to be used.
any restrictions on space (for, say, inclined lateral
supports).

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3.0 The Design Brief – continued Note 1: Consideration should be given to

• any space restrictions, for example from what (if any) appropriate action is to be taken
existing inclined supports. should the intended design life be significantly
exceeded (e.g. site being forced to close due
• any restrictions on the type of fixings to be
to pandemics or bankruptcy).
used.
Note 2: The duration of the hoarding for wind
• design risk from future operations, for example
loading considerations (see 4.2.2), normally
undermining due to excavations.
greater than one year, is not the service life for
• any crowd loading that may be relevant. durability of the materials.
• whether vehicle impact loading may be 4.2 Design loads
relevant.
For most hoardings the key design matter is
• whether in proximity to a railway with likelihood lateral / horizontal loading arising from either the
of passing train pressures. wind and/or impact. Depending on location the
• the category of design check required (See BS impact could be crowd loading and/or vehicular
5975: 2019, Table 2). impact. The lateral loads require either a positive
• the wind factor Swind for the site. connection to the foundations to prevent sliding,
or be restrained by sufficient kentledge to resist
Note: If the wind factor is not known, then
sliding by friction alone.
information on location, altitude above sea
level, local topography (i.e. is site more than The various codes of practice in current use give
halfway up a hill or escarpment? how steep is differing combinations of design loads. To assist
the hill?) designers, these are discussed separately at
Section 4.4 of this Guidance. Designers should
Although this might seem a long list, answers
be particularly aware of the implications of “mix
to these questions are required before a basic
and match” when using different codes.
wind design can be carried out. See also
Appendix B. The various loading that may need to be
considered are discussed below:
It should be pointed out that, unless it is a very
large site, the value of the wind factor Swind is 4.2.1 Minimum notional horizontal load
the same for all the temporary works erected It is a recommendation of this TWf Guidance that
on that site. a minimum notional horizontal line load of 0.74
• any restrictions related to inspection and kN/m shall be considered to act on all hoardings.
maintenance. This load is considered to act at a height of
1.2m and may be applied from either side of the
The design brief should include mention of
hoarding. This load is the “minimum horizontal
whether there are any favoured materials already
imposed load” defined in BS 6180: 2011,
specified and what category of design check is
Table 2.
required, to avoid contractual dispute at a later
stage. For areas susceptible to overcrowding associated
with wide pavements, shopping malls, retail
4.0 Design
areas, stadia, or public events a larger value of
4.1 Design life horizontal load should be considered from the
The anticipated design life of the hoarding affects public side. See Section 4.2.3
the loadings to be used in the design and the 4.2.2 Wind loading
range/type of suitable materials. Durability of the
Although the source of wind loading is BS
hoarding is a design consideration.
EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 and the UK
The service3 life of a hoarding shall be: National Annex to that standard, the simplified
i) as specified by the Client or engaging party method given in BS 5975:2019 is generally
(usually the Principal Contractor); or recommended for hoardings provided due
consideration is given to the life of the hoarding.
ii) as agreed with, or specified by the
Note though that a wind design in accordance
manufacturer (for proprietary hoardings); or
with BS EN 1991-1-4 may provide a more
iii) if not specified or agreed elsewhere, 10 years. economical design, particularly for very large or
very exposed sites.

3
similar to the design life of site signage recommended in BS 559:2009

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

The wind load varies along the length of the gap. Designers may need to seek specialist
hoarding and increases significantly near corners, advice, e.g. Building Research Establishment
openings and free ends. The location of a Publication DG520, ‘Wind microclimate
hoarding will also affect the flow of wind around around buildings’; UK Wind Engineering
it. For example the wind on a freestanding Society; SCOSS Alert, ‘Wind adjacent to tall
hoarding will pass over it and create both buildings’.
pressure and suction forces on the hoarding, The designer should also check that the
whereas when erected in front of a large building supplier’s fixing recommendations on any
the wind is effectively stalled by the building. In architectural panelling and/or signboard can
the latter case the wind will cause either pressure resist the design wind suction forces at the
or suction depending on the direction of the specific location.
wind. In all cases the wind will accelerate near
the edges of hoardings and buildings. To assist 4.2.3 Crowd loading
designers, guidance and recommendations on This may be a consideration in populated areas,
factors and sources of wind information are given such as town centres and restricted railway
in Appendix B to this TWf Guidance. platforms. Information may be specified in local
Advertising signs that project above the hoarding bye-laws, or by the Client. These loads can be
locally increase the effective height and increase significant, particularly if there is a requirement to
the wind load. Where the advertising signs are resist crowd or farm animal crushing loads. The
freestanding they have a different wind regime location of the hoarding can be significant, for
from hoardings as the wind can pass underneath example in the approaches to a stadium.
the sign. Such signs should be separately Where hoardings are erected in areas identified
designed (refer to both BS 559 and BS EN 1991- as susceptible to overcrowding, such as in
1-4). “retail areas” or where there are “footways or
It should be noted that certain site hoardings pavements less than 3m wide”, then Table 2 of
may be erected in areas that are not subjected BS 6180:2011 recommends a lateral line load
to wind loads, for example inside buildings or of 1.5 kN/m applied at a height of 1.1m above
enclosed shopping malls. the ground level. This increases to 3.0 kN/m for
‘footways greater than 3m width’, ‘adjacent to
Designers should be aware though of the sunken areas’, for ‘theatres’ and for ‘shopping
effect on the design of the hoarding should the malls’.
circumstances alter; examples include:
Where overcrowding is considered, the crowd
(a) an internal hoarding to a building suddenly load is considered to apply from the public
being fully exposed on removal of the curtain side only, and replaces the minimum notional
wall to the structure. horizontal load stated in Section 4.2.1.
(b) a hoarding inside a building but adjacent to a Where hoardings are erected in areas adjacent
roller shutter door. to spectator accommodation, barrier and crush
(c) The designer should exercise caution loads may also need to be considered, and
when considering shielding factors (e.g. reference made to BS EN 13200-3:2018.
from neighbouring buildings or trees) when Where crowd loading is a consideration, the
calculating wind loading as the item offering combination of this load and the wind load is
shielding may not necessary be present for critical. See Section 4.4 of this Guidance.
the full life of the hoarding (e.g. a building gets
demolished or trees cut down due to disease). 4.2.4 Face material loading
To ensure the robustness of all hoardings, it is
(d) The designer should be aware of accelerated
a recommendation of this TWf Guidance that
wind effects (‘funnelling’) if a hoarding is to be
the facing material should be able to resist a
positioned near tall buildings. BS EN 1991-1- uniformly distributed lateral load of 1.5 kN/m2
4 provides limited guidance on these effects. in the bottom 1.1m of the hoarding. This load
Examples are given in the UK National Annex is considered in the face material design only,
to BS EN 1991-1-4 with further background and is not additive with the minimum notional
information in PD 6688-1-4, Clause NA.2.27. horizontal load stated in Section 4.2.1.
An increase in wind velocity and pressure As it is for robustness this load is not considered
coefficients can be considered where the in conjunction with any other load.
gap between two tall buildings is relatively
small and the air is forced into this narrow

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Fig 3. Typical hoarding with vehicle barrier

4.2.5 Vehicle loading BS EN 1991-2:2003 at Section 6.6 gives a

A requirement to design a hoarding to withstand simple method of evaluating the pressure on
vehicle loading is not reasonable. The relatively vertical surfaces such as hoardings parallel to
lightweight nature of a temporary hoarding tracks and on other line side structures.
designed to resist the dynamics of moving Network Rail issue simple guidelines for
vehicles is not usually economic. This depends calculations when close to railway structures.
in part on the likelihood and the consequences Further guidance is given in International
of vehicle penetration, e.g. adjacent excavation Union of Railways UIC Code 779-1 relating to
behind the hoarding. the slipstream of passing trains on structures
It is recommended that if a risk of vehicle impact adjacent to the track.
is considered likely, that separate vehicular 4.3 Design guidance
barriers or other means are adopted to avoid Prior to the publication of this TWf Guide there
vehicles impacting with the hoarding. was no specific design guidance for hoardings.
A space should be left between the vehicle The documents listed in Appendix A remain
barrier and the hoarding to allow the barrier to useful references. Appendix B gives guidance on
move if impacted. calculating the forces arising from the wind and
It is noted that the example shown at Figure 3 Section 4.8 gives guidance on foundations. A
does not have a space behind the barrier. worked example of the design of one particular
hoarding arrangement, including the post-in-hole
4.2.6 Indirect loads from passing trains
foundation design is given in Appendix E.
Where hoardings are erected close to railway
Designers will be aware of the two methods
tracks, the velocity pressures arising from
of design in current use; either the earlier
passing trains can be significant. If in any doubt,
permissible stress code(s) or limit state
seek advice.
(Eurocode) codes. The hoarding working group
The magnitude of the forces from passing trains are aware that there remains many in the industry
is affected by: familiar with permissible stress design, and have
• velocity of the passing train (km/hour), usually therefore included design information to suit both
the maximum line speed, methods. Factors cannot easily be compared
between methods because the philosophy is
• aerodynamic shape of the train,
different. Designers should opt for one method
• shape of the hoarding, or another, but it must be stressed that methods
• position of the hoarding, its clearance to the cannot be mixed in a design.
tracks and relative height to the track, Recognised engineering principles apply to the
To allow for the dynamic effects of the train, a design of any hoarding. The design wind exerts
5m length at the start and end of the hoarding a pressure on the exposed vertical face, which
has double the force applied as stated in Clause creates an overturning moment. The wind pressure
6.6.1(5) of BS EN 1991-2:2003, is considered uniform over the full height of the

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Hoarding
minimum
notional
wind from public side or crowd wind from site side
load
minimum notional
load
centre of
wind h
pressure
h/2 1.2m 1.2m
public site
side side

Notes: (1) wind can blow from either side.

(2) for combinations of load see Section 4.4
Fig 4 - Design loads on a hoarding

hoarding. It is usually sufficient to consider the lateral forces through their self-weight and by
worst case as the maximum wind blowing at right friction to prevent sliding.
angles to the line of the hoarding and is separately The designer should consider the particular
considered blowing from either direction. When circumstances and risks involved with the hoarding
blowing from the public side the minimum/or crowd when undertaking the design. The risk involved
lateral load adds to the overturning. See Section from various combinations of load should be
4.4 and Figure 4. considered. See Section 4.4 of this Guidance.
The normal arrangement is for the face material The required design combination of load may
and rails to be fitted above the ground on the public need to be communicated to the designer in the
side of the posts. Any overturning caused by the design brief.
eccentricity of the face material and the rails can 4.4 Load combination factors
reasonably be ignored in the post and foundation
The principal load on a hoarding is usually the wind
design.
and the minimum notional horizontal line load. This
Although the face material loading, Section 4.2.4, is usually the critical design issue, and the loads
is considered to apply in the bottom 1.1m of the from either side are considered in the design. See
hoarding for robustness, it is normal practice Figure 4. Where the design brief has identified that
to consider this load over the full height of the the hoarding is susceptible to overcrowding, then
hoarding when designing the face material. crowd loading is to be taken into account. The
Where a horizontal rail is positioned about 1.1 to relevant factors of safety and partial safety factors
1.2 m above the ground on the public side of the to be used are given in Section 4.6.
posts, the minimum notional horizontal load or There will be occasions when the location of the
crowd load may be restrained directly by the rail to hoarding requires the effect of passing trains
transfer the load to the posts. Note that the position (see 4.2.6) to be considered in the design. In
of this lateral load is a barrier requirement for the such cases, care is needed to assess the likely
public. If the rail is positioned lower or higher, then combination of loads and for the designer to make
the minimum notional horizontal load or the crowd engineering judgements, particularly where the load
load will need to be restrained by the face material, combinations are not specified in the design brief.
which is in turn restrained by adjacent horizontal This Guide only gives limited guidance about the
rails in bending. combination of the passing train load with other
Hoardings erected close to railway lines may be loads. The combination of wind and crowd load(s)
affected by the suction and pressure effects from that need to be taken into account will depend on
passing trains. Some guidance is given at Section whether the design will be to permissible stress
4.2.6. or limit state (Eurocode) code. The recommended
The lateral forces are usually transferred through loading combination factors to be used in the
the face panels to the rails, and then to the posts. design of hoardings are given separately on the
To resist an overturning moment, either inclined following pages.
supports are used, or more conventionally, vertical The face material load (Section 4.2.4) is not shown
posts in cantilever from the ground or foundation in Table 1 or 2 as it is not considered to act with any
are used. Hoardings may also be designed with other combination of load as it is for robustness.
foundation blocks which will be required to resist

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4.4.1 Permissible stress – combination factors

Table 1 gives the loading combination factors using permissible stress design codes.
Table 1. Load Combination Factors – Crowd and Wind for Permissible Stress Design

Direction From Public Side From Site Side

Minimum Minimum
Maximum Working Crowd Maximum Working
Load Case Notional Notional
Wind Wind Load Wind Wind
Load Load
LC1 1.0 0 - n/a

NO LC2 0 1.0 1.0 n/a

CROWD LC3 1.0 0 0
LC4 0 1.0 1.0
LC5 0 1.0 1.0
WITH LC6 1.0 0 - 0
CROWD
LOAD LC7 1.0 0 0
LC8 0 1.0 1.0

Notes: (1) For calculation of maximum and working wind see Appendix B. The minimum notional horizontal load
is stated at Section 4.2.1.
(2) Where passing trains loads need to be considered, it is recommended that the passing train load be
added to the working wind and not to the maximum wind, unless specified otherwise.

