When you’re moving ahead with a construction project, it can be confusing what type of scaffold you must select. But when you’re concerned about safety, you can choose between steel and aluminum scaffolds. In this article, we shall learn about steel scaffolding vs. aluminum scaffolding based on their uses. You will also know about the benefits of each scaffold.
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Strength of Steel Scaffolding
For centuries, steel scaffolding has been known for its strength. Steel columns also increase strength because they transfer forces to the ground. Additionally, the horizontal bars form a lattice with the vertical columns. For additional support, workers also use transoms at every level. Couplers also enhance strength by connecting the tubes perpendicular to one another. Let’s check out whether an aluminum scaffold is strong.
Strength of Aluminum Scaffolding
Aluminum scaffolds have strength even when they are light in weight, just like steel scaffolds. This enables quick setup and reduces labor costs. Despite being light, the structure is robust and durable. It always has the capability of supporting heavy loads. In addition, properties like corrosion resistance ensure longevity even in extreme outdoor conditions. Furthermore, the entire structure is flexible in design to suit diverse project needs.
Weight of Steel Scaffolding
Compared to aluminum structures, steel scaffold components weigh from 20 to 40 kg. However, because the entire steel structure is heavy, its weight may exceed that of an aluminum scaffold. Furthermore, factors such as design and configuration can contribute to the weight difference. This nature, therefore, makes it suitable for contractors executing large construction projects.
Weight of Aluminum Scaffolding
The overall weight of these scaffolds varies depending on the configuration and design. As the metal is lighter than steel, the components weigh between 15 and 30 kg. However, once set up, a scaffolding structure can weigh several hundred kilograms. Even then, the structure’s weight will depend on the height and the width. This nature allows for easy movement of such scaffolds to various locations. This makes it ideal when workers have to carry out maintenance-related tasks.
Applications of steel scaffolding
Long-term and temporary projects typically use steel scaffolding. Workers can carry out tasks like setting up windows and laying bricks because these offer support. Apart from this, workers can use the scaffold for repair work on tall buildings. Bridges or industrial areas undergoing repairs can also utilize the scaffolding. Additionally, staging setups heavily utilize steel scaffolds. Because they are adjustable, they can serve a variety of purposes.
Applications of Aluminum Scaffolding
People often use aluminum scaffolding for various applications. These are ideal for maintenance work and construction in a residential area. Because the structure is lightweight, it’s ideal for projects that require relocation. Additionally, event planners use the scaffold structure for staging purposes. Event to their resistance to wear and tear, event planners also prefer using aluminum scaffolds. These are usable even in extreme outdoor conditions.
The advantages of steel scaffolding
When you set up steel scaffolding, it offers many benefits.
Durability Steel scaffolding is strong and can support heavy loads. Hence, contractors can think about this scaffolding for large-scale projects.
Safety While using steel scaffolding, workers can carry out tasks on a stable platform. This mitigates the likelihood of accidents.
Versatility
Steel scaffolds are versatile by nature. This implies that they can adapt to their specific requirements.
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Cost-Effective Even though you might have to invest a lot, steel scaffolds are cost-effective. They always last for a long time in an outdoor environment.
Easy to assemble You can quickly set up and disassemble such scaffolds. This helps meet the timelines of construction projects.
In the end, we can build this type of scaffold to perform tasks high above ground level.
Benefits of Aluminum Scaffolding
Aluminum scaffolding offers several advantages over steel scaffolding.
Lightweight Aluminum’s lighter weight enables easy dismantling of the components. When moving scaffolding to different locations, this is useful.
Resistance to corrosion Aluminum components don’t wear out easily. Hence, the scaffold is ideal for construction sites. In the future, workers also don’t have to worry about maintenance.
Always Durable Even though the scaffolding equipment suppliers’ parts are lightweight, they can withstand heavy loads. They also keep the structure stable when individuals are working.
Adjustable Aluminum scaffolds are adjustable at any time. This allows the workers to meet the requirements easily.
Resistance to the weather Rain or high temperatures do not deteriorate aluminum components. This makes them suitable for diverse projects.
Conclusion
Finally, you can decide on the scaffolding structure based on the project’s needs. You can also erect scaffolding depending on the individuals working at the construction site. The budget should also be considered before choosing between an aluminum and steel scaffold.
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Hi
I bought some new old stock scaffold boards. I've never had or used scaff boards before so not sure what is acceptable or cause for concern.
One of the boards has a lip along the entire length. A couple of others have a similar lip but it is a lot less pronounced. Curious also as to what causes it? To begin with I thought they must be two separate lengths joined, but on closer inspection that doesn't seem to be the case. Here's a couple of photos of the worse one:
One of the other boards has a more severe but much short split at one end. Here's some photos of that one, top middle and underside:
Any thoughts most appreciated.
Many thanks
One of the boards has a lip along the entire length. A couple of others have a similar lip but it is a lot less pronounced. Curious also as to what causes it? To begin with I thought they must be two separate lengths joined, but on closer inspection that doesn't seem to be the case.
The lips are just machining (planing) marks. The galvanised straps at the ends are designed to both protect the ends of the scaff planks and mitigate minor splitting (yours is minor)
Use them as boards... To bridge between towers to form a platform. And also to access above a lean to roof.
I often use boards between towers but put them on top of ladders spanning the gap
Technically you are not supposed to use towers as a means of access to anything like a staging board (e.g. a Youngman board). I know people do, but that's the official (PASMA) position. Either way, I'm never keen on accessing anything at height without an adequate fixed hand rail, so I prefer a Youngman board (which are designed to accommodate clip-on hand rails, brickboards, etc). TBH sounds more like the sort of job a cherry picker could do - but then those require harness training...
How will you mitigate the risk of them sliding/etc?
You need to secure them in some way. On conventional steel scaffolding the scaff boards are held in place with scaff board clips. The OP will need to come up with something which replicates that to tie the boards to the towers, but TBH I think the towers also needs to be tied-in to the building temporarily, as well as being assembled using flat feet as opposed to using locking castors (these feet can be spiked into the ground and in any case are a lot less likely to move on rough ground, tarmac. slopes, etc)
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