Main types of construction scaffolding

 Scaffolding is an integral part of almost all construction projects and has been used since the first structures were built. Commonly needed to gain access to height structures during construction, scaffolding can serve many different purposes. Sometimes, scaffolds are used to support workers and their tools, other times they are needed to support significant loads of building materials, such as bricks, blocks, stucco or cast concrete in place, which is known as 'shoring' in place of 'scaffolding'.

 

Although there are many different types of scaffolding, the new variants come out quite frequently. Some of the most popular types of scaffolding worldwide include:

 

Wood and bamboo scaffolding

Tube and clip scaffolding

System scaffolding

Cuplock scaffolding

Kwikstage scaffolding

Haki scaffolding

Ladder Scaffolding Tower

Frame and clamp scaffolding

Suspended / Oscillating Scaffolding

Mast Climbing Scaffolding

Props

Why are there so many different types of scaffolding?

Sometimes, a specific type of scaffolding is common because the equipment is readily available and many people know the system. You may already be familiar with these regional differences, such as Kwikstage in Australia and Scotland, as well as the tube and clip in England and Wales. There is a lot of local experience about the complexities of each system, as well as the local codes written with these systems in mind.

 

Depending on where you work in the world, different types of scaffolding systems will be more common. In Scandinavia and northern Europe, where labor is very expensive, aluminum scaffolding is becoming more common. Since aluminum is lighter than steel, and most scaffolds must be lifted manually to put in place, a lighter scaffold means that scaffolding can be built faster, which reduces the cost of labor.

 Cuplock System Scaffolding Design

In some countries, aluminum is expensive and labor is much more affordable, so wooden posts and bamboo are quite common. As a designer, be sure to choose the scaffolding system that best suits your project and meets local regulations.

 

Below, you will find more information about each type of scaffolding, including common applications and where they are commonly used worldwide.

System scaffolding

Sometimes called modular scaffolding, system scaffolding mainly consists of pre-designed vertical and horizontal components that are systematically connected. System scaffolding is probably the most used type of scaffolding worldwide and there are hundreds of manufacturers, each with specific efficiencies. Some work well in heavy load conditions and others are more suitable for smaller repeated scaffolding structures.

 

System scaffolding is a general term that includes many different types of scaffolding that can be used to create standardized scaffolding bays. Some of the most popular types of system scaffolding include:

 

Cuplock system scaffolding

Commonly made of galvanized steel, cuplock system scaffolding is popular for its ability to withstand heavy loads. With cuplocks every 500 mm to 1,000 mm, this type of scaffolding creates highly standardized systems that work well for scaffolding designs with repeated patterns. You will find many diagrams about cuplock scaffolding systems, as well as information on the different sizes available, such as the previous ones.