What was used to replace scaffolding in the past?

Before the advent of modern steel or aluminum scaffolding, simpler, improvised or traditional structures were used to construct tall buildings. The construction of large, tall structures required the use of means of access to heights to bring materials, place tools, and allow builders to stand at heights. What was used to construct tall structures in the absence of modern scaffolding?

Below is an overview of such devices.

1. Wooden scaffold towers and platforms (in ancient times and in the Middle Ages)

What were such structures like?

They were the simplest wooden frames, often in the form of square or rectangular towers, standing close to the building. The platforms at the top were made of planks, and builders climbed up to them using wooden ladders.

What were the features of wooden scaffolding?

Such auxiliary structures made of wood were made on site, by hand; at that time, there were no factories producing scaffolding, as there are now. Wooden scaffolds and platforms were either fixed to the wall or rested on the ground. Such structures were disposable, used only for the construction of one building and dismantled after construction.

Where were wooden scaffolds and platforms used?

In Ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome, and then in Medieval Europe. In Ancient Egypt, huge ramps (bulk or stone) were used for construction, as well as wooden scaffolds and towers.

2. Ramps and embankments

What were such structures?

These were temporary earth embankments or wooden/stone inclined planes, along which materials for the construction of structures were raised.

What were the features of embankments and ramps?

Such inclined ascents required a lot of earth or stone, which was an additional expense of materials and required considerable effort. Embankments and ramps were effective in the construction of massive structures.

However, there was a significant drawback to using such devices: they did not allow for precise installation work at height.

3. Rope scaffolding and swings (in East Asia and the Middle Ages)

What were such structures?

Suspended wooden scaffolding attached to the wall with ropes or chains. Workers sat or stood on them, like on cradles.

Where were rope scaffolding and swings used?

In China, India, in Europe (until the 15th century).

What were the disadvantages of suspended scaffolding?

Rope scaffolding was very dangerous, since a broken rope would cause the scaffolding to collapse. Such structures could only be used if the wall was strong enough.

4. Poles built into the wall

What were such structures?

As the walls were erected, wooden poles were built into them, on which the builders stepped. The poles had to be strong and not break under the weight of people who were also carrying building materials.

In Africa and the East, you can still see houses with sticks sticking out of the walls. Wooden poles replaced scaffolding and were used to lift people to the height of the building being erected.

You might be interested in another thematic article "How did scaffolding appear?"