5 things you didn’t know about temporary works

Temporary works may be ‘invisible’ in your final built structure, but their impact on safety, efficiency and delivery is lasting. Engaging specialist engineers early and treating temporary works as an integral part of the construction process leads to safer, more efficient construction processes and improved project outcomes.

Temporary works refer to the structures or systems installed to support or protect permanent works or existing structures – think propping, shoring, formwork, falsework and scaffolding, as well as dewatering and water treatment. These elements are removed once the permanent structure is stable or complete, but they are fundamental to construction safety and structural integrity during the build.

Here are five things you may not know about temporary works – and why they deserve more attention on your next project.

1. They’re often more complex than the permanent works

Temporary works might only exist during construction, but they can be just as, if not more, complex than what’s being built. That’s because they need to work around evolving site conditions, tight footprints, multiple trades and shifting loads.

“Temporary works aren’t just scaffolding and formwork,” says Dhanushka Athapaththu, Temporary Works Engineer at Coates Engineering Solutions. “They’re engineered solutions that consider how a structure will be built, staged and supported at every step. We often deal with partially constructed structures, constrained sites or unexpected conditions on site, so our designs must be precise, safe and buildable.”

Temporary works, like this basement retention system, can be just as complex as the permanent works 

2. Early engagement can prevent delays and redesigns

Temporary works are sometimes treated as an afterthought, only addressed once the main construction planning is done. But involving a temporary works engineer early can help identify risks, influence the viability of a project, reduce rework and ensure all loading and access considerations are accounted for.

“It can also improve the design of the permanent works and save valuable time on construction schedules,” Dhanushka says. “When temporary works are brought in late, it limits the ability to coordinate with permanent works design, which can lead to inefficiencies, design clashes or last-minute changes that blow out timelines.”

3. There’s no formal accreditation for temporary works engineers in Australia (yet)

Australia doesn’t yet have a national accreditation or registration pathway for temporary works engineers, unlike in the UK. This makes it even more important for project managers and contractors to vet providers carefully and insist on qualified, experienced personnel.

“Coates Engineering Solutions specialises in temporary works and offers a fully integrated solution, including independent certification of design and installation,” says Dhanushka. “Designs are checked by multiple engineers and a chartered engineer – accredited through Engineers Australia – certifies the final design and installation. We also offer third-party certification or can provide your consultant with all documentation for independent verification.”

Involving a temporary works engineer early can help identify risks, influence the viability of a project and reduce rework

4. Temporary works failures are behind many serious incidents

Structural failures that happen during construction are often caused by poorly designed or inadequately managed temporary works, such as formwork collapses, trench wall failures or overloading of propped floors.

“Temporary works failures can have catastrophic consequences, and they’re almost always preventable,” says Dhanushka. “Smart technical design, rigorous inspection, design and installation certification and clear lines of responsibility are key. At Coates, we provide end-to-end project support, from initial feasibility to de-installation, and collaborate closely with consulting engineers and permanent works teams.”

5. They’re more digital than ever before

While Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become widely adopted in architectural and structural design, the uptake of BIM has been comparatively slow for temporary works. 

“Customers are now requesting digital models of our products, and we’re increasingly seeing BIM integration specified as a supplier requirement when tendering for Tier 1 contracts,” says Dhanushka. “By providing BIM content for our products, we enable project owners and their engineering teams to integrate temporary works into their designs – supporting safer and more efficient construction, better collaboration and improved decision-making.” 

Digital models are available for a range of Coates' products, allow customers to integrate temporary works into their designs

Final word: Temporary works are permanent priorities

Temporary works aren’t just a necessary step in the build – they’re a critical part of how construction projects stay safe, compliant and on track. As project complexity grows, the value of engaging specialist temporary works engineers early is becoming clearer than ever.

“Temporary works are about making construction safe and cost-effective,” says Dhanushka. “The more we bring them into the spotlight, the better the outcomes for everyone on site.”

Need expert advice on temporary works? Talk to our engineering team today