4.4.2 Ultimate limit state - combination factors To assist designers of hoardings, the basic
Where the design is to limit state (Eurocode), the loading cases and their combination factors
combinations of loads (known as actions in Euro ψ0 to be considered for crowd and wind
codes) are stated in Eurocode 0. The design at load are shown in Table 2. Values for the
ultimate needs to consider both strength and factors given in Table 2 are taken from Table
stability. The value of the loads are multiplied by NA.A1.1 for buildings in the UK NA to BS EN
a partial safety factor (commonly called gamma 1990:2002+A1:2005. The loading cases are
factor) to allow for uncertainties. The values of the based on the Equations 6.10, 6.10(a), 6.10(b),
partial safety factors vary depending on whether 6.11(a) and 6.11(b) of Clause 6.4.3 of the BS EN
they are considered as permanent, variable 1990:2002+A1:2005.
or accidental loads. The minimum notional It is noted that when the wind is considered from
horizontal load, crowd loads and wind load are the site side, the crowd loading is incidental
all considered as variable loads. It is noted that and overturning in that direction need only
no permanent load is normally attributable to consider the wind loading and the minimum
hoarding design. notional horizontal load. In the rare occasion
In the unlikely event of a requirement to design a where crowds might form on the site side of the
hoarding for impact load (see 4.2.5), the vehicle hoarding, then due consideration would need to
impact would be considered an accidental load. be taken. This should have been identified in the
The value for the partial safety factor for variable design brief.
loads is given in Section 4.6.3 (a). Where the design brief requires the load from
To allow for several variable loads to be applied passing trains (see 4.2.6) to be considered,
simultaneously, Eurocodes introduce reduction the combination depends on which other
factors to acknowledge that peak values of variable and/or accidental loads need to be
two or more variable loads are unlikely to occur considered. As already stated, each variable load
simultaneously, and therefore introduces a lower is considered in turn with no reduction but with
value for accompanying variable actions. These other variable loads reduced by a factor ψ0.
reduction factors are commonly called “psi Where an accidental load is a requirement in the
factors ψ”. In order to consider all likely cases, design, the accidental load is applied unfactored
each variable load is considered in turn with no and the variable loads reduced by lower values
reduction but with other variable loads reduced of combination factor as ψ1 and/or ψ2 , to those
by a factor ψ0. stated in Table 2. Refer to both BS EN 1990 and
the NA to BS EN 1990.

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4.4.2 Ultimate limit state - combination factors – continued

Table 2. Load Combination Factors (ψ0 ) – Crowd and Wind using Euro Codes for Ultimate Limit State Design

Direction From Public Side From Site Side

Minimum Minimum
Maximum Maximum
Load Case Lateral Crowd Lateral
Wind Wind
Load Load
LC9 1.0 0.7 n/a

NO LC10 0.5 1.0 n/a

CROWD LC11 1.0 0.7
LC12 0.5 1.0
LC13 1.0 - 0.7

WITH LC14 0.5 - 1.0

CROWD LC15 1.0 0.7
LC16 0.5 1.0

Notes: (1) Partial safety factor for variable actions not included – see Section 4.6.3.
(2) Where accidental load is a considered combination of load, refer to BS EN 1990.
(3) Load combinations from passing trains need separate consideration.

4.5 Post design

The post to a hoarding is designed to resist the generate a combined moment (Mo) and shear
worst load combination identified from Section force (Qo) at the ground level (level 0) of the post.
4.4 applied separately from either direction. The The loads are shown diagrammatically in Figure
wind and the minimum notional/crowd load 5(a) and the design representation in Figure 5 (b).

Minimum notional Minimumhoarding

notional hoarding hoarding hoarding
or crowd or crowd
load load
Note overturning Note overturning
from one side shown from one side show
centre of centre of
wind wind h h h h
force force
h/2 1.2m h/2 1.2m
Mo Mo

Qo Qo

Fig 5a. Applied loads on system Fig 5b. Design representation

The design moment (in kNm) about the ground level for the post is given by:

Mo = { (Wind Force) x h/2 } + { (minimum notional or crowd load) x 1.2 }

Note: The 1.2 in the equation above is the height in metres of the line of action of the loads and not the factor
of safety.

The design shear load (in kN) applied to the post at ground level is given by:

Qo = { Wind Force + (minimum notional or crowd load) }

Note: A worked example using the above information is given in Appendix E.

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4.6 Factors of safety the loads are permanent or variable, and

4.6.1 General are further factored on the likelihood of their
combined occurrence. See Section 4.4 and
As designers will either be using permissible Table 2. The recommended values for use in
stress or limit state codes in their design, the hoardings are:
recommended factors of safety used in the
design of hoardings for materials and for overall ƔQ = 1.5 for all variable loads
stability are given in separate sections. Factors Note: Although BS 559:2009 states
of safety for positional stability are discussed in ƔF = 1.4 for “resistance to wind
Section 4.6.4. pressure” it is the recommendation
An adequate factor of safety should be used of this TWf Guidance that for hoardings
when considering the overall stability of the the partial safety factor for wind load, a
hoarding when subjected to wind and/or crowd variable load, be ƔF = 1.5.
loading. (b) Overall stability
4.6.2 Factors of safety - permissible stress design The design moment resisting overturning
(a) Materials shall be greater than or equal to the design
moment causing overturning. The partial load
Where the strength of a component cannot factor using BS EN 12812 for the ultimate limit
be ascertained from the relevant permissible state for equilibrium shall be:
stress code outlined in BS 5975, it is
recommended that a minimum factor of safety ƔF = 1.5 for all destabilising variable
against structural failure of 2.0 be used. actions, e.g. the wind load,

(b) Overall stability and

No part of the hoarding should overturn at any ƔF = 0.95 for all stabilising permanent
stage during construction or use. actions resisting overturning due to
a carefully controlled weight (e.g.
The factor of safety for hoarding overturning concrete block). Where this is not the
when using posts in the ground, with or case (e.g. when the kentledge weight is
without concrete surround to the post not carefully controlled such as bags or
foundations should be 1.5. drums filled with rubble or soil) then
Where overturning is resisted by fixings into ƔF = 0.9
a slab, or a carefully controlled weight of Note: ƔF = 0 for all stabilising variable actions.
kentledge (e.g. concrete block), then the
factor of safety on overturning should be 1.5. Considering the overall stability of foundations
Where this is not the case (e.g. when the in Methods One and Two of this Guide
kentledge weight is not carefully controlled (see 4.8.2) , being prescriptive comply with
such as bags or drums filled with rubble or Eurocode 74. BS EN 1997+A1:2013.
soil) then the factor of safety on overturning 4.6.4 Factors of safety - sliding
should be increased to 1.67. Where a hoarding relies on its self-weight and/or
4.6.3 Partial safety factors - limit state design - fixings to prevent global sliding under the applied
Eurocodes lateral loads, the design force (i.e. including the
(a) Materials relevant factors of safety) resisting sliding shall be
greater than or equal to the applied design lateral
The partial safety factor for the material load causing sliding.
properties and resistance for the ultimate limit
state shall be: Table 25 of BS 5975: 2019 gives recommended
values of the coefficient of static friction for a
Ɣm = 1.1 for steel and aluminium limited number of materials. Designers should be
Ɣm = 1.2 for all plywood and oriented aware that frictional restraint does not depend on
strand board (OSB) area of contact, but only on the magnitude of the
applied load perpendicular to the friction surface
Ɣm = 1.3 for all solid timber either
considered. The value of frictional restraint
untreated or preservative treated
calculated using Table 25 gives the actual value
Ɣm = 1.3 for particleboard. at which the components would slide, without
The partial safety factor for loads (actions) in any factor of safety.
the ultimate limit state depend on whether

4
BS EN 1997-1:2004 Eurocode 7. Geotechnical Design General Rules at Section 2.1 (4) states “(4) Limit states should be verified by
one or a combination of the following: - use of calculations – adoption of prescriptive measures – experimental models and load tests.”

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

It is recommended that for all hoardings designed As the wind is the main lateral design load
to permissible stress, the minimum factor of on hoardings (see Appendix B), it is a
safety on sliding be 1.5. When designing to limit recommendation of this TWf Guidance that
state the relevant favourable and unfavourable K3 = 1.75 may be used in the design of timber
factors shall be used; when sliding resistance is for freestanding site hoardings and K36 = 1.17 for
the means of restraint the relevant partial safety plywood stresses used in the facing material. See
factors for static coefficient of friction (Ɣμ) shall be also Table 3.
used. In temporary works where several timber
Where mechanical fixings are used, unless it can members are spaced not more than 610mm
be proven that the frictional resistance can be apart and can share the load an additional
mobilised together with the mechanical restraint, modification factor of K8 = 1.1 can be applied.
then only one or other means of restraint should This is not applicable to the use of timber in
be assumed. hoardings where individual members have to take
4.7 Timber and wood based panel product the full load.
properties. A useful guide to the working structural
4.7.1 General properties of timber and wood based panel
products is the ‘Formwork – a guide to good
Timber is a material whose load capacity practice (3rd Edition)’. Although written for
depends on the duration of the load and its temporary works use in formwork, often to
durability on its state/quality. See Section 5.1. resist the pressure of concrete on the formwork,
A long term load will cause a permanent the material properties, with certain provisos,
movement in its fibres, whereas under a short discussed in the following paragraphs may be
term load, the wood fibre will recover. Hence considered suitable for design in hoardings.
timber codes introduce a modification factor
(K3) for the duration of load, varying from K3 The combined modification factor for duration of
= 1.0 for long term, K3 = 1.4 for one week, load and load sharing for timber in hoardings is
K3 = 1.5 for short term (from Table 7 of BS K3 K8 = 1.75 x 1.0 = 1.75. Recommendations
5975:2008+A1:2011) and K3 = 1.75 for very of this TWf guidance are given in the following
short term loading. sections.

The modification factor (K36) for duration of load 4.7.2 Timber

used in plywood varies from K36 = 0.83 for long Where the design properties are not specified,
term to K36 = 1.17 for short and very short term it is recommended that the permissible stresses
load durations. (from Table 39 of BS 5268- and moduli of elasticity of timber softwood
2:2002) strength class C16, C24 and C27 be taken from
Table 3.

Table 3. Permissible stresses and moduli of elasticity for hoarding timber in the wet exposure condition

Bending Compressive
Tensile Shear stress
stress stress Modulus of
stress parallel Average
Strength parallel to perpendicular elasticity
parallel to grain density
class grain to grain (N/mm2)
to grain (N/mm2) (kg/m3)
(N/mm2) (N/mm2) Minimum
(N/mm2) (Note 3)
(Note 1) (Note 2)

C16 7.42 4.48 3.16 (2.44) 1.58 4640 370

Hoardings
C24 10.50 6.30 3.45 (2.73) 1.68 5760 420
(Note 4)
C27 13.30 8.40 3.59 (2.87) 2.60 6560 450

Modification K2 K3 K4 K8 K2 K3 K8
K2 K3 K8 K2 K3 K8 K2 K2
factors used and 1.2 and 1.5

Notes: (1) Values for bending stress may be increased by the depth factor K7 where the depth of solid timber is less
than 300mm.
(2) Values for compressive stress allowing for wane are shown in brackets.
(3) The shear stress parallel is the maximum value and has been increased by the factor of 1.5 as
recommended in BS 5975:2019.
(4) Timber is carrying load without load sharing, i.e. K8 = 1.0.

