Many clients ask us about aluminium scaffolding in considering steel or aluminium scaffold for their metal scaffold construction. As a scaffolding manufacturer, we give the complete details here about the aluminium scaffold including types, grades, advantages and disadvantages, weight list, load capacity and how to install etc.
In general, aluminium scaffolding is any scaffold made of aluminium that has properties of lightweight, resistant to corrosion and used for access, construction, maintenance and painting, repair in both indoor and outdoor projects of support, access and staging. Popular aluminium scaffolding systems include ringlock, kwikstage, base frame systems and aluminium scaffold tubes and fittings.
What are the different types of aluminium scaffolding
There are three types of aluminium scaffold: mobile aluminium scaffolding, aluminium scaffold tower and aluminium folding scaffolding.
Mobile aluminium scaffolding
It is a type of aluminium scaffolding that is equipped with braked wheels. Can move around the job site easily. They are used for both internal and external scaffold projects.
Aluminium Scaffold Tower
This is a type of aluminium scaffold that is used for higher elevation. It is composite with vertical frames, horizontal braces and work platforms. They are sturdy in support and used mostly in tall structures.
Folding Aluminium Scaffold
Folding aluminium scaffolds are compact. They can be folded when stock or transportation. You can unfold them if want to use them working. Lightweight and easy to stock. They are used for small-scale projects which are limited in the workspace area.
Aluminium Scaffolding Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Aluminium Scaffolding
Aluminium scaffolding has a lot of advantages, which is the reason why aluminium scaffolding is popular.
- Aluminium Scaffolding 3 Times Lighter Than Steel Scaffolding. Aluminium density is 2.7g/cm3 and steel density is 7.85 g/cm3. The same size of aluminium scaffold is 3 times lighter than steel scaffolding.
- Aluminium Scaffolding Is Durable with Enough Weight Bearing.
- Aluminium Scaffolding Is Resistant to Corrosion Can Be Used In Humid and Coastal Areas without Rusty
- Aluminium Scaffolding Is Efficient and Quick In Assembly and Dismantle with Light and Modular Designed Parts.
- Aluminium Scaffolding Is versatile in applications that are Used for Both Internal and External, Small-Scale and Elevation Construction.
- Aluminium scaffolding is safe with non-slip surface platforms, guardrails and designed sturdy mechanism parts.
- Aluminium scaffolding is environment-friendly and can be recycled.
- Aluminium scaffolding can be used for 20-50 years with less cost of maintenance
- Aluminium scaffolding is easy to stock and transportation
- Aluminium Scaffolding Is Weather Resistant. Can Use In Rainy, Snow, UV Exposure Condition.
What are the disadvantages of aluminium scaffolding?
Aluminium scaffolding has also some disadvantages that need your considered before the decision.
- Aluminium Scaffolding is Cost Changing For One Time Investment. Much more expensive than steel scaffolding.
- Rent Aluminium Scaffolding is Expensive too
- Aluminium Scaffolding Can not Be Repaired If Distortion
- Aluminium Scaffolding Load Capacity Is Not As Good As Steel Scaffolding
- Aluminium Scaffolding Material Is Easy to Be Steal Because of Light Weight and Easy
Aluminium Scaffolding VS Steel Scaffolding
Both aluminium scaffolding and steel scaffolding are types of metal scaffolds which are used the most commonly today. We compare them in different sections between them for you.
| Aluminium Scaffolding | Steel Scaffolding |
| Parts Weight: Light (density: 2.7g/cm3) | Parts Weight: Heavy (density: 7.85g/cm3) |
| Load: Normal Bearing | Load: Heavy Bearing |
| Resistant to Corrosion: Naturally | Resistant to Corrosion: Galvanized & Paint |
| One Time Invest: Expensive | One Time Invest: Cheaper |
| Life Span: 20-50 Years | Life Span: 5-50 Years |
| Repeat Use: Yes | Repeat Use: Yes |
| Efficient: Better (2 men & 6 hours) | Efficient: Less (4 men & 8 hours) |
| Maintenance Cost: Less | Maintenance Cost: Higher |
| Strength: Lower | Strength: Higher |
| Distortion: More Possibility | Distortion: Less Possibility |
| Scaffold Height: 10-15m Max | Scaffold Height: Much Higher |
| Stock Condition: Inside, Dry | Stock Condition: Inside, Dry |
What is the maximum height for aluminium scaffolding?
