When it comes to scaffolding for your construction project you have a range of scaffolding systems to choose from. If you want to use traditional systems like Bamboo that is one option, however whilst Bamboo is still used in some countries, users in the UK tend to choose from one of two main systems. Cuplock Scaffolding and Kwikstage scaffolding each have their own benefits and both are readily available in the UK.
Cuplock Scaffolding Systems
The cuplock system is a very popular system across the globe. It is easy to assemble and has less parts to it than other systems, which makes it up to 40% quicker to assemble than traditional scaffolding. The system uses a unique node point connection which can allow up to four horizontal tubes to be connected to a vertical tube in one swift move. The tubes are locked together using two cups rather than nuts, bolts or wedges.
The system is streamlined and fast, making it a very quick process with less small, awkward parts. There are four main components to a cuplock scaffold system: Standard cuplock, Ledger cuplock, transom and handrail. The standard cuplock is the vertical tube which has cup joints at regular intervals. The ledger cuplock is the horizontal tube which has forged steel blades at each end, allowing the bottom of the standard cups to be found which being fastened in place by the top cups. Transoms sit on the ledgers at right angles to form a steady support for the standards and helps support the boards, types of transoms include intermediate transoms, which are used when the width of the standards is larger than the width of the board, and ladder access transoms which are used to provide a space for a ladder to be placed within the system.
Due to the lack of additional parts the system is easy to dismantle and requires little maintenance. The system is lightweight but strong, allowing for high load bearing capabilities.
Kwikstage Scaffolding Systems
The Kwikstage system also allows for no loose ends in your scaffolding system. This arrangement uses wedges to secure the structure and allow for access. The standards and ledgers are vertical and horizontal tubes as before but they are different as the standards have v-shaped fittings which the ledgers fit into. The transoms also use the v-shaped fittings to secure the system and link the inner and outer standards. Stage brackets are used to secure the boards and a tie bar links stage brackets to one another.
This system is just as lightweight as the cuplock and provides a guaranteed alignment of the system through its use of wedges and spigots and as the fixing system is in a fastened location there is little to no unwanted movement in the system.
The system which works best for your project will be dependent on your individual specifications including the size of the job, budget and the length of time you expect to be using the scaffolding.