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When using the stress values in Table 3 the For common thicknesses of plywood,
designer should be aware that the following particleboard and oriented strand board it
conditions apply: is recommended that the working structural
(a) The timber has been accepted as appropriate properties given in Table 15 of ‘Formwork – a
to the class concerned, has not been reduced guide to good practice (3rd Edition)’ be used for
in cross-section and is still in good condition. hoardings. Where specific trade names are used,
working structural properties are given in Table
(b) The wet exposure condition is assumed. D-W of ‘Formwork – a guide to good practice
(Factor K2 allows for the change in stresses (3rd Edition)’.
and moduli.) Note: In air-conditioned buildings
and countries of much lower humidity than the The working properties in Tables 15 and Table
UK the dry condition would be appropriate. D-W recommended are values for wall formwork
application with a combined load duration and
(c) The load duration factor for K3 has been taken load sharing factor of K36 K8 = 1.17 x 1.0 =
as 1.75. 1.17, which is also the value recommended for
(d) The bearing length does not exceed 75 mm very short-term load in hoardings. Hence the
and there is at least 75 mm of timber each recommendation that Tables 15 and Table D-W
side of any bearing and take-up is not critical. may be used.
(Factor K4 allows for this condition.) Many wood based panels have different
(e) The depth factor of K7 is taken as 1.0 for properties in the two directions, so orientation of
depth of timber 300 mm. For depths 72mm the sheet material should be carefully considered
to 300mm the value is amended using the by the designer and communicated to site.
formula from Clause 2.10.6 of BS 5268-2 as: Where designers wish to carry out wood based
K7 = (300/depth) 0.11 panel product designs from first principles to
establish structural properties, it is recommended
(For depths of timber up to 72mm, the value
that:
of K7 = 1.17).
• wet (site) condition be used for Service
(f) Values for compressive stress perpendicular
Class 3,
to the grain have been increased by a factor
of 1.2 for temporary works in agreement with • stress modification factor of K36 = 1.17,
Clause 16.4.2.5 of BS 5975:2019. • moduli modification factor of K36 = 1.43,
(g) The depth-to-breadth ratios of Table 10 in • load sharing factor is not relevant thus
BS 5975:2019 have not been exceeded. K8 = 1.00.
Generally, this is a ratio of maximum depth/
breadth of 2:1 with no lateral support, The characteristic values and moduli for many
reducing to ratio 3:1 where the ends are held wood based panel products in the Service Class
in position. For other values refer to BS 5975: 1 (dry) condition for use in limit state design are
2019. given in Appendix E.4, Table E.4 of ‘Formwork –
a guide to good practice (3rd Edition)’.
(h) There is no wane at any point of bearing.
To convert characteristic values given by a
The working structural properties of different supplier for a particular wood based product into
sizes of timbers for use in external hoardings, permissible stress terms, it is recommended to
using the stresses in Table 3, are given in use the conversion factors given in Table 13 for
Appendix C of this TWf Guide. wall formwork in ‘Formwork – a guide to good
The characteristic values of softwood timber practice (3rd Edition)’.
species to Service Class 1 for strength classes 4.8 Foundations
C16, C24 and C27 for use in limit state design
are given in BS EN 338:2016 and partly 4.8.1 General
reproduced in Appendix E.3 of ‘Formwork – a The adequate founding of hoardings always
guide to good practice (3rd Edition)’. The relevant requires care and on-site experience given the
modification factors for load and Service Class 3 variability and nature of the ground. Although
should be used. the design brief, (Section 3.0) will have identified
4.7.3 Wood based panel products the ground conditions, the designer should take
account of expected variations. In common with
The design properties of wood based panel all below ground work, procedures should be in
products should be given by the supplier / place to assess any unexpected conditions found
importer of the products for the grade and during erection, such as sudden changes in ground
thickness to be used. conditions and/or services. The structural safety of
the hoarding relies on its adequate founding.

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There are generally three types of foundation or can be square. The concrete should always
used: be placed after the post is inserted and should
• conventional post-in-hole; be well rammed as filling proceeds (See BS
1722-5:2006). An example is shown at Figure
• bolted sleeve fabrication; or 6. This arrangement does allow some drainage
• above ground foundation blocks / kentledge. of moisture in the post downwards into the
ground below, although it may capture some
A worked example of a 2.44m high hoarding
moisture and if the timber is not properly
design with conventional post-in-hole foundation
preserved, provide a medium for deterioration
is given in Appendix E.
over time. If the concrete is placed in the hole
An example of a kentledge foundation option has first, and the post then inserted, the timber is
also been provided (see Appendix G). fully encapsulated and deterioration of the post
The post design considered at Section 4.5 will significantly accelerated.
have established the design overturning moment The type of ground needs to be ascertained
(Mo) about the ground level (level 0) and the shear prior to design. For example, the design method
force (Qo) at that level. The foundation is then recommended in this TWf Guidance requires that
designed, with a suitable factor of safety, to resist an engineering judgement of the ground be made
the applied moment and shear force. with a classification of “Good”, “Average” or
The point of rotation of the foundation, or “Poor”. For other design methods excavation and
fulcrum, depends upon the type of foundation. material testing may be required to determine
A bolted foundation at ground level would use soil type and strength properties.
the design overturning moment and shear This guidance relates to upright posts, located
force at that level, but a post-in-hole or ground centrally in excavated holes with concrete infill
foundation would rotate about a point within the to ground level. The depth of post embedment
rigid foundation. The designer would need to is required to be sufficient to resist the bending
take account of this fulcrum point in the design. moments and shear forces that will be induced
A fuller treatise on establishing the fulcrum point in the posts when subject to horizontal loading
for post-in-hole foundations for one method of above ground level.
design is shown at Appendix D. Having established the design parameters and
4.8.2 Conventional ‘post-in-hole’ selected a suitable size of post (Section 4.5)
it is considered good practice to then design
This is very similar to domestic style fencing.
the post foundation to resist the full capacity
The normal construction being that a post
of the selected post. Recommended planting
is placed in a pre-excavated hole at suitable
depths for 2.5m high hoardings, for two sizes of
centres, and while the post is held in position,
excavated hole, are shown in Appendix D for the
concrete is placed around the hoarding post.
timber post sizes given in Appendix C.
Typical hole sizes are 300 to 450mm diameter

Fig 6. Typical timber post-in-hole hoarding

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4.8.2 Conventional post-in-hole foundation - 4.8.2.3 Method Three - Geotechnical design from
continued first principles.
Post stability is achieved by mobilising portions of For post embedment design from first principles,
passive resistance and reverse passive resistance the following parameters are recommended:
in the soil. These portions form a couple, from (a) For concrete infill of 600mm width or less,
which the post cantilevers above ground level. zero active pressure is considered as the soil
The required depth of embedment is dependent arches around the infill.
on the resistance characteristics of the soil
and the width of the concrete infill. It should be (b) Passive resistance is considered to be
noted that the fulcrum of the ground resistance mobilised over a width the lesser of either
to the applied overturning moment is within the three times that of the concrete infill (3b) or
foundation depth, and not at the ground level. the spacing of the posts, where b is the actual
width of the concrete infill. Passive resistance
Enhanced stability may be achieved by casting a from the upper part of the stress block is
concrete slab around the post at ground level to ignored to a depth of 1.5b for undrained
act as a strut. cohesive soils, or b for drained cohesive and
There are many variations for the design of granular soils as recommended in CIRIA
such foundations, and the subject is covered by SP95.
organisations in different ways. A full geotechnical (c) Where the ground investigation data is
design will rarely be justified for a site hoarding available and known by the designer, a
and the importance of simple “rule-of-thumb” minimum factor of safety of 1.5 on passive
rules in the design should be encouraged, resistance should generally be used, based on
provided the user has the necessary experience. moderately conservative soil parameters.
There are three methods commonly used in (d) The factor of safety used in the ground
design of embedded posts for hoardings; element of the design when using posts in
discussed in the following sections, with the the ground may be reduced further where the
first method the preferred option. Method Three prevention or limitation of ground movement
should only be carried out by engineers with and therefore hoarding movement is less
an adequate understanding of geotechnical important. The recommended minimum
principles. factor of safety is 1.2 but should only be used
4.8.2.1 Method One – PD 6547 simplified for where the designer is confident in the ground
lamp posts conditions and the parameters adopted.
This TWf Guidance recommends use of the (e) The effect of wall friction or adhesion
simplified method given in PD 6547:2004 + should be ignored in the calculation (which
A1:2009, (Appendix A) but with a minimum factor is conservative), unless the designer is
of safety of 1.5 applied to the design overturning competent to make a proper evaluation of
moment of the post. This method considers and their effects and takes these into account
defines ‘good’, ‘average’ and ‘poor’ soil types. with the chosen factor of safety, which
The post is considered to be encased in may well need to be greater than the value
concrete of a certain diameter (or width) so recommended above.
that the foundation rotates as a solid body with (f) In granular soils, where there is limited
the embedded post about a fulcrum point in data, an internal angle of friction of 30 deg.
the ground. The fulcrum point for the ground should be adopted. Where comprehensive
resistance is considered to act at a level below information is available on relative density,
the ground level of 0.707 times the planting soil angularity, etc. a less conservative design
depth. value may be used.
Planting depths for 2.5m high hoardings using (g) Undrained, total stress, shear strength
this method are stated in Appendix D. A full parameters should be used to assess
worked example using this method is shown in passive resistance in soft normally to lightly
Appendix E. over consolidated cohesive soils. In general,
4.8.2.2 Method Two - HA 66/95 Section 5 undrained, total stress, shear strength
Environmental Barriers parameters may also be used to compute
passive resistance in stiff over consolidated
This method assumes that the foundation is fully cohesive soils. Most design loads are from
embedded in well compacted material with a short-term events such as wind or a collision
reduction factor for poor surface material. See and are highly unlikely to be sustained long
Appendix A for the reference. enough for long term drained conditions to

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

apply. Care should, however, be taken when base. Care is necessary in the selection of
assigning design shear strength values. corrosion resistant bolt assemblies to ensure the
Because of the fissuring in the clay, the mass design service life is achieved.
shear strength is often significantly lower Designers should consider the following when
than measured in the laboratory in hand vane choosing bolts:
shear tests or in triaxial tests on 38mm or
100mm diameter specimens. In such cases, a. Mechanical expanding-type anchors can work
it is advisable to adopt a maximum design loose (especially in mass concrete) due to
value no greater than 75% of the laboratory cyclic nature of the loading; resin type fixings
measured undrained shear strength. Where it may be preferable.
is anticipated that long term softening of the b. Cast-in anchor rods need an allowance for
clay may occur, for an example adjacent to construction tolerance.
an excavation, design checks should also be
c. Bolts should be designed taking into account
made using effective stress parameters.
capacity reduction factors due to close
(h) In locations where ground water level varies spacing and distance from edge of concrete
within the depth of post embedment, the base.
design should assume water at ground level.
Proprietary corrosion resistant post sleeves and
(i) Ground level surcharge loads should not end plates are available so that the post is kept
be used to enhance passive resistance out of contact with the ground. These items
unless these can be guaranteed to be of a are suitable for a short design life of normal
permanent nature. hoardings up to two years, provided there are
Note: Designers should consider the possible regular inspections.
reduction of passive soil resistance adjacent 4.8.4 Proprietary, above ground, foundation block
to any post foundations. This may be due to
These should be verified see (Section 6), for
the excavation of a service trench near the
sliding and overturning, against the prevailing site
hoarding line. If a slope has to be excavated
conditions. The weight of each block should be
adjacent to the hoarding, then the slope
known (marked on the block) and lifting points (or
should be designed to ensure its own stability.
other means for mechanical lifting) provided.
Any adjacent hoarding foundations also need
to consider the potential for loss of passive The technical data provided by the supplier,
resistance. Further information is provided in should provide sufficient information to enable its
Appendix F. sufficiency, in the particular circumstances.

4.8.3 Bolted (or similar) foundations Typical proprietary hoardings are shown at Figure
7 and Figure 10.
The fixing posts can be secured to foundations
already prepared. Posts can be bolted to the

Fig 7. Typical proprietary hoarding with foundation blocks

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Fig 8. Typical kentledge block hoarding

4.8.5 Foundation block / kentledge foundation be avoided due to the risk of inadvertent or
Resistance to overturning may be provided malicious removal. In addition, for long-term
by either a foundation block or kentledge, see hoardings stagnant water can be considered
Figure 7. Where this type of foundation is used, to be a bio-hazard with associated disposal
the stability in both directions should be carefully problems.
considered. Whenever using kentledge, see Figure 8, or
The kentledge may be precast concrete, a ballasted containers, see Figure 9, the exact
purpose made block, or a number of scaffold value of overturning resistance is known, and a
tubes5, or a container acting as ballast and lower factor of safety can be utilised. See Section
filled with sand, soil, rubble or a liquid. Ballast in 4.6.2(b).
the form of liquids (e.g. generally water) should

Fig 9. Typical ballasted hoarding

5
Not only should the number and length of tubes be stated, but whether Type “3” or Type “4” has been assumed because different wall
thickness will give a different weight!