The aluminium scaffolding tower’s maximum height is 14-15m. The Aluminium mobile scaffold’s maximum height is 10m-12m.
Generally speaking, the maximum platform height of aluminium scaffolding should not exceed 3 times the minimum base width. For example, 1.5m base width aluminium scaffold, the max height should not exceed 4.5m.
To make clear the max height of the aluminium scaffolding. The following table shows the maximum height of the aluminium scaffold calculated based on the normal base width.
| Standard Base Width | Maximum Platform Height |
| 1.35m | 4.05m |
| 1.45m | 4.35m |
| 1.20m | 3.60m |
| 2.00m | 6.0m |
If the aluminium scaffold height is more than 5m, need outrigger to increase the base dimension of the scaffold and make the scaffold stable.
If want to increase the maximum height of the aluminium scaffolding, you need to add the outriggers or stabilizers to increase the base width.
The stabilizer length of the aluminium scaffolding is 2.0m, 3.0m, 4.5m and 6.0m. They support the aluminium scaffolding at 45 degrees during construction to increase the base width and dimension of the scaffold towers thus making high scaffold towers stable and sturdy.
With the support of the stabilizer, the maximum platform height of the aluminium scaffolding can reach 10-12m for mobile scaffold and 14-15m for aluminium scaffold tower.
What grade of aluminium is scaffolding?
As a general rule, aluminium scaffold grade is 6061 T6， 6063 T6 and 6082 T6. 6082 T6 is the best aluminium grade for aluminium scaffolding because it is stronger than other grades and can take more weight.
Strength Comparison Among Different Grades of Aluminium Scaffolding
| Properties | 6063 T6 | 6061 T6 | 6082 T6 |
| Density | 2.7g/cc | 2.7g/cc | 2.7g/cc |
| Hardness, Brinell | 95 | 95 | 95-120 |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 241 Mpa | 310 Mpa | 280-340 Mpa |
| Tensile Yield Strength | 214 MPa | 276 Mpa | 240-310 Mpa |
| Elongation at Break | 12% | 12% | 10% |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 GPa | 68.9 GPa | 70 GPa |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Shear Modulus | 25.8 Gpa | 26 Gpa | 26-26.5 GPa |
| Shear Strength | 152 Mpa | 207 Mpa | 210 Mpa |
But 6082 T6 aluminium scaffolding cost is the highest compared to 6061 and 6063.
Does Aluminium Scaffolding Rust?
Aluminium scaffolding does not rust. The nature of aluminium is resistant to rust and corrosion. However, aluminium scaffolds need to be stocked inside or under cover in a clean and dry environment and free of any chemical interaction to avoid condensation.
Aluminium scaffolding can not be explored outside in the long term. If you use aluminium scaffolding outdoors and want the aluminium scaffold to last a long life. You need to clean the aluminium scaffolding. You will get details on how to clean the aluminium scaffold next.
How to clean aluminium scaffolding
Clean Aluminium Scaffolding is very easy. 1) You need to prepare a soft brush or cloth first 2) Prepare some mild soap and water 3) Remove the dirt, debris, concrete and loose particles with a wet cloth or clean them with a soft brush 4) Make sure do not use cleaners with abrasive and harsh chemicals.
How much does aluminium scaffolding weigh?
Aluminium scaffolding tube weight calculation formulation:
Weight(KG) = 0.00879*wall thickness*(out diameter-wall thickness)*length(m)
For example, a loose aluminium scaffold tube for scaffolding is 48.3mm in diameter and 4.47mm in wall thickness according to BS1139 standard.
