3 materials for construction scaffolding

Buying scaffolding means providing the entire team with comfortable and safe platforms for working at height. This is a large investment, but thanks to it, workers will be able to effectively complete the project. It is important to choose the appropriate type of scaffolding material before buying scaffolding.

The main 3 types of materials for producing scaffolds

Wood

Until the beginning of the 20th century, scaffolds were mainly made of wood. But with the invention of steel and aluminum alloys, organic material faded into the background. Only one element of scaffolding is still made of wood - the flooring on which builders stand and work. Pine boards are light, durable and easy to process. In addition, the price of such wood is relatively low.

The disadvantages of wood as a building material for scaffolding include:

• Susceptibility to rotting,
• Danger of cracking,
• Destruction by pests,
• Swelling and sagging under the influence of atmospheric influences,
• Less strength compared to metal,
• Negative impact on the environment (deforestation).

However, there are regions where wooden scaffolding is still actively used: in Asia, bamboo scaffolding is a priority, since it is inexpensive, versatile and traditional.

Aluminum

Aluminum alloys are relatively young compared to ferrous metals. The advantages of aluminum alloys include:

• Easy maintenance (no corrosion),
• Universality of application,
• Lightness with sufficient strength.

Aluminum scaffolding units are lighter than steel ones, so less effort and time are spent on installation/dismantling and transportation. In northern Europe, where labor is extremely expensive, aluminum scaffolding is economically advantageous, since it requires less labor and transportation costs. Aluminum scaffolding does not rust due to the presence of a natural protective oxide layer on the surface. Due to its light weight, aluminum scaffolding is less stable than steel scaffolding. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it for tall buildings. The price of aluminum scaffolding is 2 times higher than steel scaffolding. Aluminum is used to produce suspended scaffolding, mobile mini-scaffolding (tower scaffolds).

Steel

Steel is the most widely used material in construction. This is due to:

• Durability,
• Availability,
• Low cost,
• Reliability.

Steel scaffolding can withstand heavy loads, so it is suitable for work where heavy materials and tools are used. Steel is technologically advanced, it can be used to make elements of any shape. Steel scaffolding is stable because it is heavy. The structure is not afraid of strong winds if it is secured with ties and spacers are installed. Steel scaffolding can be built up to a great height.

The disadvantage of steel is its susceptibility to corrosion, so the surface of the scaffolding is protected with paint and varnish or galvanic coating.

The versatility of steel makes it possible to manufacture parts of different shapes, so it is the optimal material for scaffolding of various types:

• Frame,
• WCS,
• Girder.

VIRASTAR Company produces steel scaffolding of the above types. You can buy scaffolding as a set or order individual units, which we always have in stock.

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We also recommend reading the article "How did scaffolding appear?"