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

5.0 Materials Timber will also be used as horizontal rails on to

5.1 Timber which the facing material can be secured. Care is
necessary to avoid water build-up on top surfaces
Sustainability of all timber based products should of such rails when using square timbers. Water
be considered in the procurement process. ponding promotes decay and local rotting of both
In the UK, there are two main certification the rail and/or the facing material.
schemes (Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certain situations may require fireproofing of the
Certification (PEFC)) to assure that wood based timber. Although this should be included in the
products originate from sustainable sources. design brief (See Section 3) the procurer and/
or client may specify particular methods of fire
Painted and treated timber is generally not proofing to be incorporated.
suitable for recycling. Re-usable plastic sheets
(e.g. re-usable PVC manufactured from recycled 5.2 Steel or concrete posts
materials and not single-use PVC) can be If a hoarding is required for a considerable period
considered as an alternative to plywood sheets. of time then corrosion protection for steel posts
PVC products should be certified to ISO 9001. should be provided and be regularly inspected.
To ensure that the product strength has sufficient The use of concrete posts for hoarding is rarely
resistance to external blows, the minimum justified. However, the benefits are that they give
thickness of the panel’s outside layer should be long service life with little maintenance.
2mm. To manage the quality of the product and
ensure the strength of the material is controlled, 5.3 Facing material
a certified drop ball test should be competed The facing material for hoarding is often a
to BS EN ISO 3127:2017 (or equivalent). Full wood based material, such as plywood, wood
structural properties should be obtained from particleboard (commonly known as chipboard) or
manufacturers/suppliers. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) The face material
The minimum quality of timber used in hoardings is normally fitted to span vertically between
should be grade C16 (BS EN 338: 2016). Where horizontal rails. See Figure 6.
subject to moisture and possibilities of decay, all The structural properties of wood based panel
hoarding timber should be treated with a wood products for use in hoardings is discussed in
preservative, preferably supplied pre-treated with a Section 4.7.3, and the importance of correct
pressure applied wood preservative. orientation of the facing material.
The permissible stresses and moduli of timber Generally all external hoardings will require a water
for hoardings are given in Table 3 and working resistant wood based panel product. Procurers
structural properties of common timber post and should be aware of the variations in face materials
rail timbers are given in Appendix C. and the various glues and resins used to make
Wood does not deteriorate just because it gets the panel. They may not be suitable for long term
wet. When wood breaks down, it is because an exposure to the elements. Reference should be
organism is eating it as food. Preservatives work made to the manufacturer’s specifications and
by making the food source inedible to these advice on the specific product.
organisms. Properly preservative-treated wood When using wood particleboard, the minimum
can have 5 to 10 times the service life of untreated grade recommended is P7 (EN 12369-1:
wood. Preserved timber is used for railway 2001). None of the grades of particleboard are
sleepers, telegraph poles, marine piles, fences and designed for use in wet conditions where the
other outdoor applications. moisture content is likely to exceed 18%. This
The durability of wood and wood based products limits the use of wood particleboard to short term
is defined by use classes. BS EN 335-2: 2013, hoardings in less exposed locations. Particleboard
Clauses 4.4 and 4.5. The use classes relevant for is hygroscopic and its dimensions change in
hoardings are: response to humidity. For example, a 1% change
in moisture content typically results in a change of
Class 3.1 Product does not remain wet for long 0.4mm per metre length or width of a sheet.
periods; water does not accumulate
When using oriented strand board (OSB) the
Class 3.2 Product remains wet for long periods; minimum grade recommended is OSB/3 (BS
water may accumulate. EN 310: 1993). OSB has significantly different
Class 4.1 Product is in direct contact with ground properties in its two directions and users should
and/or fresh water be particularly aware of the orientation of the
Where the ground water is “severe” or in salt water board. OSB, like particleboard is hygroscopic and
other classes would apply. its dimensions change in response to humidity.
For example, a 1% change in moisture content
Although circumstances will vary, it is foreseeable typically results in a change of 0.3mm per metre
that a treated wooden hoarding post will rot length or width of a sheet.
after about 9 or more years in the ground and
surrounded by concrete, giving an expected For robustness it is suggested that the minimum
design life of about 5 years, subject to regular thickness of a panel of wood or wood based
inspections at maximum six monthly intervals. For material for an external hoarding should be not
correct placement of the concrete surround see less than 16mm.
Section 4.8.2.

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

When using correctly preserved timber for cases should be considered – see Loading
hoarding panels, under normal conditions of use, Combinations at Section 4.4.
a life expectancy of the resulting facing panel It is recommended that coach screws, bolts,
shall be 15 years (Clause B.3 BS 1722-5:2006). nuts and washers shall have a protective coating.
If part of the face is covered, for example This could be hot dip galvanised in accordance
by advertising, the change in the moisture with BS EN ISO 1461 as recommended for
conditions on the face reduces significantly the fencing (BS 1722-5, Clause 8) or other suitable
life expectancy. protection. The use of stainless steel fixings
Certain situations, such as in station is rarely justified on a temporary hoarding
environments, underground works, shopping construction.
malls, etc. may require fire proofing of the facing Information on the safe loads of nails, screw and
materials. Although this should be included in the bolts are given in Section 6 of BS 5268-2:2002.
design brief (See Section 3) the procurer and/ This includes shear strengths and spacing of
or client may specify particular methods of fire nails, use of differing face materials, effects of
proofing to be incorporated. Certain materials pre-drilling holes for screws, etc.
may be prohibited from use. In such cases, seek
The permissible load for a screwed joint is given
advice. by the expression:
5.4 Fixings Fadm = F x K52 x K53 x K54 x l [Equation 1]
All fixings shall be considered for durability of the where;
hoarding, and when a long duration is expected,
be designed for ease of regular inspection. Nailed Fadm is the permissible load in a screw (in N per
mm of penetration)
connections are to be avoided where joints may
become loose under cyclic loading or deteriorate K52 is a modification factor for duration of load
with age. K53 is the modification factor for moisture
The frequency of fixings should be increased content
near to the ends of hoardings - the wind pressure K54 is a modification factor for screws in line.
is larger due to the effects of local turbulence of
l is the threaded point side penetration of the
the wind around the ends, see Appendix B.
wood screw (in mm)
Typically a hoarding has interface areas of fixings,
It is a recommendation of this TWf Guidance that
the face material to the rails, and the rails to the
for hoardings the fixings shall be designed for
posts. In both cases, the principal load on the
a very short term load, for service Class 3 (wet
fixings is the tension caused by the wind blowing
condition) and with no reduction for line loads.
from the opposite side to that which the rails are
fitted. Hence K52 = 1.25, K53 = 0.7 and K54 = 1.00

As the face and rails are normally fitted to the The minimum penetration of a screw should be
public side of the hoarding post, the effects 15mm.
of crowd loading can be ignored in the fixings To assist designers, the basic withdrawal load (F)
design. The fixings should be designed for either per millimetre of penetration for common sizes
the full wind force or the working wind plus the of wood screws in pre-drilled holes are shown in
minimum notional horizontal load. The worst Table 4 for different strength classes of timber.

Table 4. Basic Withdrawal Load (F) per millimetre of penetration in N/mm

Strength Class of timber
Screw
C16 C24 C27
Diameter (mm)
3 10.8 13.1 14.6
3.5 12.2 14.7 16.3
4 13.5 16.3 18.1
4.5 14.7 17.8 19.7
5 15.9 19.2 21.3
5.5 17.1 20.7 22.9
6 18.2 22.1 24.5
7 20.5 24.8 27.5

Notes: (1) The total withdrawal load should not exceed the tensile strength of the screw.
(2) Based on Table 67 of BS 5268-2:2002

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

As an example: The safe tensile capacity of a Information necessary for the design, erection,
5mm wood screw fixing attached onto a section use, maintenance and dismantling of the
of C16 timber with an expected penetration of proprietary equipment used in the construction of
50mm, using Table 4 and Equation 1 would be: hoardings should be made available. The supplier
Fadm = F x K52 x K53 x K54 x l = 15.9 x 1.25 x 0.7 x / manufacturer has a duty in Law to provide data
1.00 x 50 = 696 N = 0.696 kN about the product, together with any limitations
and requirements affecting the safety of the
Where hoardings are expected to be in position product. Any particular inspection regimes should
for some time using wood based facing be made known to the user.
products, the use of screws as fixings can
become unsafe, hence the need for regular The recommendations of the supplier should
inspections. be followed and communicated, as relevant,
to the site team. A typical proprietary hoarding
The change in thickness of the panel by incorporating advertising is shown at Figure 10.
prolonged periods of wet and dry with changes in
moisture content cause swelling and subsequent If the stability of a proprietary hoarding system
shrinkage on drying. This can change the is based on tests, the user must ensure that
effectiveness of the screw over time. the tests accurately reflect the design loads
established from appropriate standards, codes or
Where proprietary fittings / connectors are by using this TWf guidance . The user must also
used forming part of the structure supporting a ensure that the proprietary system when erected
hoarding, they should have a rated safe working does not exceed the conditions or arrangements
load/ characteristic strength in accordance with for which the testing was carried out.
the requirements of the design.
6.0 Verification of design
5.5 Scaffold and Proprietary Equipment
The design of a site hoarding and its foundations
Scaffold and proprietary equipment should should either be to a recognised code, in
be clearly and readily identifiable by shape or accordance with fundamental design principles,
size. Where this is not possible they should be or in accordance with the design principles
marked. outlined in this guidance note.
Scaffolding equipment should conform to The design of all hoardings should be checked
current recommendations. Useful guidance is and a relevant design check certificate be issued.
given by the National Access and Scaffolding The categories of design check are outlined in
Confederation (NASC) in publications such as BS 5975:2019, Clause 13.7 and listed in Table 2
TG20:13 and SG4:10. The safe working loads to that standard. The design check should not be
stated for steel scaffold tube and fittings given in regarded as an onerous task; it is a verification
TG20:13 may be used for design of hoardings that an independent person (not the actual
without modification. It is a recommendation of designer) has carried out a check.
this TWf Guidance that BS EN 39 Type 4 scaffold
tubes in the galvanised condition be used in the
construction of hoardings.

Fig 10. Typical Proprietary Hoarding with Advertising Panels

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

On a simple hoarding, built to a standard frequent. Additional inspections should be carried

solution, the design would involve ensuring out after any exceptional event such as high
the standard solution was suitable for the site, winds or impact. An inspection plan should be
location and height envisaged, and that the produced and maintenance/replacement carried
correct data table and/or solution has been used. out as necessary.
More complex hoardings would require a greater It is accepted engineering practice that the
degree of independence of check. design life of a structure can be extended
Where proprietary products are used, the by regular inspections. These more detailed
supplier should have already arranged for a regular inspections should also be agreed at
structural engineer to certify that the design an early stage in the use of the hoarding. Such
meets the requirements and a design check inspections would be carried out by competent
certificate issued. Note that the end user would person(s) who have the ability to inspect the
not require to necessarily have access to the critical areas of the structure.
suppliers method of verification and certificates. Where the hoarding is designed with diagonal
However, it is necessary for the user to ensure stays, there is always the risk that the stays
that the product is being used as intended, and might be removed by operators, for example to
that the circumstances of use agree with the give clearance for a forklift unloading pallets etc.
design assumptions for the hoarding stated in Particular care is required to ensure that such
the design brief. An inspection should ensure that stays are not displaced or removed, making
the hoarding has been assembled in accordance routine observations/inspections more important.
with the instructions provided.
7.3 Access points
7.0 Site specific issues
Hoardings require openings for access, either
7.1 Workmanship personnel and/or vehicular. Site gates with
The quality of workmanship should be to solid panels pick up large wind loads and
recognised works standards. Operatives consideration should be given to use of open
assembling and erecting hoardings should mesh panels to reduce the loads; however
be competent and be aware of correct good security concerns have to be addressed.
practice. The gates should be securely fixed when closed
Some examples to be considered would include: and should incorporate a restraint chain or similar
• where using timber posts in holes with to prevent the gate from swinging out beyond the
concrete, remembering to place the post first, site boundary when not in use.
and then place the concrete surround, Particular care is needed in the design of the
• ensure the orientation of the facing material is likely loads on the hoarding posts supporting
as intended, the gates. When the gates are open there will
be loads on to the gate posts acting orthogonal
• fixings are used as designed, to the hoarding; a different loading case to that
• more fixings and usually closer post centres when the gates are closed. Often steel square
near to the ends of hoardings and access hollow sections are used for gate posts due
openings where the wind loads are larger. to the increased strength and stiffness (when
compared to timber posts) and facilitate welding
7.2 Inspection in use
of gate hinges to them.
All hoardings should be regularly inspected
If solid gates are to be used then the weight of
during their working life. At the time of erection
the gates and wind loading should be considered
of the hoarding the requirement for regular
for the design of the posts, hinges and any
inspection and timings of such inspections
welding. These can act in orthogonal directions
should be specified, and is usually a requirement
depending on whether the gates are open or
in the initial risk assessment. The maximum
closed. There are a number of examples where
period between formal inspections of hoardings
these connection details have failed with a
should be six months, although in many
potential to cause serious injury.
applications, with fast changing construction
processes inspections may require to be more

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

APPENDIX A – Design Documents Covering Associated Structures

Part One – British Standards

1 Eurocodes (BS EN1990-1997) The Structural Eurocodes cover hoardings (in the sense that
they are structures). Several parts of the ENs are required
as listed below. Unlikely to be user friendly for this scale of
structure.

