Viktor SkoglundTop 5 Best Scaffolding Software on the market, 2022
Updated: Feb 3
Are you looking for a software solution for your scaffolding company? We got you fam. In this article, you will find 5 different software solutions tailored for the scaffolding industry, with pros and cons for each, so you can find out what suits your business best.
In a hurry? Here's the list
Scaffcalc - user-friendly, web based, includes engineering
LayPLAN Classic - Layher specific, many options, quick designs
Scaffmax - SketchUp plugin, automatic scaffolding generation
NTI Scaffplanner - BIM-software for the scaffolding industry
Avontus Scaffold Design - Visualisation software for complex structures
Scaffcalc
First and foremost, we are presenting Scaffcalc - the most user-friendly scaffolding calculation and design tool on the market. Design your scaffolding in 3D with a beautiful interface. When you are happy with your design, easily export documents with all engineering data required for a successful project, including standard load capacity, wind load capacity, materiallists, anchoring data and much more.
In need of calculations for your temporary roof systems? No problem, Scaffcalc got you covered on that part as well. Simply provide your data into their sophisticated form and voila, you have your documents in no time.
Pros with Scaffcalc
It is very easy to use and you need no training at all to get going. It has all the engineering you need, included from start. Standard load capacity, wind load capacity and anchoring data - all in one platform. And it is all done in your web browser - no need to download anything. Scaffcalc is a Swedish startup that does everything for their customers, which means fantastic support and continuous development.
Cons with Scaffcalc
Scaffcalc is made for facade scaffoldings and temporary roof systems, so if you are looking for a software for off-shore and industry scaffoldings, look somewhere else. Scaffcalc is working on a solution for this as well, but it is not prioritised.
Compatible with
Layher, HAKI, Pluseight (more are coming).
LayPLAN Classic
Are you a fan of Layher? Then this could be the software you are looking for. LayPLAN Classic works with Allround Scaffolding and SpeedyScaf from Layher. This tool helps you with quick designs with accurate measurements and detailed materiallists. However, it is not the most intuitive tool since it has been around for a very long time without any major interface changes. If you are looking for a whole-product with engineering as well, you have to export your files to Robot Structural Analysis or similar software, since it isn't included in LayPLAN Classic.
Pros with LayPLAN Classic
You can create multi-sided as well as cylinder shaped designs. Easily add stair towers and other add-ons (if you can find the button in that not-so-intuitive tool menu). You can create inclined ground profiles for more accurate scaffolding proposals.
Cons with LayPLAN Classic
Not the most user-friendly scaffolding software. A lot of buttons all over the place and no good guides. No engineering included. Only compatible with Layher.
Compatible with
Layher Allround, Layher SpeedyScaf.
Scaffmax
Scaffmax is a plug-in to SketchUp Pro, so if you are familiar with that software, this might be the scaffolding solution for you. Simply draw the object, and the software will automatically build scaffoldings around it. You can make quite complex objects with tilted ground and levelled floors which is a great feature in Scaffmax.
Pros with Scaffmax
Upload your blueprints and build on top of it. Automatically generated scaffoldings. Possible to create inclined surface underneath scaffolding. Free trial is available.
Cons with Scaffmax
No engineering included in this scaffolding software. You need SketchUp Pro in order to use this add-on. Pay per system you use, which can be expensive if you are using many types.
Compatible with
Altrad, Assco, Hünnebeck, Layher, Plettac, Rux, Scafom, PERI.
NTI Scaffplanner
Scaffplanner from NTI is a plugin to Autodesk Revit. Scaffplanner is one of few BIM-solutions for the scaffolding industry, making it extremely powerful if you are working in big projects with major developers. Scaffplanner creates materiallists based on you designs, as well as standard load capacity calculations. However, Revit requires more computational power than other scaffolding software solutions so make sure that your computer is fulfilling the system requirements.
Pros with Scaffplanner
Powerful BIM-software for advanced designs. Automatically generated materiallists.
Cons with Scaffplanner
Doesn't include wind-load capacity calculations. Can't be used without Autodesk Revit.
Compatible with
HAKI, Layher, Pluseight, Solideq and more.
Avontus Scaffold Design
With Avontus Scaffold Design, you can create complex scaffoldings in 3D and export them as PDF or to AutoCAD and more. It generates a materiallist based on your input and helps you with designs for proposals. However, it doesn't include any engineering. Avontus Scaffold Design is great for creating designs for industrial scaffolding designs.
Pros with Avontus Scaffold Design
Great exporting possibilities and a tool for complex designs. They have more products in their suite as well, like a material manager and a VR viewer if you are into that. Great tool for visualisation. Includes many systems, probably the most on the market of scaffolding software.
Cons with Avontus Scaffold Design
Doesn't include any calculations or engineering. It is also not the most user-friendly interface.
Compatible with
AAIT, AFIX, ALFIX, AT-PAC, Altrad, DSS, Biljax, Catari, Form-Scaff, PERI, Proscaf, Quick Ally, Plettac, Safway, StepUp, Universal Scaffolding.