What Is Scaffolding Software & Why Use It in Your Next Construction Project

For design professionals, construction companies, or builders, the planning process is crucial before you begin any scaffolding work. From creating the model to identifying structural issues, planning is the first step before you set anything in stone – or wood, or metal.

However, traditional 2D drawings are becoming obsolete as scaffolding software improves. Not only can it help reduce the chance of error, but it can save you time and even money in the long run.

What Is Scaffolding Software & How Does It Work?

Scaffolding design software allows builders and scaffolding professionals to view 3D models of their drawings, rather than having to use hand-drawn blueprints and designs. Traditional drawings of scaffold systems can be tedious, time-consuming, and messy as you make changes and copies. 

Thanks to 3D model scaffolding software, stakeholders can see more of a design than with a traditional 2D drawing. This offers more transparency (literally and figuratively) during the planning process.

Designers can create plans from scratch – from 2D drawings, using templates, or creating computer-generated drawings with the scaffolding software itself. Some programs even include an automated list of materials required to complete that design, which helps with scaffolding pre-planning and optimization. At Layher, we also offer digital design and scaffold engineering support.

What Types of Construction Projects Can Use Scaffolding Software?

Just about any construction project can benefit from using scaffolding software and 3D modeling.

Those working on commercial projects, such as a high-rise office building or skyscraper, can use this software to lay out and plan the access and scaffolding. You can create intricate details and show it off to clients – sometimes in virtual or augmented reality – and wow your customers. 

Scaffold design software is also excellent for industrial scaffolding projects. It allows to plan access and scaffold ahead of construction start. 

Benefits of Using Scaffolding Software in The Construction Industry

Efficiency

Time is money for any business. If you were presented with the ability to significantly cut down on lead times, wouldn’t you take it?

With scaffolding software, using a digital planning process to build out models is often much quicker and more organized, considerably cutting down the amount of time it takes to build a design.

Not only does it cut down on design creation time, but it allows for more seamless communication. When it can be viewed from multiple angles, there’s little room to make assumptions about particulars – everything is in plain sight. The details can be reviewed in depth, and the communication process between you and your clients will be much more seamless.

Improved Safety

Safety measures are integral to any construction business. Your workers need to be trained and feel safe on the job site while working on the scaffold systems. When viewing a 3D model of a scaffolding construction project, your team can note any potential risks of your current design and mitigate those through updated iterations or increased safety implements.

Viewing a commercial project or other scaffolding system from all possible angles will ensure that your design is the safest possible execution – during and after construction.

Increased Profit Margins

When you know how much material you will need for a project, you can perfectly order what you need in bulk. Save on costs by ordering exact quantities and reducing inventory on-hand.

Certain scaffolding software programs generate a list of materials you will need based on your 3D model. With this information, coupled with a complete layout of your design, the planning process allows you to work in cost control and avoid any unnecessary labor or inventory costs.

Layher’s Solution

At Layher, we offer the Scaffolding Information Modeling (SIM) process, which has been designed to plan, assemble, and manage temporary scaffolding structures in a more efficient way.

It helps with scaffolding planning, logistics, and implementation:

  • Costing
  • Scheduling
  • Loading
  • Transport
  • Assembly
  • Approval
  • Use
  • Modification
  • Dismantling

When integrated with our LayPLAN suite of programs, SIM becomes even more powerful, providing you with 2D plans, 3D models, direct data transfers, materials planning, and more.

LayPLAN is an integrated software solution that helps you scope out your project, price it, maximize parts utilization, build out a plan, and more. With 6 different plans to best suit your project needs, LayPLAN offers everything you need to build out and plan your next scaffolding project.

LayPLAN Classic

  • Type your dimensions and get material list in a few seconds

LayPLAN CAD

  • Saves time
  • AutoCAD pluggin 
  • Allow you to generate a materials list and plans with ease

LayPLAN TO RSTAB

  • Transfers Allround Scaffolding plans from LayPLAN CAD / AutoCAD into Dlubal RSTAB
  • Offers time savings and can avoid sources of error

LayPLAN TO REVIT

  • LayPLAN CAD /AutoCAD models converted into Autodesk Revit file format (.rvt)
  • Allows file to be downloaded via email

LayPLAN MATERIALMANAGER

  • Pulls materials lists from Classic and CAD to be edited further
  • Materials lists can be consolidated separately for price and weight consideration

LayPLAN VR VIEWER

  • Free to use
  • Enables virtual tours of scaffolding structures
  • Creates VR models from LayPLAN CAD data

Choose Layher to Help With Your Scaffolding Models

Layher offers a variety of scaffolding software to help you generate or build custom 3D models for your construction projects. Save time, money, and get accurate lists of materials with ease with our Scaffolding Information Modeling and LayPLAN programs.

If you have any questions about our software, how to utilize 3D models in your planning process, or need help with designing your model, contact Layher today. Our experts are more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have.