2 BS EN 1990:2002+A1:2005 – Eurocode This gives the fundamental formulae and factors used in limit
– Basis of structural design. state design. Should be read in conjunction with the UK NA.

3 BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 Section 7.4.1 gives information on wind on freestanding walls

Eurocode 1: Actions on structures – and returns. Gives design information for wind loads, to be
General actions – Wind Actions read in conjunction with the NA.

4 BS EN 1991-2:2003 Eurocode 1. Section 6.6 gives information to calculate the dynamic pressure
Actions on structures. Traffic load on on vertical surfaces parallel to railway tracks.
bridges.

5 BS 5975:2019 Code of practice for Section 2 on procedural control of temporary works

temporary works procedures and the Section 17.5.1 Wind loading – details the simplified method of
permissible stress design of falsework wind loads using BS EN 1991-1-4:2008+A1:2010

6 BS 1722-5:2006+A1:2018 Fencing – Specification for post and rail solid fencing up to 1.80 m high
Specification for Close Boarded and using either concrete or timber posts. Installation guidance
wooden Pallisade Fences. included, but no design data.

7 BS EN 335-2:2013 Durability of wood Gives classes of use in relation to biological agents that attack
and wood-based panels – definitions of wood.
use classes

8 BS EN 350-2:2016 Durability of wood Tables on natural durability and treatability of selected wood
and wood-based panels – Natural species.
durability of solid wood

9 BS 6180:2011 Barriers in and about Gives a range of barrier load options; particularly relevant for
buildings – code of practice hoardings. Values from Table 2 are used in this guidance.

10 BS 5268-2:2002 with AMD 1 (2007) Permissible stress design code, materials, workmanship and
Structural Use of Timber fixings. (Withdrawn in 2010 on publication of limit state BS EN
1995)

11 BS EN 338:2016 Structural Timber – Characteristic strength classes for softwood and hardwood
Strength Classes timber

12 PD 6547:2004 + A1:2009 Guidance on Section 6 gives guidance on planting depths for lighting
the use of BS EN 40-3-1 and BS EN columns by introducing a Ground Factor for Good, Average or
40-3-3 Poor conditions.

13 BS EN 13200-3:2018 Spectator Design requirements for permanent and temporary separating

Facilities – Part 3: Separating elements - elements and barriers for spectator events, indoor and outdoor.
requirements Includes crush loading and line load values.

14 BS 559:2009 Specification for the Service life, materials, design, wind and foundation
design and construction of signs requirements. Includes illuminated signs.
for publicity, decorative and general
purposes.

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

APPENDIX A – Design Documents Covering Associated Structures – continued

Part Two – Other Documents

15 HA 66/95. Environmental Barriers: Background only as this does not reflect current codes.
Technical Requirements Appendix C has simple method of calculating post
(Vol 10, Section 5 of the Design Manual embedment.
for Roads and Bridges)

16 National Access and Scaffolding No specific mention of hoardings, but Supplement 1 gives
Confederation, TG20/13 Tube and latest method to determine the wind factor Swind used in the
Fitting Scaffolding and Supplement 1 calculations.

17 Construction (Design and Management) Managing health and safety in construction, Guidance on
Regulations 2015 Regulations, L153
Available (free) from:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l153.pdf

18 International Union of Railways UIC Guidance on slipstream of passing trains on adjacent structures
Code 779-1 Safety of railways

19 The Concrete Society, Formwork – a Section 4.5 discusses effect of wind on wall formwork both
guide to good practice: 3rd Edition freestanding on the ground and on a suspended slab.
(2012) – Environmental loads.

20 Pile Design and Construction Practice, Pages 327 – 335 give the “Brinch Hansen” method of ultimate
5th Edition by M.J. Tomlinson & J. resistance of short rigid piles subjected to lateral loads. Needs
Woodward a spreadsheet to use and time consuming. Needs accurate
knowledge of soil parameters.

21 Timber Research and Development Although written primarily to assist timber designers to
Association, GD2 How to calculate the understand Eurocode 5, this document is background reading
design value of loads using Eurocodes for limit state design concepts, and explains the notation used
2006 in Eurocodes.

22 Wind microclimate around buildings, Tall buildings can deflect high-level wind down towards the
Building Research Establishment ground, producing unpleasant and sometimes dangerous wind
Publication DG520, P Blackmore, 2011 conditions in adjoining pedestrian areas.
Available from https://www.brebookshop.com

23 UK Wind Engineering Society (WES) A Specialist Knowledge Society of the Institution of Civil
Engineers (ICE) that exists to promote cooperation in the
advancement and application of knowledge in all aspects of
wind engineering.

24 SCOSS Alert, Wind adjacent to tall Temporary structures adjacent to tall buildings may be
buildings, Structural-Safety, December particularly prone to adverse wind effects by virtue of their
2015 relative position.
Available from:
https://www.structural-safety.org/media/386216/scoss-alert-
wind-adjacent-to-tall-buildings-december-2015-final-2-.pdf

25 Managing Health & Safety Risks When very tall buildings are being designed, constructed or
(No. 46): Safety issues in high-rise modified, a number of standard hazards become exaggerated
construction and require special attention.
The Structural Engineer, Volume 93, Available from:
Issue 12, December 2015, IStructE https://www.istructe.org/journal/volumes/volume-93-(2015)/
issue-12/professional-guidance-managing-health-safety-ri/

26 Temporary works hoardings, DRG Available from:

115:2016 (NFDC) https://demolition-nfdc.com/download/temporary-works-
hoardings/

26 Return to the contents

HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

APPENDIX B – Design Considerations – Wind on The calculation of the maximum working wind
Hoardings force applied to a hoarding is given by the
B.1 General expression:

Where hoardings are subjected to the wind a full FWork = 200 × Aref × cp,net x η [Equation B.2 ]
design to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 and Where;
the UK National Annex to that standard is rarely Fwork is the maximum working wind force on the
justified. structure in N
This TWf Guidance recommends the use of cp,net is the net pressure coefficient – see B.6
the simplified method given in BS 5975: 2019
provided due consideration is given to the life of Aref is the reference area on which the wind
the hoarding. acts in m2

This Appendix outlines the simplified method η is the shielding factor, generally taken as
and gives recommendations on the factors 1.0 for hoardings
to be used. The use of this simplified method B.4 Calculation of the peak velocity pressure
generates conservative values of the wind force
The peak velocity pressure, formerly called
on to the hoarding except in extremely onerous
dynamic pressure, for hoardings is given by:
site conditions.
qp = 0.613 x c2prob x Cef x S2wind [Equation B.3 ]
Where;
B.2 Maximum wind force on hoardings
qp is the peak velocity pressure (N/m2)
The calculation of the maximum wind force
applied to a hoarding is given by the expression: cprob is the probability factor for hoardings
erected:
FW = qp × Aref × cp,net x η [Equation B.1]
longer than one year’s use cprob = 1.00
where;
Cef is the combined exposure factor - See B.5
Fw is the maximum wind force on the structure
in N Swind is the wind factor – See either BS
5975:2019, Clause 17.5.1.3, or Formwork
qp is the peak velocity pressure in N/m2 – see
Guide, Clause 4.5.1.6
B.3
The basic values of wind velocity in BS EN 1991-
cp,net is the net pressure coefficient – see B.6
1-4 assume a mean return period of 50 years.
Aref is the reference area on which the wind
To take account of a structure being erected for
acts in m2
a shorter period, and therefore less likely to be
η is the shielding factor, generally taken as 1.0 for exposed to the peak wind, a probability factor
hoardings cprob is introduced. (BS EN 1991-1-6: 2005, Table
For simplicity of calculation, the wind may be 3.1). This TWf Guidance recommends that the
considered as blowing only in the directions at normal duration of a hoarding is greater than one
right angles to the axis of the hoarding. year, giving a return period of 50 years, unless
specified otherwise in the design brief.
B.3 Working wind force on hoardings
Users should be aware of the risk of using a
A maximum working wind force is considered in lower probability factor in consideration of the site
permissible stress design, see Section 4.4 and hoarding whenever there is a likelihood of delays
Table 1, is assessed as the maximum velocity and the construction time being extended – if in
pressure during which operations can take place. any doubt, then the design brief should specify a
In the UK this is normally limited to a wind of value of cprob = 1.00
Beaufort Scale 6 and represents a velocity The peak velocity pressure is considered to act
pressure of 200 N/m2. over the whole area of the hoarding.
Note: At this wind pressure, standing upright
unaided is difficult.

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Table B.1. Combined exposure factor, Cef

Site in town, more than 2km
Site in country and adjacent to sea
from the edge of town
Hoarding
Height (m) Closest distance to the shoreline (km) Distance to shoreline (km)

≤ 0.1 2 10 ≥ 100 2 10 ≥ 100

≤ 2.0 1.90 1.60 1.50 1.40 1.07 1.01 0.94

2.5 2.03 1.72 1.62 1.51 1.20 1.13 1.06

3.0 2.15 1.84 1.73 1.62 1.32 1.25 1.17

3.5 2.23 1.94 1.82 1.70 1.43 1.35 1.26

4.0 2.31 2.03 1.90 1.78 1.54 1.44 1.35

Notes: (1) Interpolation may be used in this table

(2) Based on Figures NA.7 and Figure NA.8 in the NA to BS EN 1991-1-4

B.5 Combined exposure factor (Cef) different regions giving areas of higher and lower
The exposure of the site affects the wind velocity, pressure, and therefore of differing force. These
being higher by the sea, than in a town. Table differences are taken into account using the net
B.1 gives values of a combined exposure factor pressure coefficient (cp,net). The term net pressure
Cef and includes the relevant correction factor for coefficient is the summation of the pressure on
towns. the windward side plus the drag on the leeward
side of the hoarding; the term is effectively
A town is considered if the site is situated more interchangeable with the term force coefficient.
than 2 km inside the edge of the town with This TWf Guidance refers to ‘net pressure
separations between buildings/trees less than 20 coefficients’.
obstacle heights apart. If you have an open area
of more than 20 obstacle heights in front of the The net pressure coefficients (cp,net) for
structure, then the wind picks up speed across freestanding hoardings erected on or near the
the opening and you are ‘in the country’! Where ground should be taken from Table B.2. To cater
a town is by the sea or a lake, the first 2 km from for the increased wind force near the ends of
the sea or lake are considered as country and hoardings, four zones have been assumed.
adjacent to the sea. The zones near to the ends of the hoarding are
considered to have a larger value of net pressure
B.6 The net pressure coefficient cp,net coefficient. This is shown diagrammatically in
The force applied to a structure by a given peak Figure B.1. Where the hoarding returns around
velocity pressure depends on the shape of a corner the wind regime changes and values
the structure and how the wind is constrained for returns greater than the hoarding height are
to flow around it. Depending on the shape, shown in Table B.2 This method is similar to the
the wind speed increases and decreases in design of permanent walls in BS EN 1991-1-4.

Table B.2. Net pressure coefficients for freestanding hoardings erected on the ground cp,net
Without returns
Ratio l effective length With return
ZONE =
h hoarding height corner of
Considered
length > h
≤3 5 ≥10
A 2.3 2.9 3.4 2.1
B 1.4 1.8 2.1 1.8
C 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.4
D 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
Notes: (1) The hoarding is impervious (solid) and erected on or near the ground level.
(2) Effective length/height is the combined dimension of hoarding that creates a continuous barrier to the wind.
(3) The location of zones is illustrated in Figure B.1.
(4) Values for hoardings may be interpolated provided the solidity ratio is between 0.8 and 1.0 (solid).

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

4h
2h

0.3h

A B C D h

l
(a) Freestanding hoarding

4h 4h
2h 2h
0.3h 0.3h

h D C B A A B C D

l Vehicle l
Access

(b) Freestanding hoarding with vehicle access way

Figure B.1 Key to zones for hoardings

To simplify the design, engineering judgement the hoarding, pulling it away from the building.
may be used to rationalise the net pressure The magnitude of the forces is also affected by
coefficients in the Zones. When considering the how close the hoarding is erected in front of the
face material fixing then critical Zone A should be building. Effectively the hoarding will be subjected
used for the areas adjacent to the hoarding end. to similar wind forces to that of the permanent
Where there are vehicular wide access ways building; parts of the hoardings becoming
through the hoarding it would be prudent to the external wall of the building. The values of
design the hoarding as separate structures, external pressure coefficients for vertical walls
i.e. the access way creates two “ends” in the of rectangular buildings are given in Table NA.4
hoarding. See Figure B.1 (b). Where pedestrian of the NA to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010.
access doorways are included in a hoarding The sign convention is that a coefficient shown
structure, engineering judgement can be used as a negative value indicates it is a suction (drag)
and the hoarding considered as a continuous value. Any fixing to the building and the floor/
solid structure with relevant net pressure pavement needs to be designed to transfer this
coefficients related to the doorway zone. force. The components of the hoarding also need
to resist the suction force.
Where a hoarding is erected in front of a large
building, then the wind is stalled. The wind Where hoardings are erected in floors of
blowing onto the hoarding creates a pressure. multi storey buildings, the wind is able to pass
Where the hoarding is connected to the building around and possibly below the hoarding, and
the wind force is resisted by the existing different wind conditions and coefficients apply.
building. Where the wind blows from behind the Some guidance is given in Section 4.5.1.12
building a suction (drag) force is generated on of ‘Formwork – A guide to good practice
(3rd Edition)’.