The weight of 1m of the standard aluminium scaffold tube = (48.3-4.47)*4.47*0.00879*1=1.72 KG per meter Or 0.52 KG per foot. (Mark: Mass Per Unit Meter In BS1139 is 1.67 kg/m)
To give more details about the aluminium scaffold weight, I have here the weight list for the 4.0mm and 4.5mm wall thickness aluminium scaffold tube in out diameter of 48.3mm
| Aluminium Tube Length | OD48.3×4.0mm Weight(KG) | OD48.3×4.5mm Weight(KG) |
| 0.5m | 0.78 | 0.87 |
| 1.0m | 1.56 | 1.73 |
| 1.5m | 2.34 | 2.60 |
| 2.0m | 3.12 | 3.47 |
| 2.5m | 3.89 | 4.33 |
| 3.0m | 4.67 | 5.20 |
| 3.5m | 5.45 | 6.06 |
| 4.0m | 6.23 | 6.93 |
| 4.5m | 7.01 | 7.80 |
| 5.0m | 7.79 | 8.66 |
| 5.5m | 8.57 | 9.53 |
| 6.0m | 9.35 | 10.40 |
| 6.4m(21′) | 9.97 | 11.09 |
What is the load capacity of Aluminium scaffolding?
Aluminium scaffolding load capacity has three classes light duty, middle duty and heavy duty.
- Light-duty aluminium scaffolding load capacity is 25lbs per square foot and 125KG per square meter
- Middle-duty aluminium scaffolding load capacity is 50 lbs per square foot and 250 kg per square meter
- Heavy Duty aluminium scaffolding load capacity is 75 lbs per square foot and 350 kg per square meter
The normal aluminium scaffolding can bear 225 kg to 300kg weight per platform. It is about 2 men’s weight(supposed 80kg each person) plus some tools and light equipment. One aluminium scaffold tower can take a load about of 700 KG.
How to Install Aluminium Scaffold
Aluminium Scaffolding Installation Video
Installation Guide
Aluminium scaffold parts need to be prepared: base frames, horizontal braces, diagonal braces, caster wheels, ladders, platforms, hatches, stabilizer
Steps of aluminium scaffold set up:
- Insert two caster wheels into the base frames and secure them inside the frame legs
- Lock horizontal braces on the frames
- Repeat the processes for another side of the base frames
- Install plan braces diagonally from the internal of the base frames to square the scaffold
- Install diagonal braces
- Check the level of the horizontal braces by lever
- Check the level of another base frame by lever
- Turn the wing nut of the adjustable caster wheels to keep the level horizontal
- Install the platform as a temporary platform on top of the rung about 0.5m high from the ground
- Install a 2ndset of base frames on top of the current base frames
- Remember you secure the frame clips after that
- Install two diagonal braces and place them at the opposite direction of the existing two diagonal braces after the 2ndset of two frames
- Relocated the temporary platform from 0.5m up to 1m from the ground
- Then installed the ladder which we used to climb up to install the next working platform
- Make sure to secure each of the ladder ends at the top rung as well as at the bottom site
- Then you use the ladder to climb up to install 2ndstep of horizontal braces
- Finish up with the opposite side of the horizontal braces
- Install hatch deck at 2m height from the ground
- Move the lower guard horizontally above as mid-rails
- Remove the temporary platform at 1m and relocate the working platform up to match the work level
- If the height is more than 3 times of base width of the base frame, an extra stabilizer needs to be added at 45 degrees and locked to the base frames by horizontal
- If the aluminium scaffold height is more than 4m, needs to be installed by a licenced scaffolder
- Continue the base frame install if needed
- Install toe boards on working decks to protect against slipping off from the edge and stop tools and materials fall from the decks
- Before using the scaffold, need to check the structure is firm, the wing nut is bolted and the caster brake is locked
- Take down the scaffold by reversing the processes that start from the top of
- Never drop any scaffold parts to the ground and always be carefully
Key Takeaways
Aluminium scaffolding is lightweight, easy to install and resistant to rust. It can be used for construction with normal weight-bearing requests with a maximum platform height of 15m. It can not used for heavy-duty construction and shoring. If you want any heavier aluminium scaffolding, can choose 6082 T2 grade aluminium scaffold towers, which can increase the strength and load.
One-time investment for aluminium scaffolding is high. But it is durable and can be repeated using. Thus it saves labor and time during erection, storage costs and maintenance costs. In the long term, it is saving.
Mobile aluminium is convenient for moving around the job for both indoor and outdoor projects with caster wheels. Fold aluminium scaffolds are small and light, easy to stock and transport. While an aluminium scaffold tower is possible for elevation construction.