How long is the typical replacement cycle for scaffolding?
The replacement cycle of scaffolding is not a fixed and uniform value, but is influenced by various factors. It needs to be comprehensively judged based on actual usage, maintenance status, and testing results. The main influencing factors are as follows:
1. Material and Manufacturing Standards
Buckle type scaffolding: Made of Q345B low-alloy structural steel, it has strong corrosion resistance and load-bearing performance. If maintained properly (regularly rust removal, painting, avoiding long-term outdoor storage), its service life can reach 10-15 years or even longer.
Wheel buckle scaffold: made of Q235 carbon steel, with relatively weak corrosion resistance, and has a service life of about 5-10 years under normal maintenance.
Fastener type steel pipe scaffolding: Steel pipes and fasteners are prone to corrosion, especially fasteners (made of cast iron material). If not maintained properly, key components may need to be replaced locally within 3-5 years.
2. Operating environment
Adverse environment: In humid environments (such as basements, rainy season construction), corrosive media (such as chemical plants, beaches), or high temperature environments, the corrosion rate of metal components accelerates, and the replacement cycle may be shortened to 3-8 years.
Dry and clean environment: For indoor decoration and use in dry areas, scaffolding wear and tear is slow, and the replacement cycle can be extended to 8-15 years.
3. Frequency of use and load
High frequency use: Used for frequent construction turnover (multiple installations and demolitions per year), increasing the probability of component wear and deformation, and possibly shortening the replacement cycle.
Heavy load application: Long term use in scenarios such as high formwork and heavy support, where vertical and horizontal poles are subjected to high stress and are prone to fatigue damage. It is necessary to shorten the inspection interval and replace them in advance based on the inspection results (possibly 5-8 years).
4. Maintenance and upkeep situation
Regular maintenance such as rust removal, painting, fastening of connectors, and replacement of damaged parts can significantly extend their service life; If there is a lack of maintenance, the components may rust and deform faster, and it may take 2-5 years to replace them as a whole.
