Why are there so many different types of scaffolding?

Sometimes, a specific type of scaffolding is common because the equipment is 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 with the tube and clip in England and Wales. There is a great deal of local experience on the complexities of each system, as well as local codes written with these systems in mind.

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

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

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

Tube and clamp scaffolds

This is one of the first types of steel scaffolding and consists of two parts, including tubes and clips, sometimes called "couples". The idea is really simple and one of the reasons why it is so popular is the ease of assembly and disassembly. To erect the scaffold, you must connect the tubes to each other to make long routes and then connect the vertical and horizontal ones with the clamps built specifically for these tubes.

This system is very flexible, since you can place the verticals where you need them. When other types of scaffolding do not easily form with strange shapes, tube and clamp scaffolds can be adapted to round, straight or irregular buildings. The steel in this type of scaffolding is specially designed to protect against rust and corrosion, which means that it is a good choice for regions with adverse weather conditions. There are specific requirements that scaffolding designers and companies must meet in accordance with OSHA's scaffold safety standards, which is where you'll find more diagrams like the ones shown above.

Systems scaffolding

Sometimes, modular scaffolds are called modular scaffolds and consist mainly of vertical and horizontal pre-engineered components that are connected together in a systematic way. Scaffolding systems are probably the most widely used type of scaffolding in the world and there are hundreds of manufacturers, each with specific efficiencies. Some work well in heavy load conditions and others are more suitable for smaller scaffolding structures.

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

Cuplock Systems scaffolding

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

Kwikstage scaffolding

If you are a scaffolding designer in the United Kingdom or Australia, then Kwikstage will probably be the scaffolding of your choice. From commercial to residential applications, Kwikstage is easy to install and relatively adaptable. With only five necessary components, it is easy to assemble and disassemble. The non-slip platforms and the double protection rails included with Kwikstage improve their safety and reliability. There are many resources available to build Kwikstage scaffolds, including those from Work Safe New Zealand and Staluform.

Haki scaffolding

Used in scaffolding, as well as in shoring and suspension systems, Haki is one of the most contemporary systems. Unlike other types of scaffolding, Haki is both a name for the manufacturer and a non-generic scaffolding system. Based on safety, quality and adaptability, Haki scaffolds are lighter and have fewer components than other systems. The typical length of the bay measures up to 3 meters and the system is approved for load class 6, which makes it one of the most durable systems. You will find many assembly instructions and Haki diagrams.