Bracing
What is a raker?
A raker is an inclined tube running from the scaffold down to the ground outside it, propping the structure against overturning.
Use this diagram+
Free to use on your own site, in training material or in a course handout, as long as the credit link stays on it. Paste this where you want the diagram to appear.
<figure>
<img src="https://scaffoldoptix.co.uk/glossary/raker/diagram.svg" alt="raker — scaffold diagram from ScaffoldOptix" width="880" height="620" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>
<a href="https://scaffoldoptix.co.uk/glossary/raker">What is a raker?</a> — diagram by
<a href="https://scaffoldoptix.co.uk">ScaffoldOptix</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>A raker works against the ground rather than within the frame, which makes it a different idea from a brace even though it looks like one. It is holding the scaffold up rather than holding it square.
Rakers appear where tying is difficult or impossible — free-standing runs, structures away from a building face, temporary arrangements during erection.
The foot of a raker needs the same attention as any other load path to the ground. A raker bearing on soft ground has not solved the problem it was fitted for.
What goes wrong on site
- The foot of the raker stood on ground that cannot take the reaction.
- Rakers fitted at too shallow an angle to do much.
- Used as a substitute for ties on a structure that should have been tied.