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Scaffolds are structures which are used to support people and materials when working on a building construction high above the ground. They are basically vertical trusses, which are erected to form a frame. They are then stabilised by interlocking tubes with parts called couplers. The tubes and couplers are locked firmly into place to ensure that the structure is safe and secure, offering stability for weights up to 960Kg. These aluminium tubular structures have resting platforms secured to the frames, which are made of either wood, aluminium or steel. These platforms are used to support people and materials which are used on the construction site.
Because these structure are vertical they are also called scaffolding towers. The rungs on these towers also allow one to easily climb the tower yet some towers do come with an internal staircase. Scaffolding previously was only used on construction sites, by bricklayers who would use the resting boards to place planking and bricks needed when working on high locations. But these days they have become much more widely used, in homes and also at big events such as music concerts to hold up lighting for example.
Scaffolding can also come in handy is you are the DIY kind of person, and usually find yourself doing most of the work on your house by yourself such as painting or fixing the roof. It is much safer and sturdier than using a ladder and you can carry your equipment up on scaffold with you one time instead of going backwards and forwards.
Scaffolding comes in different types and are made from different materials ranging from bamboo and wood to steel and aluminium. Although bamboo and wood are not favoured because they are not sturdy and are dangerous, however they are still used in poorer countries such as India. I will briefly give the difference between two types of scaffolding:
Aluminium scaffolding
Aluminium moveable scaffolding is the most popular because it is light weight, it can be moved around easily from point A to B using wheels, so it does not need to be dismantled every time to move it to a different area. It can also be erected against any type of structure that they are being use for. And unlike steel scaffolding they do not rust. Even though aluminium is light weight it is very sturdy so you don’t need to worry about falling. They also last long they are durable and when done with them, they can be broken down and packed into a small storage space.
Tubular steel scaffolding
Tubular steel scaffolds are easy to put up, and are designed in such a way which makes them great for reaching inaccessible places. The downside being that they are heavier than the aluminium scaffolding. The maximum height when tied to a structure can reach up to 12m. It is of extreme importance that tubular scaffolds be locked at all connections. Steel scaffolding should be used and set up in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
These are two types of popular scaffolding, with aluminium being the most popular. Choose one that works for you.
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