Which Scaffolding Holds More Weight?

There are many types of scaffolding available for construction companies. And it can be difficult to understand which type of scaffolding is right for your job. So, which is best for size, safety and convenience? And which scaffolding holds more weight?

In this article, we’ll look at the three most common types of scaffolding and help you understand which system suits your needs.

Tube And Clamp Scaffolding

Tube and clamp scaffolding is built upon base plates and jacks. And is often the most versatile type of scaffold and scaffold component system. This is because it’s completely modular, and built of steel tubing and clams, which can be used to create vertical support, horizontal platforms, transoms, and more.

Each steel tube is connected to a clamp, which then attaches to multiple other tubes. Horizontal, vertical, and diagonal tubes are used to reinforce the scaffold even further.

Tube and clamp scaffolding is appropriate for heavy duty and light duty scaffolding applications alike. It is incredibly stable and strong, and it’s usually not expensive, because the individual components are very simple.

However, it takes a long time to assemble tube and clamps, and care must be taken in every step of the process to ensure that each structural area is completely safe and secure, and installed correctly.

Prefabricated Modular System Scaffolding 

In contrast, like tube and clamp scaffolding, this type of scaffolding is extremely strong and durable, and has the advantage of using prefabricated components, which makes it easier to set the scaffold up and take it down.

For example, pre built transoms, walkways, and other such components can be purchased, and the entire system can be built without the complex assembly of tube and clamp scaffolding.

Examples of prefabricated modular system scaffolding include Layher and Kwikstage. These systems also integrate fall protection features, which are required of light duty scaffolding after a height of 3 metres.

Naturally, this type of scaffolding is usually a bit more expensive, but the convenience often makes it well worth the investment.

Frame Scaffolding

Frame scaffolding is extremely versatile and often the best choice for small projects, where scaffolding will not need to be installed for weeks or months. These types of scaffolds can be built with an A frame or an H frame design.

Pre built structural frame components can quickly be lashed and attached together using piping and support structures. Because every component is standardized, it’s easy to quickly build a safe scaffold and include fall protection such as guardrails and personal arrest systems.

Typically, this type of scaffolding is not appropriate for extremely high structures. Most commonly, painters and other professionals use frame scaffolding due to its low cost and portability, and they only go about two to four stories above ground level.

Additionally, Frames tend to become not stable when the height exceeds four times its minimum base dimension and usually must be tied or braced to the building when this occurs.

Which Scaffolding Holds More Weight?

The answer to this really depends on the architecture of your scaffold and the brand you’re using, and a number of other factors. So, it’s impossible to give you an answer that’s applicable to all situations.

However, all major brands adhere to workplace safety standards – namely, that all scaffolding must support, without failure, its own weight, as well as four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted.

Additionally,  this means that a scaffolding rig that weighs 1,000 kilos and is meant to support a maximum load of 1,000 kilos of weight must be able to support a total of 5,000 kilos.

So, which scaffolding holds more weight? In addition, as long as you purchase frame, modular, or tube and clamp scaffolding from a company like Australian Scaffold, you’re sure to get the solution and scaffold weight that works for you. Keeping our workers safety a priority.

Contact Us

If you need to purchase or hire scaffolding, please contact us now at 1300 919 905, or contact us online. We are always happy to hear from potential customers.