Aluminium vs Steel Scaffolding: Cost and Schedule Comparison

1. Self-weight and handling cost

Aluminium has about one third the density of steel. One person can carry the components of a standard-height aluminium scaffold by hand, whereas a steel tube scaffold needs at least two, and moving material between floors takes more labour still. In areas with dense sites and high labour costs such as Shenzhen and Dongguan, aluminium saves about 40% of the labour in handling alone.

2. Erection efficiency

For projects in Shenzhen areas such as Songgang and Guangming, hours are money. At the same height, aluminium saves more than 60% of the erection time.

3. Transport and storage

Transport: every component of a 6 m aluminium scaffold fits into one small van. A steel tube scaffold at the same height needs at least a light truck. Storage: aluminium packs compactly and takes about one quarter of the space of a steel scaffold.

4. Service life

Aluminium: naturally corrosion resistant, does not rust, suits indoor and outdoor use, needs virtually no maintenance, and a reputable brand gives more than 10 years of normal service.

Steel tube: needs regular descaling and painting, costs about RMB 10-15 per set per year outdoors, and has to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

5. Where each is appropriate

6. Total cost comparison (6 m high, two years of use)

7. Summary

In the short term steel is cheaper; over the long term aluminium has the lower total cost. For indoor fit-out, mall maintenance and nuclear plant overhaul in Shenzhen, where scaffolds are erected and struck frequently, aluminium scaffolding is the better value choice.