Why use SMART Scaffolder for Scaffold Design software
SMART Scaffolder is a scaffold design software platform developed by CADS, the engineering software company that worked with NASC on TG20:21 and TG30:24 guidance. The platform combines 3D scaffold modelling, Revit integration, estimating, compliance management and engineering workflows, making it suitable for scaffold contractors, designers and temporary works engineers seeking an alternative to existing products.
Fast, accurate Estimation and Quotations, produce detailed quotes in minutes not hours
Simple, reliable Inspections, handovers and tracking of Scaffold status
Shared Data model and integrations allowing you to seamlessly move from one application to another without duplicating effort
3D Scaffold Modelling Built on Autodesk Revit
Coming 2027 – SMART Scaffolder for Revit
SMART Scaffolder enables scaffold designers to create intelligent scaffold models directly within Autodesk Revit.
Benefits include:
- Rapid scaffold creation
- Parametric scaffold components
- Automatic drawing generation
- BIM coordination
- Clash detection
- Project visualisation
- Design changes updated automatically
Unlike standalone scaffold planning tools, Revit-based workflows allow scaffold designs to integrate directly with wider construction and BIM projects.
Generate Quantities and Estimates from Scaffold Models
Integrated with SMART Estimator
Design and commercial teams can use scaffold models to improve estimating accuracy.
Benefits include:
- Material take-offs
- Labour calculations
- Cost forecasting
- Tender support
- Reduced estimating errors
This connection between modelling and estimating helps reduce duplication and improve project profitability.
SMART Scaffolder and the NASC
CADS has supported structural and civil engineering projects for more than four decades and worked closely with NASC as principal engineers and software developers on NASC projects for over a decade
In 2008 the NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) issued new guidance that impacted on all tube and fitting scaffold design in the UK. TG20:08 was developed in response to BS EN 12811-1:2003, which replaced the obsolete British Standard for tube and fitting scaffolding, BS 5973, providing wide-ranging advice on the construction of tube and fitting scaffolding, together with guidance for design engineers.
CADS has worked extensively with the NASC over many years, producing the interactive guide for TG20:08, co-authoring TG20:13 guidance and E-guide, and assisting in the production of the current NASC E-portal for TG20:21 compliance checking. We have worked closely with the NASC to produce the amended guidance for release in 2013 (TG20:13). The relationship continued for the subsequent TG20:21 update. The core software behind SMART Compliance was developed to produce the calculations for the TG20 projects. We have since expanded on that base to create SMART Compliance.
Support Compliance Throughout the Project Lifecycle
Integrated with SMART Compliance
Once a scaffold is designed and erected, ongoing compliance management becomes critical.
SMART Compliance supports:
- Scaffold inspections
- Handover records
- Defect management
- Audit trails
- Digital compliance records
This creates a connected workflow from design through to project completion.
“SMART Compliance is excellent, it’s definitely saved us time and money. We primarily use the wind analysis features. Before adopting SMART Compliance We relied on a combination of spreadsheets, Google Earth and online resource’s for wind factors and calculations.
SMART Compliance’s easy to use and detailed wind analysis tool has given us confidence and reduced the amount of time it takes to produce our wind loading analysis.
We’ve not only saved time, but also money with the pin point locational accuracy of our wind factor analysis we can be more specific about the construction requirements, especially when calculating ballast requirements. Before we had SMART Compliance we had to work off the max wind speed in a large area, which often meant over engineering our scaffolding solutions pushing up our costs, now we can be more competitive and efficient, which is good for us and our clients.”
Luke Davies
From Scaffold Design to Structural Analysis
Many scaffold projects require engineering verification beyond modelling.
The wider CADS software ecosystem supports advanced analysis workflows through:
Velventi Wind Analysis
Assess wind loading and environmental effects on temporary structures.
A3D MAX Structural Analysis
Perform structural analysis and engineering validation for complex scaffold and temporary works projects.
These tools provide a pathway from scaffold modelling through to engineering assessment when required.
What is Scaffold Design Software?
Scaffold design software enables contractors and scaffold designers to create digital scaffold layouts, generate drawings, visualise complex structures in 3D and support engineering calculations.
Modern scaffold design platforms help teams:
- Produce 3D scaffold models
- Generate elevations and plan views
- Improve design accuracy
- Reduce manual drafting time
- Support TG20 compliance workflows
- Improve collaboration between designers, engineers and site teams
- Generate quantities and estimates directly from models
SMART Scaffolder extends beyond basic modelling by connecting design, estimating, compliance and engineering processes within a single ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scaffold Design Software
What is scaffold design software?
Scaffold design software enables users to create scaffold layouts, generate drawings, visualise structures in 3D and support engineering design workflows.
What is 3D scaffold modelling?
3D scaffold modelling is the process of creating a digital representation of scaffolding structures for planning, coordination, visualisation and design development.
What software is used for scaffold design?
Many scaffold companies use specialist scaffold design software. SMART Scaffolder combines scaffold modelling, BIM integration, estimating and compliance management in one platform.
Can scaffold designs be created in Revit?
Yes. SMART Scaffolder for Revit enables scaffold designers to model scaffolding directly within Autodesk Revit and coordinate with wider BIM projects.
Is SMART Scaffolder suitable for TG20 compliant scaffold projects?
SMART Scaffolder has been developed by CADS, the engineering software company involved in the development of TG20:21 and TG30:24 guidance with NASC, helping support industry-recognised scaffold design workflows.
