Temporary Works
Design
Propped Excavations · Falsework · Formwork · Shoring · BS 5975
Structural temporary works design to BS 5975 for UK construction projects. From basement propping and falsework through hoarding and access scaffold to temporary works coordination across complex multi-package schemes.
Design that protects what matters
Temporary works are among the highest-risk activities on any construction site. Good design is not just a regulatory requirement — it is the foundation of a safe, efficient and commercially sound project. We produce designs that are structurally sound, buildable and coordinated with the wider construction programme.
Propped Excavations
Propping schemes for basement excavations, cut-and-cover structures and below-ground works. Temporary props, walings, capping beams and associated monitoring requirements.
Falsework & Formwork
Falsework design for in-situ concrete structures, bridges and elevated slabs. Formwork systems for walls, columns and complex geometric pours.
Shoring Systems
Raking shore, flying shore and dead shore designs for existing structure support during demolition, underpinning and adjacent construction works.
Hoarding Design
Structural hoarding design for live-street and constrained urban sites. Loading calculations, foundation design and approval documentation.
Access Scaffolding
Complex access scaffold design for facades, roofworks, bridge maintenance and structures where standard scaffold solutions are not appropriate.
Coordination & Checking
Temporary works coordination to BS 5975 — design brief preparation, checking certificate management, permit-to-load schemes and register maintenance.
Compliance at every stage
Design Brief
Design Calculation
Checking Certificate
Permit to Load
Connected engineering services
Temporary works explained
BS 5975 is the British Standard Code of Practice for Temporary Works Procedures and the Permissible Stress Design of Falsework. It sets out the requirements for managing and designing temporary works on construction sites — covering roles, responsibilities, design processes, checking requirements and permit-to-load procedures. Compliance with BS 5975 is an industry expectation on all UK construction projects of any significance.
The Temporary Works Coordinator is the person responsible for managing the temporary works process on a project in accordance with BS 5975. Duties include maintaining the temporary works register, managing design briefs, ensuring checking certificates are in place before loading, and overseeing the permit-to-load and permit-to-strike process. The role can be fulfilled by Matthews & Roberts directly or supported through our temporary works coordination service.
Design and checking are separate functions under BS 5975. The designer produces the temporary works drawings and calculations. The checker independently reviews and verifies the design before it is approved for use. For Category 3 temporary works, the checker must be independent of the designer. Matthews & Roberts can fulfil both roles on different packages, or either role where one is already fulfilled.
Yes. Temporary works adjacent to or within occupied buildings — propping, needling, shoring, scaffold on live facades — require particular care in design and methodology. We have experience designing for live-environment and occupied-building interfaces where the consequences of failure are more severe.
Yes. On complex projects with multiple packages of temporary works — basement, facade, structure and access — we can act as the central temporary works coordinator, managing the overall register, coordinating between designers and checkers and maintaining the permit process across the project.
Need temporary works designed?
We provide BS 5975 compliant design across all temporary works types. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.
Client Portal
The Client Portal provides secure access to project documents, progress updates, and direct communication with your Matthews & Roberts team.
Request access: info@matthewsroberts.com
Portal access is provided to approved clients. Contact us if you need support.
Existing client?
Access your project portal to view documents and track progress.
New enquiry?
Tell us about your project and we'll respond within 24 hours.