A Guide to the Most Important Types of Scaffolding Around the World

Since time immemorial, scaffoldings are being used for construction purposes all over the world. From the basic wood and bamboo scaffolds commonly used back in the day to the new modern steel and aluminum ones, scaffoldings have been through quite a journey in history. 

In today’s construction industry, they are a necessity for repair, maintenance, and installation work. They are of various types and can be used for jobs both indoors and outdoors. A safer alternative to ladders, scaffoldings have highly revolutionized the modern construction industry. 

What is Scaffolding?

Before advancing into its many types, we must know what scaffolding is. In general terms, it is a temporary structure that can be elevated or suspended, which helps to support laborers who use it as a work platform to do construction jobs.

Scaffoldings should be sturdy and robust enough to provide enough support to the laborers and also assure safety when they are working at a height. The workers should also be wearing their protective gear at all times while working on the scaffoldings to ensure better security. 

Types of Scaffoldings Used all Around the World

The types of scaffoldings can be determined by two different factors: 

1. The material they are made of
2. The purpose they are used for

Different places around the world use different types of scaffoldings. The type of scaffoldings used in various places usually depends on the labor cost, cost of raw materials, the climate of the area, and the speed at which the job must be completed. Here are the various types of scaffoldings, and the places around the world where they are mostly used:

Wood and Bamboo Scaffolding

Commonly used in the Asian subcontinent, especially in India, Japan, and China, as this type of scaffolding is labor-intensive. This is why it is very common in Asia as labor is quite cheap here. Wood and bamboo, or pre-cut lumber were most commonly used for scaffolding for a long time before metals like steel and aluminum took over the industry. Hong Kong is one such city that uses bamboo scaffolding for almost all types of construction work, from small housing projects to skyscrapers.

Wood and bamboo scaffolding are highly used here because: 

• They are strong enough to support the workers
• The cost of the materials is cheap
• Thanks to the cheap labor, and therefore more workers can be hired to erect and dismantle the scaffoldings. 

Tubular/tube and clamp scaffolding

This type of scaffolding is commonly used in Scandinavia, Northern Europe, and the United Kingdom. This is one of the earliest scaffoldings that were made of materials like galvanized steel and aluminum. Labor is very costly in these places, which is why such scaffoldings are used for construction purposes, last a long time, and can be assembled and dismantled easily. These scaffoldings consist of two parts: the tube and the clips, and they are connected to form a strong work platform for the workers. 

Tubular scaffolding is popular in these places because: 

• This type of scaffolding is easy to assemble, erect, and dismantle, which can be done by limited but skilled labor. 
• Labor is costly here, and tubular scaffolding is a labor-saving option\
• Galvanized steel and aluminum are sturdier and safer than bamboo or fiber scaffoldings.
•  Non-corrosive materials are better at withstanding the rough weather dotted with snowstorms and freezing conditions.

Systems Scaffolding

Also known as modular formwork systems, this type of scaffolding is very popular in some North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and also South Africa. This type of scaffolding includes pre-engineered vertical and horizontal components that are connected systematically to build the towers. 

These scaffoldings are used in these countries because: 

• They are very versatile and can be used for loaded projects as well as small-scale jobs
• Strong and sturdy enough to support workers as a working platform.
• Cost-effective and labor-saving. 

Systems scaffolding can be of several types, namely:

1. Cuplock Systems Scaffolding
2. Kwikstage Scaffolding
3. Haki Scaffolding
4. Staircase towers.

Note: Kwikstage scaffold designs are also very popular in the United Kingdom and Australia, among other places. 

Frame and Brace Scaffolding

Very popular in North America and Europe, this is another labor-saving scaffold system that is used for both residential and commercial construction. This type of scaffolding includes parts like braces, frames, planks, and bases, that can be assembled easily to build the scaffold towers. However, they are not sturdier than modular formwork systems.

Frame and braces scaffolding is commonly used in these places because: 

• They are mostly used for low-scale projects. However, they are versatile and can be of aid in various situations. 
• It can be made into a mobile scaffold to make the work easier
• They are a sturdy enough aerial work platform that can withstand snow and strong winds. 

Swing Set or Suspended Scaffolding

This type of scaffolding is not specific to a certain area. However, it is popular in several places for its unique design. It includes a work platform that is supported by a suspended cable system so that the heights can be adjusted accordingly. 

The swing set scaffolding is very popular because: 

• Best for low-scale repair and maintenance jobs
• Easy to assemble and saves the hassle of erecting a scaffold tower
• They can also be easily dismantled and relocated, saving time and labor. 

These are some of the popular types of aluminum scaffoldings found worldwide, among many other options. Scaffolding makes aerial construction work easier and is therefore so much in demand, and there are so many more innovations with their design. 

Aluminum scaffoldings are important in construction and maintenance work because they are lightweight, durable, and easy to assemble. Their non-corrosive properties make them suitable for use in various weather conditions, reducing the risk of rust and other forms of corrosion.

Aluminum scaffoldings are also cost-effective compared to other materials, making them a popular choice for many businesses. They also provide a stable platform for workers, ensuring that they can perform their tasks safely and efficiently.

The modular design of aluminum scaffoldings also allows for easy customization, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Overall, aluminum scaffoldings are a crucial tool for any construction or maintenance project, providing a reliable and safe platform for workers to perform their tasks.