What are the Advantages of Aluminum Scaffolding?

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Aluminium scaffolding has a number of advantages over some other types of scaffolding. Most of the advantages relate to ease of use and portability. When moving between different jobs, it is necessary to find a material that is lightweight and portable. Further, aluminium scaffolding offers easy set up in, and it is also less inclined to crack, which may give it better durability when compared to timber and fibreglass.

Aluminium scaffolding can also be very stable, though the supports must be of sufficient diameter and quality in order to get maximum stability. The best scaffolding will have reinforced joints, and be rated for significantly more weight than it would expected to support during typical use.

In addition to being easier to carry, the weight of aluminium scaffolding is very important in other ways. In the case of a suspended, or swingstage scaffold, the device is suspended by ropes or chains above the ground. The more the scaffolding weighs, the more supports will be needed to hold it, and the more the scaffolding weighs, the more danger it poses for the workers.

In the case of suspended scaffolding, the weight also poses other problems. Often, this type of scaffold is used for washing windows and working on the sides of glass structures that could be easily damaged. The aluminium scaffolding's lighter weight will help ensure there is less potential for damage. In some cases, the sides will even include rubber wheels, which provide further protection against delicate surfaces.

After aluminium scaffolding is taken to site, it can then be set up easily. In many cases, the aluminium support rails will be jointed with movable pieces. This allows the scaffolding to be folded and unfolded quickly. Once the main piece is unfolded, the platform can then be simply put into place. To further aid the portability, many aluminium scaffolds will also come with wheels.

The other factor to consider that may provide an advantage for aluminium scaffolding is the cost. When compared fibreglass and timber, aluminium may be the cheapest option. Even if it is only a little less per piece, most construction sites require a great deal of scaffolding, so the cost savings may be quite substantial in the end.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Building wraps.
• Debris netting.
• How to remove scaffolding.
• Scaffold register.
• Scaffolding.
• Shoring.
• Temporary works.
• Types of crane.
• Types of scaffolding.
• Work at height.
• Work at height checklist for managers.
• Work at height regulations.
• Working platform.

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Why is there no comparison with steel?

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