Faster to Assemble and Disassemble Than Steelĭue to it’s light weight and durability, aluminium scaffold can be moved and erected much more quickly than steel. Why is Aluminium Scaffolding Better than Steel?Īluminium has a few key advantages over steel for the majority of worksite applications. It’s always best to check with an expert in advance of a job to make sure you’re making the best possible selection of materials. That being said, it’s high enough that for the majority of jobs this is not an issue. Aluminium is less dense than steel so its load bearing capacity is lower. The weight rating for whatever material of scaffolding you use should be carefully considered and, ideally, scaffolding should be chosen that can bear more than the intended weight of the job. Steel and aluminium can also snap, although aluminium is more likely to buckle or twist. In the case of wood and carbon fibre, this is a sudden snapping or splitting. Load Bearing CapacityĪll scaffolding materials are rated for a specific load, exceeding this load can cause critical failures. Another way to compensate for its cost would be to hire it on a job-per-job basis rather than purchasing it outright. It will last longer before needing replacement and its lower weight makes it less hassle to store. However, since it is much more corrosion resistant and generally resilient than steel or wood, aluminium scaffold could be considered as more of an investment. CostĪs it’s a rarer resource than wood or steel, aluminium scaffolding can often cost quite a bit more. Whilst Aluminium is an excellent choice for many scaffolding applications, it does have some disadvantages which should be considered. Steel scaffolding needs frequent and careful inspection for signs of corrosion that can lead to failures. rust) is a much more serious concern with steel and can quickly lead to failures in structural integrity.
This means that any surface damage effectively protects itself, as long as the damage isn’t structural. Reduced Danger from OxidationĪny scratches below the surface of aluminium quickly form a thin oxide layer, blocking further deterioration. For increased safety and peace of mind, platforms with lighter weight and equal strength are clearly advantageous, and this is possible when using an aluminium scaffold. Heavy steel platforms enhance this issue. Injury from strain or drops is less likely with lightweight aluminium than it is with heavy steel. Ease of movement and transportation from the point of view of a site worker reduces stress and saves energy. Manoeuvrability is always something to strive for on-site, and the better it is, the faster and more effectively work can be completed. This translates directly into scaffolding, especially applications such as aluminium scaffold towers, as they can safely be built using aluminium to a lower final weight than steel, as long as the load they are intended to bear is taken into consideration. Because aluminium has a much higher strength-to-weight ratio, you can make the aluminium pole much taller than the steel one before it buckles under its own weight. Imagine two long, solid poles of metal of the same diameter are built next to each other, one from steel and one from aluminium. The strength-to-weight ratio (also known as Specific Strength or Self-Support Length) describes a material’s ability to support its own weight. It can also potentially reduce the need for cranes or other pricey lifting gear, as much of the lifting can be done by hand. It’s easier to load, transport and erect than steel. This has multiple benefits across the board. Advantages of Aluminium Scaffolding Lighter Than SteelĪluminium is considerably lighter than steel. Here are the main points to consider when deciding if aluminium is the right choice for you. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminium Scaffolding?Īs with any scaffolding material, aluminium has both advantages and disadvantages. Aluminium scaffold towers are also lighter and easier to assemble than their steel counterparts.įor an in-depth discussion on these advantages as well as a look at some potential disadvantages, read on. It has excellent corrosion resistance, requires little maintenance and is suited to a wide range of applications. So, what are the advantages of aluminium scaffolding? Aluminium scaffolding is lighter, more manoeuvrable, and lasts longer than steel scaffolding. In this article, we explain what the advantages of aluminium scaffolding are. Whilst each has their own advantages and drawbacks, aluminium is an excellent choice for many applications. Scaffolding can be made from multiple materials, including aluminium, steel, wood, and even carbon fibre.
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