How do I Calculate the Load-Bearing Capacity of a Scaffold Tower?

The height and load capacity of a scaffold tower is vital as it has a direct impact on site safety during construction or when carrying out repairs and renovations. Each industry has regulations that need to be specifically followed when it comes to the load-bearing capabilities of scaffolding. Overloading a platform is a serious risk to workers and could lead to the failure of the scaffold components. At Disc-O-Scaff, we take scaffold safety very seriously and ensure that our Kwikstage and Selflock scaffolding systems can hold the required safe working loads.

Preparation of a Scaffold Tower

For any work that involves the assembly of a scaffold tower, it is important to factor in what project the scaffolding will be used for to anticipate the number of tools, workers, equipment, and material that will need to be on a platform at any given time. Will the scaffolding be fixed to an existing structure or assembled at ground level on a solid foundation? Each component of the scaffold needs to be capable of supporting its own weight and at least four times the applied maximum intended load.

Maximum Safe Working Loads (SWL)

The maximum weight that a scaffold tower can hold safely is determined by the different load capacities as well as the type of scaffold tower erected. Load capacities are divided into three sectors and the maximum weight per square metre can be considered the safe working loads:

  • Usually used for light renovation work, painting, electrical inspections, and cleaning, a light-duty scaffold tower can handle load allowances of up to 120kgs per m2.
  • The most frequently used tower is a medium-duty scaffold tower for new construction, brickwork, and blockwork with load-bearing capacities of up to 240kgs per m2.
  • A heavy-duty scaffold tower is used for masonry and cladding with safe required load-carrying amounts of over 240kgs per m2.

The maximum safe working load is not an exact science but can be calculated based on the total weight of the workers, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, as well as other reasonably anticipated loads that will affect the structural capabilities of the scaffolding.

Leaders in Scaffolding Solutions

For over 10 years, Disc-O-Scaff has been the leader in scaffolding solutions. Our Selflock systems offer renovators a maximum permissible load of 150kg per m2 and our Kwikstage systems, popular amongst building contractors, have load capacities of up to 240kg per m2. As we manufacture our scaffold components from the highest-quality, SABS-approved materials, in accordance with scaffolding standards, we would suggest that you consult with us for the proper load-bearing capacity calculations.