Scaffolding and Formwork are still the Mainstays of Modern Construction

Particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, 3D printing has been enjoying unprecedented popularity. Supporters of additive manufacturing have elevated it from a tool for rapid prototyping to a full-scale production option. Giant-sized models are even being used to print multi-storey buildings. Nevertheless, the demand for scaffolding and formwork is growing and will continue to do so.

Massive entry costs prevent all but major international contractors from embracing 3D printing technology for construction. For the foreseeable future, workers will continue needing to operate at height and concrete will still be poured and shaped manually rather than under the direction of a computer programme.

Still the Best

Both of these traditional building aids have been around for centuries and, despite humble beginnings, have proved invaluable to builders throughout history. Structures such as cathedrals and high-rise office blocks would not exist without scaffolding, and formwork has been indispensable since the Romans invented concrete – a centuries-old breakthrough that has made possible architectural feats that were once beyond a builder’s wildest dreams.

“Buttering” bricks with cement and tapping them into place with a trowel is a standard technique when building a wall. Once the wall exceeds a certain height, to continue the process, it will become necessary to erect some means of access to the higher courses. Despite differing only from cement in that it contains aggregates and paste, concrete, on its own, is suitable for constructing walls and similar structures. Reaching those higher courses of brickwork will require scaffolding, and formwork will be necessary to shape and support the concrete until it dries and solidifies.

Think of the latter as a type of mould. Made of timber or metal, and formed into the desired shape, moulds like this provide a means to create concrete structures such as slabs, beams and columns in just about any form an architect can dream up.

The Experts You Can Trust: Disc-O-Scaff

Just as the initial design and ultimate construction of these crucial structures are both specialised and skilled occupations, so, too, is the design and manufacture of scaffolding and formwork. As a recognised South African leader in this industry, Disc-O-Scaff has more than ten years of experience in this field. We offer our clients a choice of off-the-shelf products for routine use as well as developing bespoke solutions for those who may need to undertake more specialised tasks.

Based in Elandsfontein, our business has served some of the nation’s top construction companies but welcomes all clients both large and small. Disc-O-Scaff also guarantees that all of its scaffolding and formwork products are made using only SABS approved materials and are manufactured in full compliance with the prevailing recommended standards.