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

APPENDIX C – Working Structural Properties of Timber for Hoardings

Table C1. Softwood : Hoarding Application

Basic Size – square Basic Size - rectangular

Rail Post Rail Post

Permissible Strength 100 x 100 x 75 x 100 x 75 x 75 x 100 x
Stresses Class 50 75 100 125 150 225 200
75 x 100 x 150 x
75 100 150

Moment of C16 0.538 1.274 4.069 0.299 0.702 0.945 1.934 2.02 4.448 4.769
Resistance
C24 0.761 1.802 5.758
100100
x 50
100
x 50 0.423
x 100
50
100
100
100
100
xx50
xx100
x50
50
50
75
100
x 75 0.993
x 100
75
100
100
100
75
xx75
xx75
75
100
7575
x 100 1.338
x 100
75
75
75
75
x100
x100
xx100
100
100
100
x 125
100 x2.737
x 125
100
125
100
100
100
xx125
xx125
125
125
75 x752.859
150
75
x 150
x 150
75
75
75
75
xx150
xx75
1506.294
150
150
x75
225
75
x 225
x 225
75
75
75
75 xx6.749
xx225
100
225
225
225
100
x 200
100
x 200
x 100
200
100
100
100
xx200
xx200
200
200
f Z K7 K8
(kNm) C27(4) 0.964 2.283 7.293 0.536 1.258 1.695 3.466 3.621 7.973 8.549

Shear C16 5.46 9.91 22.15 4.80 7.36 7.36 12.36 11.00 16.69 19.92
Load
C24 5.81 10.54 23.55 5.11 7.82 7.82 13.15 11.69 17.74 21.19
q A K8
(kN) C27(4) 8.99 16.31 36.44 7.90 12.11 12.11 20.34 18.10 27.46 32.79

C16 10.39 34.23 170.93 3.89 14.00 25.41 66.45 84.87 296.44 278.11
Bending
Stiffness C24 12.90 42.49 212.18 4.83 17.38 31.54 82.48 105.36 368.00 345.24
EI (kN/m²)
C27(4) 14.69 48.40 241.65 5.51 19.79 35.92 93.94 119.99 419.11 393.19

C16 3,160 ( 2,440 with wane )

Bearing
Stress C24 3,450 ( 2,730 with wane )
(kN/m²)
C27(4) 3,590 ( 2,870 with wane )

Notes: (1) Assumes sawn softwood structural timber is used.

(2) Structural properties of timber are based on the permissible stresses and moduli from Table 3 appropriate
for hoarding applications in the UK.
(3) The section sizes are the commonly available target sizes stated in Table NA.2 of BS EN 336: 2003
See Table C2. (It is noted that there is no National Annex in BS EN 336: 2013).
(4) In the UK the target sizes stated are commonly available in strength classes C16 and C24.
(5) The timber has been accepted as appropriate to the class concerned, has not been reduced in cross
section and is still in good condition.
(6) The load duration factor (K3) has been taken as 1.75 for hoardings based on very short term loading.
(7) There is an assumed minimum 75mm of end bearing where using rails. Where wane is permitted in the
grading, use the values for bearing shown in the brackets.
(8) Maximum permitted shear stress values have been increased by a factor of 1.5 in accordance with BS
5975:2019, Clause 16.4.2.8. The values for basic stress parallel to the grain given may be increased by
a factor of 1.5 to give the permissible shear stress for timber in temporary works applications. This factor
was first introduced in BS 5975:1982. It is noted that this additional factor should not be confused with the
1.5 factor to convert average stress to maximum shear stress on parabolic distributions.

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

The orientation of rectangular timber members It is assumed that constructional sawn softwood
is important, and Table C1 gives values for is used. The EN convention is that the width is
rectangular timber for both the “strong” and stated first, and depth second.
“weak” way around for the smaller sizes The size of timber is normally based on its size
commonly used as the horizontal rails. For measured at 20% moisture content, and the
example the 100 x 75 mm timber European standard for coniferous and
when used as a structural beam is poplar structural timber, BS EN 336,
assumed to have the 100mm side assumes that the thickness and width
vertical (Strong); it is considerably of a piece of timber can be increased
weaker when used “on the flat”. In by 0.25% for every 1% of moisture
hoardings the principle design load is content greater than 20% up to 30%,
the lateral wind or crowd load and the
Strong Weak
and decrease by 0.25% for every
rails are generally fitted with the long 1% of moisture content lower than
side vertically, but loaded horizontally, i.e. with the 20% moisture content. These values are typical
75mm side horizontal (i.e. in the Weak direction). without regard to the species of softwood timber.
See sketch.

Table C2. Geometric Properties and Depth Factor for Timbers

Basic Size – square Basic Size - rectangular

Rail Post Rail Post

Nominal 100 x 100 x 75 x 100 x 75 x 75 x 100 x
Units
Size 50 75 100 125 150 225 200
100 x 150 x
75 x 75
100 150

Finished 145 x 97 x 72 x 72 x 97 x
mm 72 x 72 97 x 97 97 x 47 97 x 72 72 x 97
Size 145 121 145 220 195
100100
x100
50x 50
x100
100
50 xx100
50
50100
x100
75x 75
x100
100
75 xx75
75
7575
x 100
75
x 100
x 100
75
75xx100
100
100100
x100
125
x 125
x100
100
125xx125
125 75 75
x 150
75
x 150
x 150
75
75xx150
15075 75
x 225
75
x 225
x 225
75
75xx225
225
100100
x100
200
x 200
x100
100
200xx200
200
Area (A) mm2 5,184 9,409 21,025 4,559 6,984 6,984 11,737 10,440 15,840 18,915
Section
62.2 x 152.1 x 508.1 x 35.7 x 83.8 x 112.9 x 236.7 x 252.3 x 580.8 x 614.7 x
Modulus mm3
103 103 103 103 103 103 103 103 103 103
(Z)
Moment of 2.24 x 7.38 x 36.8 x 0.84 x 3.02 x 5.48 x 14.32 x 18.29 x 63.89 x 59.94 x
mm4
Inertia (I) 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106 106
Depth
K7 1.165 1.128 1.079 1.128 1.128 1.128 1.101 1.079 1.032 1.046
Factor

Approxi- C16 1.92 3.48 7.78 1.69 2.58 2.58 4.34 3.86 5.86 7.00
mate
C24 2.18 3.95 8.83 1.92 2.93 2.93 4.93 4.39 6.65 7.94
Weight
(kg/m) C27 2.33 4.23 9.46 2.05 3.14 3.14 5.28 4.70 7.13 8.51

Notes: (1) The depth factor (K7) assumes the timber largest dimension refers when using depth factor formula. See
Section 4.7.2 (e).
(2) The approximate weight is calculated assuming the mean density based on the finished size stated.
(3) The finished size of timber assumed is the target size finished by planing two opposing faces from Table
NA.4 of BS EN 1313-1:1997 (It is noted that there is no National Annex in BS EN 1313-1:2010).

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

APPENDIX D – Post planting depths for hoardings The planting depth (P) varies depending on
using PD 6547 the ground conditions and the diameter of
D.1 General method the effective post hole (D). The three ground
conditions used in the method are stated in Table
The TWf Guidance at Section 4.8.2 D1. In hoarding design, the effective post hole
recommended the use of the simplified method considered is the width of the concreted hole that
given in Section 6 of PD 6547:2004+A1:2009 for provides the ground restraint - typically between
calculating the planting depth of timber hoarding 300 to 400mm wide holes are excavated, filled
posts. The designer will have established with the post and then concreted. It is noted
the post centres, and calculated the design that these holes could be dug as square, or be
overturning moment (Mo) and shear force (Qo) circular if augered.
for the post, see Section 4.5, and will also have
selected the optimum size of post. The working The effect of the applied loads and the design
structural properties of common timber post representation are illustrated in Figure D1. The
sizes are stated in Appendix C. design needs to take account of the overall factor
of safety on stability (minimum 1.5 see Section
The method assumes that the overturning 4.8.2.1), hence the post is stable if the following
moment on the hoarding is resisted by a rigid criteria is met:
block of concrete that rotates about a fulcrum
point in the ground, as illustrated in Figure D1. Mg ≥ { Mo + ( 0.707 x Qo x P) } x 1.5
The fulcrum point for the ground resistance is [Equation D2]
considered to act at a level below the ground Where;
level of 0.707 x planting depth. The ground
resistance moment (Mg) is given by the equation: Mg is the ground resistance moment (in kNm)
from Equation D1
G x D x P3 Mo is the critical overturning moment about
Mg = __________
10 the ground level from the applied wind and
minimum / crowd overturning moment (in
[Equation D1]
kNm). See Section 4.5
Where;
Qo is the critical horizontal shear force at
Mg is the ground resistance moment (in kNm) ground level from the applied wind
G is the Ground Factor (in kN/m2 ) (see Table and minimum notional / crowd loading (in
D1) kN) See Section 4.5
D is the minimum effective width of the P is the planting depth of the post from
concreted foundation in metres ground level in metres.
P is the planting depth of the post from 1.5 is the minimum factor of safety on
ground level in metres. overturning of the foundation. See 4.8.2.1

minimum notional hoarding hoarding concrete

or crowd
centre of load
wind D
force h

Mo ( c) Plan of hole
{h/2 + 0.707P} Qo [square or circular]
{1.2 + 0.707P}

0.707 P
P
Fulcrum

(a) Applied loads on foundation (b) Design representation

(a) Applied loads on foundation (b) Design representation

Fig D1 - Post foundation

Note: Figure D1 assumes that full passive resistance of the soil can be mobilised. Appendix F provides guidance on
where this is not the case.

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

Table D1. Ground classification

Classification Quality of the ground G (kN/m2)

Compact, well graded sand and

gravel, hard clay, well-graded fine and
Good coarse sand, decomposed granite 630
rock and soil.
Good soils drain well.
Compact fine sand, medium clay,
compacted well-drained sandy loam,
loose coarse sand and gravel.
Average 390
Average soils drain sufficiently well
that water does not stand on the
surface.
Soft clay, clay loam, poorly
compacted sands, clays containing
a large amount of silt and vegetable
matter, and made-up ground.
Poor 230
Includes site placed backfill unless
fully compacted.
Poor soils are normally wet and have
poor drainage.

Equations D1 and D2 cannot be solved to D.2 Post planting depth for hoardings up to 2.5m
generate a simple formula for establishing the high
planting depth (P) for all cases of post. The Inspection of Figure 4 shows that if the hoarding
designer will be aware of the moments, shear height were h = 2.44m, then the centre of wind
force and ground conditions, and by varying force and the lateral minimum/crowd loading
values of D can carry out an iterative trial and are almost coincidental. As the most common
error calculation to establish a planting depth that hoarding size is based on a single 8’-0” wood
satisfies Equation D2. based sheet material placed vertically, i.e. 2.44m,
The three ground conditions used in the method, then it is possible to reconcile Equations D1 and
and the ground factor (G) used in Equation D1 D2 and create tables of planting depths.
are stated in Table D1. Tables D2 states the minimum planting depths for
timber posts used on up to 2.5m high hoardings
based on the moment capacity of the post size
stated in Appendix C assuming a 300mm width
of effective concreted hole.

Table D2. Planting depth (mm) for hoardings less than 2.5m high using a 300mm wide hole

Timber Hoarding Post

100 x 125 75 x 150 75 x 225 100 x 200

Ground 100 x 100 150 x 150

Condition

C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24
100 x 50100 x 50100100
Good 500 600 800 x 75x100
50 x 75
900100
75100
xx50x 75
100 75 x 100
600 100 x75
100 75
xx125
100
100 x75
700125x 10075x600
x125
15075
100x x150
125 75 x 150
700 22575 75
x 225
x 150
800 75 xx 225
100 100 75
200
950x 200
x 225
100 x 200 100 x 200
850 950

Average 600 700 950 n/a 700 800 750 850 1000 n/a 1000 n/a

Poor 750 850 n/a n/a 850 1000 900 1000 n/a n/a n/a n/a

Notes: (1) Assumes timber post is surrounded by concrete of effective width 300 mm.
(2) Factor of safety of 1.5 applied to the post moment – see 4.8.2.1
(3) Ground condition as appropriate – see Table D1
(4) Notation n/a indicates that ground resistance not sufficient for loaded condition.

