The History and Evolution of Scaffolding
Who Invented Scaffolding?
It may surprise you to learn that the answer to who created scaffolding is… we simply don’t know. Scaffolding was used in various forms by ancient civilizations all over the world.
The earliest evidence we have of scaffolding comes from the paleolithic era, over 17,000 years ago. The walls of the caves in Lascaux, France, featuring paintings have sockets, suggesting a primitive form of scaffolding was used to help the painters reach the ceiling.
Scaffolding-like structures were also likely used to aid in the building of the Pyramids of Giza in Ancient Egypt around 2600 BC. These pyramids are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one still standing today. The pyramids were built with 2.3 million stone blocks, each weighing between 25 and 80 tons. How exactly the Ancient Egyptians managed to construct the pyramids without modern machinery has long been a mystery. But one of the most plausible theories is that they used wooden ramps and scaffold-like structures to lift stones and push them into place.
An imagining of what Ancient Egyptian scaffolding may have looked like
The Ancient Romans used wooden scaffolding and ladders to build the aqueducts, bridges, and coliseums. At this stage, scaffolding was made of wood and rope knots.
The scaffolding system used by Ancient Romans to build the aqueducts
During the Middle Ages, wooden scaffolding became quite common, and it was most extensively used by monks. The reason for this was as architecture and construction techniques advanced, the most elaborate structures being built were cathedrals. “Scaffolder-monks” were specially trained in the safe construction of scaffolds to help new cathedrals reach new heights. Primitive versions of loading cranes were also introduced, making complex construction possible.
In Ancient Asian civilizations, scaffolding was built with bamboo. Like the monks of the Middle Ages, most of the construction that required scaffolding were temples and palaces. Even sections of the Great Wall of China were built with these bamboo structures. In fact, many forms of bamboo scaffolding are still used in South East Asia today.
An example of modern bamboo scaffolding
By the Victorian era in the 19th century, wooden scaffolding secured with hemp rope, wire, and sisal were widely being used. The construction of London, England’s iconic Tower Bridge, for example, used scaffolding at this time. The working conditions, however, were still questionable. Workers at this time didn’t wear helmets or protective clothing, instead they wore everyday suits to work.
The Evolution of Scaffolding
At the same time, the Industrial Revolution was well under way, leading to the development of new material and building techniques. Steel scaffolds were created for the first time, offering greater durability and stability than its wooden counterparts. Concrete and steel also opened up new possibilities for building construction, leading to greater demand for reliable scaffolding.
In the early 20th century, Daniel Palmer Jones and David Henry Jones created modern scaffolding with their respective companies: Rapid Scaffold Tie Company, and Tubular Scaffolding Company and Scaffolding Great Britain.
The pair realized that while the new steel poles made scaffolding sturdier, rope was a more dangerous way to tie the poles together because there was a lot of slippage. They worked on creating a better way to secure scaffolding poles. Eventually, they patented the “Rapid Scaffixer” between 1907 and 1910. This was a new binding and clamping process for securing scaffolding poles. It was far more reliable and secure than rope, nearly eliminating “slippage” between poles while the scaffolding was being used.
The Rapid Scaffixer
The Scaffixer was so successful that the Jones’ were hired for the reconstruction of Buckingham Palace in 1913. The increased publicity helped them invent the “Universal Coupler” in 1919 which quickly became the industry standard, and is still used today.
As metallurgy advanced, tubular steel water pipes lead to standard dimensions, and the industry was able to interchange parts. This increased the structural stability of scaffolding, making it more safe. Diagonal bracings were also added to improve stability, especially at greater heights, unlocking modern skylines and skyscrapers.
All of this development led to the first frame system being introduced to the market in 1944 by SGB. It was this form of scaffolding that was used extensively in postwar reconstruction.
Why is Scaffolding Important?
Of course, the most important role scaffolding plays is ensuring the safety of construction crews.
Following the extensive air raids over England in World War II, Britain required a new army of construction workers to rebuild entire towns all over the country. This boom in construction meant there was a lot more skilled work than trained tradesmen.
English workers rebuilding after WWII
Most build sites hired apprentices and other unskilled labourers. Scaffolding was no exception, and although scaffold systems themselves were much safer, there weren’t enough skilled workers to assemble scaffolds properly. Unfortunately, the outcome was dangerous working conditions and increased injuries and fatalities.
This contributed to the introduction of mandated safety regulations. These rules, although they vary from country to country and region to region, shape the scaffolding industry.
What Else is Scaffolding Used for?
Once you start looking, you’ll see scaffolding everywhere. Not just on local job sites, but the same form is used in grandstand seating, concert stages, ski ramps and half pipes, viewing towers, and even in art projects. Michelangelo was only able to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel because of scaffolding.
When you consider all the works of art, the cathedrals, the Roman empire, and the pyramids all built with the humble scaffold…
Scaffolding doesn’t just support workers: it has supported human ambition and creativity throughout human history.
You may not be building a Medieval church, but whatever your construction project, you’ll need a scaffold system you can rely on. To learn more about the Whalen-Jack scaffolding system, feel free to explore our other posts or reach out to us when any questions you may have.