A scaffold platform is 12 feet long and 5 feet wide. If the scaffold can support 25 pounds per square foot, what is the maximum total load capacity?
Correct Answer
D) 1,500 pounds
Platform area is 12 × 5 = 60 square feet. At 25 pounds per square foot capacity, the maximum load is 60 × 25 = 1,500 pounds total.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
To find the maximum load capacity of a scaffold platform, you must first calculate the total area by multiplying length times width (12 × 5 = 60 square feet). Then multiply this area by the load capacity per square foot (60 × 25 = 1,500 pounds). This gives you the total distributed load the scaffold can safely support across its entire platform surface.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 2,000 pounds
This answer of 1,200 pounds is too low and appears to be a calculation error, possibly from using incorrect dimensions or load capacity values in the formula.
Option C: 1,200 pounds
This answer of 2,000 pounds is significantly over the safe capacity and could lead to dangerous scaffold overloading if used in practice.
Memory Technique
Remember 'LWL' - Length times Width times Load per square foot. Think 'Low Weight Limit' to remind yourself to calculate conservatively for safety.
Reference Hint
Look up OSHA 1926 Subpart L - Scaffolds, or Florida Building Code Chapter 33 - Safeguards During Construction for scaffold load requirements
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