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Where the effective hole width increases to 400mm, the planting depth is reduced, and Table D3 states the minimum
planting depths for timber posts used on hoardings up to 2.5m.

Table D3. Planting depth (mm) for hoardings less than 2.5m high using a 400mm wide hole

Timber Hoarding Post

100 x 125 75 x 150 75 x 225 100 x 200

Ground 100 x 100 150 x 150

Condition

C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24
100 x 50100 x 50100100
Good 450 550 700 x 75x100
50 x 75
800100
75100
xx50
100
x 75
75 x 100
550 100
100
x75
75
xx125
100
100 x75
600125x 10075x550
x125
15075
100x x150
125 75 x 150
650 22575 75
x 225
x 150
750 100
75 xx 225
200
100 75
850x 200
x 225
100 x 200 100 x 200
750 850

Average 550 650 850 950 650 750 650 750 900 1000 900 1000

Poor 650 750 1000 n/a 800 900 800 900 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Notes: (1) Assumes timber post is surrounded by concrete of effective width 400 mm.
(2) Factor of safety of 1.5 applied to the post moment – see 4.8.2.1.
(3) Ground condition as appropriate – see Table D1
(4) Notation n/a indicates that ground resistance not sufficient for loaded condition.

Where the effective hole width increases to 500mm, the planting depth is further reduced, and Table D4 states the
minimum planting depths for timber posts used on hoardings up to 2.5m.

Table D4. Planting depth (mm) for hoardings less than 2.5m high using a 500mm wide hole

Timber Hoarding Post

100 x 125 75 x 150 75 x 225 100 x 200

Ground 100 x 100 150 x 150

Condition

C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24 C16 C24
100 x 50100 x 50100100
Good 450 500 650 x 75x100
50 x 75
750100
75100
xx50
100
x 75
75 x 100
500 100
100
x75
75
xx125
100
100 x75
600125x 10075x500
x125
15075
100x x150
125 75 x 150
600 22575 75
x 225
x 150
700 100
75 xx 225
200
100 75
750x 200
x 225
100 x 200 100 x 200
700 800

Average 500 600 800 900 600 650 600 700 800 900 850 950

Poor 600 700 950 1050 750 800 750 850 1000 1100 1000 n/a

Notes: (1) Assumes timber post is surrounded by concrete of effective width 400 mm.
(2) Factor of safety of 1.5 applied to the post moment – see 4.8.2.1.
(3) Ground condition as appropriate – see Table D1
(4) Notation n/a indicates that ground resistance not sufficient for loaded condition.

Where hoardings are shorter than 2.5m, say less than 1.75m in height, the resulting planting depths given in Tables
D2, D3 and D4 are unlikely to be economical, and a separate design calculation would give a more reasonable planting
depth.
Where hoardings are taller than 2.5m or ground conditions are not as classified in Table D1, or hole effective widths (D)
differ from that stated, then a separate foundation design should be carried out as described at Section D1. Note that
the basic design method using PD 6547 is also explained in detail in the worked example at Appendix E.

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HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020) Temporary Works forum

APPENDIX E – Worked Example of Hoarding Design • In plan the hoarding will be L–shaped with
– Post-in-hole both ends butting up to an existing chain-link
E.1 Introduction fence.

It is proposed to design a timber hoarding with • The site is adjacent to a normal width
the post embedded in the ground using the pavement adjacent to an existing road.
recommendations of the TWF Guidance on Site have advised there is nominal public
Hoardings. The design will be to permissible pedestrian movements.
stress codes. The foundation design will use the • No specific crowd loading is stated.
simplified method to determine planting depth • Site have advised there are no services in the
given in PD 6547. area where the hoarding is to be located.
The calculations in the example are not • The ground has been described as 100mm
necessarily complete for the entire hoarding, of topsoil overlying firm to stiff clay. There is
but demonstrate the recommended approach no ground water. The top soil will be stripped
to the design. The source of the information prior to installing the hoarding.
and/or equations used is stated; these would
not normally be included provided the actual • The hoarding will be in place for approximately
documents used in the calculations are listed, 18 months. Hence, use cprob = 1.0.
with relevant dates, as E.3 below. • The preferred facing material for the hoarding
E.2 Design Brief is Oriented Strand Board (OSB).
The project requires a freestanding site hoarding. • Site have 75 x 225 C24 constructional sawn
The design brief, supplied by site, requirements timber posts available.
are:- E.3. Documents used
• Site Location: Liverpool. The site is located in TWf2012:01 Hoardings – A guide to good
town, approximately 6 km from the sea. practice – August 2020
• Topography: flat townscape, no hills. PD 6547:2004 + A1:2009 Guidance on the use
• Site altitude = 55m of BS EN 40-3-1 and BS EN 40-3-3
Height of Hoarding required: 2.44m (i.e. one BS 5975:2019 Code of practice for temporary
8’-0” sheet) works procedures and the permissible stress
design of falsework
• Length of hoarding: 20m + 20m
Ordnance Survey Mapping

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Appendix E. Worked Example – continued

Calculation Source / Output

E.4 Loading Hoardings 4.2.1

E.4.1 Minimum notional horizontal load Minimum notional
horizontal
As crowd loading not considered significant in the design brief, the minimum notional load
horizontal load applied to hoarding is 0.74 kN/m acting 1.2m above the base. (4.2.1) 0.74 kN/m
E.4.2 Wind loading
Site post code: - Liverpool
From Ordnance Survey Map site Altitude = 55m and the site is not topographically significant
(i.e. flat area).
Site is approximately 6km from the coast. The site is located in town.

Fundamental basic wind velocity for Liverpool vb,map = 23m/s BS 5975 Figure 8

Topographical factor Twind = 1.0

BS 5975 Figure 9
Altitude stated in brief A = 55m

Wind factor Swind = Twind x vb,map x (1 + (A/1000))

Swind
= 1.0 x 23 x (1 + (55/1000))
24.27 m/s
= 24.27m/s

Probability factor for period less than two years cprob = 1.0 Hoardings B.4

Combined exposure factor for Site in town and stated about 6km from sea. Hence
Hoardings
interpolating in table for 6km distance from sea gives for hoarding height of approximately
Table B.1
2.5m a Cef = 1.165.

Peak velocity pressure qP = 0.613 c2prob Cef S2wind

Hoardings B.4
= 0.613 x 1.02 x 1.165 x 24.272 qp=0.421
kN/m2
= 421 N/m2 = 0.421 kN/m2

Net pressure coefficients (cp,net ):

To simplify the design, the design assumes each end of the hoarding as freestanding and
ignore the return corner
Ratio of effective length/ height= l / h = 20 / 2.44 = 8.2 Hoardings
As the hoarding is solid, the values of cp,net for each zone may be linearly interpolated from Table B.2
Table B.2
Zone A cp,net = 3.2 Zone B cp,net = 2.0
Zone C cp,net = 1.6 Zone D cp,net = 1.2

Design philosophy - The ratio of length/height is 8.2h, and as overall length is about (2 x 4h),
Zone D is not applicable in this example. Hence design the first 10m (4h) of the hoarding from
end or return for cp,net for Zone B. Zone A is excluded in the post and rail calculations as the
end post supports less face area of the hoarding. The connections are designed for Zone A.
For simplicity Zone C is ignored. Hoardings B.6

Note to calculations: If the hoarding is longer than 8h, then additional calculations
for Zones C and D, using the methods shown, may be
justified for economy.

Net pressure coefficient for Zone B is cp.net = 2.0 cp,net = 2.0

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Appendix E. Worked Example – E.4.2 continued

Calculation Source / Output

Maximum wind force FW = qp x Aref x cp,net x η

The reference area on which the wind acts in m2 is 2.44 x 1 m2 per metre Hoardings B.2
The shielding factor η is assumed 1.0
Maximum Wind Force
Hence Fw = 0.421 x ( 2.44 x 1.0 ) x 2.0 x 1.0 = 2.055 kN/metre run 2.055 kN/m
Force acts at half height, i.e. 2.44/2 = 1.22m above ground

Working wind force FWork = 200 × Aref × cp,net x η Hoardings B.3

Working Wind
Hence FWork = 200 x ( 2.4 4 x 1.0) x 2.0 x 1.0 = 976 N/m = 0.98 kN/metre 0.98 kN/m

E.4.3 Face material loading

Design panels for robustness as a local area loading of 1.5 kN/m2. For simplicity of design this
value is considered over the full height of the panel. Hoardings 4.2.4

The overturning effect of the self-weight of the face material, fitted to the public side of the
posts, is ignored.
Note to calculations: This adds about 3% to the overall overturning effect, and Hoardings 4.4
because it acts in opposite direction to the crowd load is a
stabilising load!

E.5 Hoarding design

E.5.1 Load combinations
Hoardings
As there is no specific crowd load stated in the design brief (E.2), consider the worst Table 1
combination cases of either LC1, LC2 or LC3, LC4.
Consider overturning moment about base per metre run of hoarding

LC1 100% maximum wind = 2.055 x (2.44/2) = 2.51 kNm / m run

LC2 100% working wind + 100% minimum notional horizontal load
(100% x 0.98 x (2.44/2)) + (100% 0.74 x 1.2) = 2.08 kNm / m run Overturning
Moment
LC3 = LC1 = 100% maximum wind = 2.51 kNm / m run
2.51
LC4 = LC2 = 2.08 kNm / m run kNm/m
Design on overturning moment Mo = 2.51 kNm / m run
This is in both directions as LC1 = LC3

Consider shear force in base from loading cases per metre run of hoarding
LC1 = LC3 maximum wind = 2.055 kN / m run Shear Force
LC2 = LC4 working wind + min. notional horizontal = 0.98 + 0.74 = 1.72 kN 2.055 kN/m

Maximum shear force per metre is Qo = 2.055 kN / m run

E.5.2 Timber posts

Site intend to use 75 x 225 C24 constructional sawn timber posts as available on site. Post C24
Check suitability with properties from Appendix C: 75 x 225
Permissible moment capacity C24 class is 6.294 kNm
Hoardings
Permissible shear load capacity C24 class is 17.74 kN Table C.1
Permissible bearing stress C24 class is 3,450 kN/m2 (2,730 kN/m2 wane)

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Appendix E. Worked Example – E.5.2 continued

Calculation Source / Output

Maximum centres of posts due to bending = 6.294 /2.51 = 2.51m

Maximum centres of post due to shear = 17.74 / 2.055 = 8.83m (not critical case)
Note to calculations: The overall factor of safety of overturning of 1.5 mentioned in
Section 4.5.2 (b) is NOT considered in the strength check
calculation above as the permissible values of the material
strength are used. Although it is used in the foundation check at
Section E.6 of this example.
Hence maximum post centres limited by bending strength on 75 x 225 C24 posts is
2,510mm centres, say 2.44m c/c (as this suits sheet sizes).

E.5.3 Horizontal rails

Use four horizontal rails. Hence the minimum notional horizontal load occurs between two
rails, and midspan of the face material spanning between the rails.
Design assumption that worst case is full minimum notional horizontal load on one rail.
Maximum centres of rails = 0.8m.
Note to calculations: The theoretical spacing is (2440 – 100)/ 3 spaces = 780mm
Hence, design assumes a worst case of 800mm
Try C24 100 x 75 constructional sawn timber used on the flat

Working structural properties of rail 100 x 75 class C24 used on the flat, i.e. used in the
weak direction:
Permissible moment capacity C24 is 0.993 kNm Hoardings
Table C1
Permissible shear load capacity C24 is 7.82 kN
Permissible bearing stress C24 is 3,450 kN/m2 (2,730 kN/m2 wane)

The design assumption for worst case for one central rail is either full wind or working wind
with min. notional horizontal load applied to a single rail.
Wind force is calculated using Force = qp × Aref × cp,net
Allowing for continuity factor of 1.1 on udl on face material, the load per metre run on rail is
either:- Formwork Guide
Full wind force is 0.421 x 0.8 x 1.0 x 2.0 x 1.1 = 0.741 kN/m run Appendix B Load
Case 26
Working Wind plus minimum notional horizontal load on one rail
= ( 0.2 x 0.8 x 1.0 x 2.0 x 1.1 ) + 0.74 = 1.092 kN/m run
Assuming the rail is simply supported at the posts, the maximum span is
( 0.993 x 8 / 1.092 ) 0.5 = 2.697 = 2.7m span of rail

By inspection shear not critical.

