Aluminium Lattice Beams 450mm

450mm Aluminium Lattice Beam Sizes

We stock three beam lengths to suit different scaffold designs and span requirements.

All sizes have 48.3mm diameter top and bottom chords with a 4mm wall thickness.

Select the correct length as part of the scaffold design, rather than simply matching the beam to the opening width. The span, loading, support positions, restraints, connections and overall structure all need to be considered.

Other Scaffold Beam Options

These 450mm aluminium lattice beams are one option within our wider range of structural beam components. You can also view our scaffold beams category for other aluminium and steel options for bridging, spanning and temporary scaffold structures.

Where Are Aluminium Lattice Beams Used?

Lattice beams are widely used where a standard scaffold layout would otherwise be interrupted by an opening or obstruction.

A common example is a building entrance or vehicle access point. If standards cannot be positioned directly underneath the scaffold because the opening needs to remain clear, a lattice beam can form part of a designed bridging section.

They may also be used where scaffolding needs to span above a conservatory, garage or similar structure without placing standards directly below.

Typical applications include:

• temporary roof scaffolds
• bridging doorways and entrances
• spanning vehicle access routes
• birdcage scaffolding
• suspended scaffold structures
• protection and crash decks
• structures over garages and conservatories
• scaffolds where clear access needs to be maintained below

The exact beam arrangement varies from one scaffold to another, which is why you should always establish the structural requirements before ordering.

Lightweight Construction for Easier Handling

One of the main advantages of aluminium is its reduced weight compared with heavier beam materials.

This is particularly useful with longer beam sections. An 8.1m component still requires careful handling, but reducing the overall weight makes transportation, unloading and positioning more manageable on site.

The open lattice design also contributes to this balance of strength and weight.

Rather than using a solid structural section, the beam is formed from two parallel horizontal chords connected by diagonal and vertical members. This arrangement gives the beam its rigidity while reducing unnecessary material and weight.

For scaffolders working with larger temporary structures, this can make a practical difference when components need to be moved repeatedly around site. For projects where reducing component weight is important, we also supply aluminium scaffold tubes, a lightweight tubular option available in a range of lengths for compatible scaffolding applications.

Manufactured from 6082 Aluminium Alloy

These beams are manufactured from 6082 aluminium alloy.

This aluminium alloy is commonly used in structural and engineering applications because it offers a useful combination of strength, relatively low weight, and corrosion resistance.

For scaffolding equipment that may spend long periods outdoors, corrosion resistance is an important practical advantage. It helps maintain the equipment’s condition when used and stored correctly.

As with any structural scaffold component, inspect beams before use and remove them from service if they show signs of damage, distortion, or other defects that could affect performance.

48.3mm Chords for Scaffold Connections

The upper and lower horizontal chords have an outside diameter of 48.3mm.

This matches the diameter commonly used for standard scaffold tube, allowing suitable scaffold fittings and couplers to connect the beam into a 48.3mm tube-and-fitting scaffold system.

This makes the beams versatile within conventional scaffold systems because they can be incorporated alongside standard tubes, fittings, ledgers and other components.

The chord tubing has a wall thickness of 4mm.

The fittings used, their positions, and how the beam is restrained should all follow the requirements of the scaffold design.

Bridging Openings and Access Routes

One key use of lattice beams is bridging.

Many situations mean the scaffold cannot simply continue down to ground level at every point. Doorways, loading bays, pedestrian routes and vehicle entrances may all need to remain usable while work is carried out above them.

A lattice beam can form part of a structure designed to transfer loads across that opening.

The key point is that the opening width alone does not determine which beam to use.

For example, an 8m opening does not automatically mean that an 8.1m beam is suitable. The beam still needs adequate support, and you must consider the loading, restraint, and connection arrangement.

Suitable for Temporary Roof Structures

Aluminium lattice beams are also commonly used within temporary roof scaffolding.

Temporary roofs can require longer structural spans and supporting members that form a stable framework above the building or work area.

The relatively low weight of aluminium can be particularly helpful in these larger structures, especially when beams need to be lifted and positioned at height.

However, temporary roofs are designed structures and can be exposed to significant wind and weather loads.

Beam size, spacing, bracing, support points and the complete scaffold arrangement should therefore be specified within the design rather than selected independently.

Joining Aluminium Lattice Beams Together

Where a scaffold design requires a longer arrangement, compatible aluminium beams can be connected end to end using scaffold beam spigots and spring clips.

The joining spigot locates inside the ends of the adjoining beams, while the spring clips secure the connection.

This allows several beam sections to form part of a larger designed structure.

Do not assume that joining beams simply combines their individual capacities. Once beams are connected, you must consider the complete arrangement as a structural system.

Joints, supports, restraints, loading, and connection position can all affect how the structure performs.

Which Beam Length Should I Choose?

We supply 4.1m, 6.1m and 8.1m options.

The correct size depends on the structure being built and should normally be specified in the scaffold design.

Factors that may influence the required beam include:

• the width of the opening
• the intended span
• the applied loads
• the position of supporting standards
• connection details
• beam restraints
• whether beams are joined
• the overall scaffold configuration

For straightforward ordering, use the length specified by your scaffold designer or project documentation.

We can supply the required components, but we can’t design a scaffold or advise how many beams are needed for a particular load, opening, or structure.

Handling and Storage

Although aluminium keeps the beams comparatively light, longer sections remain substantial components and should be handled appropriately.

The 8.1m beam weighs approximately 31.70kg and its length can make it awkward to manoeuvre even though the material itself is relatively light.

Use suitable manual-handling procedures and enough people or mechanical assistance for the size of beam being moved.

When storing beams, support them adequately and avoid positions where they could bend or distort.

Before reuse, inspect the beam for obvious damage, particularly around the chords, welded connections and ends.

Aluminium Lattice Beam Specifications