Hence use four C24 100 x 75 timber rails on the flat at about 800mm centres with posts at Posts
maximum 2.44m centres is Okay. at 2.44m

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Appendix E. Worked Example – continued

Calculation Source / Output

E.5.4. Face material

By inspection design for worst case loading of either panel robustness loading of 1.5 kN/m2
(see E.4.3) or the effect of the min. notional horizontal load mid-way between rails.
Assuming four rails would give a maximum span c/c of about 0.8m
Maximum applied bending moment assuming face material simply supported and not allowing
Hoarding
for continuity over the four rails (i.e. fitted as one sheet) for robustness gives
4.7.3
= (1.5 x 0.82 x 1.0) / 8 = 0.120 kNm/m width
Assuming the minimum notional horizontal line load acts as a point load at midspan and the
working wind load is distributed, then the maximum applied bending moment on the face Formwork
material would be Guide
Table 15
= ( 0.74 x 0.8 / 4 ) + ( 0.2 x 0.82 / 8 ) = 0.148 + 0.016 = 0.164 kNm/m
Face Material
Checking properties of preferred OSB – the 18mm OSB/3 to EN 310 has stated working 18mm OSB/3
property of 0.449 kNm/m or 0.225 kNm/m.
Hence this material would be suitable.
Note to calculations: Although the calculations indicate that the 18mm OSB/3 could
be fitted in either orientation, because there are four rails, it would
have to be fitted as one continuous vertical sheet.

E.5.5 Connections
Two connections need to be considered, the face material to the rail, and the rail to the post.
Due to increase wind loading at the ends of the hoarding, design the face material and ends of Hoardings
the rail for Zone A pressure coefficients. 5.5 and
Note to calculations: For economy screw fixings in other Zones may be considered. Table 1

The connections are designed for tension, so as fitted on the public side, any crowd loading is
ignored, and loading cases LC3 & LC4 considered.

E.5.5.1 Connection of ply to rails

Hoardings
Design wind force (zone A) = qp . cp.net (zone A) Aref Table B.2
= 0.421 x 3.2 x 1.0 x 1.0 = 1.347 kN/m² and
Fig B.1 (a)
Working wind force (zone A) = 0.20x 3.2 x 1.0 x 1.0 = 0.64 kN/m2

LC3 Line load Zone A wind = 1.347 kN/m² x 0.8m = 1.078 kN/m
Hoardings
LC4 Line load working wind + Min. notional horizontal load
Table 1
= { 0.64 kN/m² x 0.8m } + 0.74 kN/m = 1.252 kN/m - governing case

Try 4mm screws 50mm long at 300mm centres into C24 rails
Point side penetration = 50 – 18mm (face thickness) = 32mm (say 30mm) Hoardings
Basic withdrawal load/mm of point side penetration = 16.3 N /mm 5.4 and
Table 4
K52 = 1.25 (very short term loading) K53 = 0.7 (Class 3)
Ply to rails
Use 4mm screws
Permissible load per metre = (30 x 16.3 x 1.25 x 0.7 / 0.300) x 10 -3
50mm long at
= 1.43kN/m > 1.252 hence Okay 300mm c/c
Use 4mm screws 50mm long at 300mm centres in pre-drilled holes.

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Appendix E. Worked Example – continued

Calculation Source / Output

E.5.5.2 Connection of rails to post

Due to the large centres of the posts (2.44m), the rails span simply supported from post to
post, hence:
Loaded area per post = 2.44m x 0.8m / 2 = 0.976m2

Consider the last span at the end. The hoarding values of cp,net for each zone are
Zone A cp,net = 3.2 and Zone B cp,net = 2.0
Hence Averaging for the last 2.6m long rail gives
cp, Ave A,B rail = { (3.2 x 0.30 x 2.44) + (2.0 x (2.44 – (0.3 x 2.44))) } / 2.60
= { 2.342 + 3.416 } / 2.60 = 2.21
Design wind force (end rail) = qp . cp. Ave A,B rail Aref
= 0.421 x 2.21 x 0.8 x 1.0 = 0.744 kN/m
Working wind force (zone A) = 0.20 x 2.21 x 0.8 x 1.0 = 0.354 kN/m

LC3 Line load full wind = 0.74 kN/m x ( 2.44 / 2 ) = 0.903 kN

LC4 Line load working wind + Min. notional horizontal load
= { 0.354 kN/m x ( 2.44 / 2) } + { 0.74 kN/m x (2.44/2) }
= 0.432 + 0.903 = 1.335 - governing case
Note to calculations: the rails are not continuous past the post, hence in this example
the loaded length is halved i.e. 2.44 / 2 Hoardings 5.5
and Table 4
Due to practicalities of achieving screw centres at intersection of post and rail try 4No. 5mm
screws 100mm long into C24 posts. Rail to post
Point side penetration = 100 – 75mm (rail thickness) = 25mm Use 4 No 5mm
screws 100mm long
Basic withdrawal load/mm of point side penetration = 19.2 N/mm
K52 = 1.25 (very short term loading) K53 = 0.7 (Class 3)
Permissible load per joint = 4 x 25 x 19.2 x 1.25 x 0.7 x 10-3
= 1.68 kN > 1.335 kN hence OK
Use 4 No. 5mm screws 100mm long per rail to post connection into pre-drilled holes.

E.6 Foundation design

E.6.1 Planting depth
As the hoarding is 2.44m high then the planting depth tables in Appendix D can be used.
For design, assume a concreted hole of width 400mm, hence D = 0.40m. Hoardings
The ground has been described as 100mm of topsoil overlying firm to stiff clay. This is Appendix D
not hard clay, so in consideration of ground classification from Table D.1 assume “average
ground”. Concrete Hole min
400mm
Hence from Appendix D Table D3 the planting depth for C24 75 x 225 posts in average soil
is stated as 1000mm. Post Planting depth
{Note: the planting depth stated in Table D3 is based on the full moment of the post, whereas 1000mm
the supportive calculation in E.6.2 check against the actual moment. Shear force applied}
Note to Calculations: The following section E.6.2 would not normally be required, but
has been completed to illustrate the PD 6547 method as outlined
in Appendix D, at Sections D1 and D.2

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Appendix E. Worked Example – continued

Calculation Source / Output

E.6.2 Ground resistance calculation for post depth Assume

The ground has been classified from Table D.1 as “average ground” Average

Hence ground factor is G = 390kN/m2 Table D1

Assume hole for the 75 x 225 post is concreted after post placed in hole such that effective
Diameter of hole, D = say 400mm, hence D = 0.40m

The ground resistance moment, Mg = G . D . P3 / 10

where Mg is the ground resistance
D is the minimum diameter of the effective item planted
Equation D1
P is the planting depth (in m)
G is the ground factor (in kN/m2)
Hence Mg = = 390 x 0.40 x P3 / 10 = 15.60 x P3 kNm per post

The critical overturning moment about the ground level (level 0) identified from the loading
combinations at E.5.1 gives
Design on overturning moment 2.51 kNm / m run
and Maximum shear force of 2.055 kN / m run
Hence for posts at 2.44m centres:
Critical overturning moment is Mo = 2.51 x 2.44 = 6.12 kNm / post
and Critical shear load is Qo = 2.055 x 2.44 = 5.014 kN / post

The post is stable provided Mg ≥ { Mo + ( 0.707 x Qo x P) } x 1.5

giving Mg ≥ { 6.12 + ( 0.707 x 5.014 x P) } x 1.5 Equation D2
≥ { 9.18 + 5.317 P }

Combining the equalities gives 15.60 x P3 = 9.18 + 5.317 P

giving 9.18 = 15.60 P3 - 5.317 P - solved by trial and error gives:

Try planting depth, P = 1.0m then (15.60 x 13 ) - (5.31 x 1) = 10.29

P = 0.95m then (15.60 x 0.953 ) - (5.31 x 0.95) = 8.33
Planting depth
Hence Planting Depth of 1.0m is acceptable 1000mm
Note: Increasing the depth of the foundation has a greater effect on increasing the resistance
of the foundation than increasing its width

E.7 Summary
Sketch layout shown on next page.
Use 75 x 225 C24 constructional sawn timber posts at 2.44m centres.
Use four 75 x 100 C24 constructional sawn timber rails on the flat at about 800mm centres.
Use 4 No. 5mm screws 100mm long per rail to post connection.
Use 4mm screws 50mm long for the ply to rail at 300mm c/centres.
Posts are to be embedded in to the ground in 400mm diameter hole 1.0m deep and infilled
with mass concrete.
Face material assumed as 18mm OSB Grade 3 in vertical 2.44m sheets

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

Appendix E. Worked Example – continued

E.8 Sketch of hoarding

225 x 75 C24 timber posts

with concrete surrounds
4No. 100 x 75 C24 2440
Timber rails on flat at
maximum 800 centres A 75

face
material
18mm
2440

OSB 3

100
1000

400

REAR ELEVATION OF HOARDING SECTION A-A

NOTES: 1. Hoarding design for the following loads:-

• A Maximum peak velocity pressure 0.42 kN/m2
or • A working wind pressure of 0.2 kN/m2 in conjunction with a minimum notional horizontal
load (pedestrian load) of 0.74 kN/m acting 1.2m above ground.
2. Post embedment is based on firm to stiff clay with the top 100mm of top soil already removed.
3. Concrete surround, minimum 400mm to be placed in hole after the post is positioned.
4. Connections:-
• Face material to rail connection - 4mm Ø screws 50mm long at 300mm centres
• Rail to post - 4 No. 5mm Ø screws 100mm long
Screws to be in pre-drilled holes.

Drawn: A.H. Sketch No.: SK/001

Title: Hoarding example
Checked: P.F.P/
for Liverpool site Revision: A
R.K.F.
As TWf Hoarding Guidance
Date: 24/05/20 Status: WORKING

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APPENDIX F – Worked Example - Reduction of passive resistance due to sloping ground

There is a reduction of passive resistance due to sloping ground, e.g. where soil has been removed adjacent to a
hoarding (see Figures F2 and F3).

minimum notional hoarding hoarding concrete

or crowd
centre of load
wind D
force h

Mo ( c) Plan of hole
{h/2 + 1.0 P} Qo [square or circular]
{1.2 + 1.0 P}

P
P

Fulcrum
(a) Applied loads on foundation (b) Design representation

Fig F1 - Reduction of passive resistance due to sloping ground

Mg ≥ { Mo + ( 0.707 x Qo x P) } x 1.5 The ‘Ground Classification’ (G) in Table D1 should be

[Equation D2] “downgraded” to account for a cut away embankment.
From Fig F1(b) for a cut away embankment: So, if the classification of the ground was originally given
as:
Mg ≥ { Mo + ( 1.0 x Qo x P) } x 1.5
[Equation F1] • ‘Good’ – then reduce to ‘Average’
Note: Gives a 30% increase in the overturning moment • ‘Average’ – then reduce to ‘Poor’
Mg = G x D x P 3
• ‘Poor’ – not be used in soil initially described
10 as ‘Poor’
[Equation D1]

Fig F2 - Example of soil being removed adjacent to hoarding

Fig F3 -Example of slope failure leading to a failure of the adjacent

hoarding (with emergency remedial measures having been taken)

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Temporary Works forum HOARDINGS – A guide to good practice – TWf2012: 01 (revised 2020)

APPENDIX G – Worked example of concrete kentledge block foundation

Assume a triangulated timber frame with the concrete kentledge blocks sat on the frame (see Figure G1). The timber
frame is laid on a thin layer of sharp sand on top of the existing soil, to give an even surface. Site restrictions limit the
width of the block to less than 1.5m, so assume a block of width, 1.2m.

G.1 Consider overturning G.2 Consider sliding

Using the values calculated in Appendix E with Sliding resistance is provided by friction between
posts at 2.44m c/c and an overall factor of safety the surfaces. Using BS 5975: 2019, Table 25,
on overturning of 1.5 (see Section 4.6.2 of this coefficient of friction (µ) = 0.3 (timber to granular
guide): soil).
Overturning moment for load case LC1, Using a factor of safety of 1.5 (see Section 4.6.4
Mo = 2.51 kNm/m x 2.44 m c/c x 1.5 of this guide):
= 9.187 kNm/post Shear per post = 2.055 kN/m x 2.44 m c/c
Assuming a block weight of W per post and a = 5.014 kN/post
restoring lever arm to the centre of the concrete To prevent sliding, the resistance required is
block of 0.6m: 5.014 x 1.5 = 7.521 kN/post
Restoring moment, Therefore, minimum W required = 7.521 / 0.3 =
MR = W x 0.6m > 9.187 kNm/post 25.070 kN/post
W > 15.312 kN/post This is the critical case. Hence, 1.0m3 of mass
concrete required per post

Hoarding

Kentledge block

2.44m

1.5m

Figure G1 – Kentledge block on a timber frame

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Notes:

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