Why fix a long scaffold tube to a shipping container?

Our unique solution for attaching scaffolding and other diameter steel tubes to shipping containers was one of the first bolt-ons we added to our range after releasing the Domino Clamps because they made a whole multitude of other attachments possible, since 48mm (4”) steel tube particularly is so ubiquitous.

The solution that is particularly useful is to attach a full length scaffold tube using our long vertical scaffold pole kit of two vertical tube clamps, with one of them bored through, allowing accessories to be safely attached to the top of the tube, over 3.5m above the roof of your shipping container!

This two clamp system holds the tube at the very bottom of the container as well as the top, providing a strong rotational fixity to the tube making the structure secure when applying horizontal loads to the top of the pole, which is particularly useful when resisting wind loads.

For this reason, when attaching a tube to a container which is longer than the total height of the container, you should use the unbored clamp on the bottom corner casting. This will support the tube at the bottom, and with the bored clamp at the top, allowing it to pass through it and upwards above the container. 

We have had a few emails from people asking about the difference between a bored and an unbored clamp, so we have made a short video to explain. Basically the unbored clamp has a rim at the bottom of the clamp meaning it isn't relying on the grub screws to stop the scaffold pole from slipping through.

What kind of accessories would I need to attach that high up, and why?

There's plenty of equipment which works better at height, and in various situations especially when distanced from buildings or other existing tall structures, there might not be anything else suitable to attach to. 

Floodlights

Floodlights were one of the first things we put 6m up in the air once we had developed Domino Clamps. In fact, needing to light up an event construction site at night was one of the main reasons we invented Domino Clamps in the first place. 

Comms equipment 

In order to work as efficiently as possible, a lot of communications equipment needs a direct line of sight between sender and receiver. So particularly for short ranges, attaching communications equipment to the top of a 6.4m pole mounted to a shipping container is a quick and easy way to get it high enough to work without hiring expensive telescopic equipment.

Flags

If you’re going to wave a flag, wave it high and wave it proud. Using a scaffold tube as a flagpole does just this without the need to dig groundworks to attach the flag pole to. Perfect for making your shipping container bar or catering outlet extra visible at a festival full of other visual distractions.

Signs

Much like flags, signs can be more visible when placed higher up. With bigger signs, however, wind resistance becomes a problem and a strong, reliable structure needs to be in place to make sure the sign is secure. Using two long steel poles running vertically up each side or end of a shipping container, attached top and bottom with Domino clamps, you have two study vertical supports to begin building a rock solid frame for a large sign which won’t blow away. 

More scaffolding

A larger scaffolding structure may need extra ballast or structural support, so making use of a shipping container for this could be useful in some cases. Two domino clamps and our double 48mm vertical tube clamp set will allow you to securely attach your scaffold structure to a two-and-a half tonne steel shipping container*. 

*tare weight of a 20’ ISO Shipping container: 2300kg.

Scientific equipment 

Scientific equipment such as weather monitoring and air pollution testing equipment may need to be at a specific height. Mounted on top of a steel pole fixed to a shipping container, you have an all in one solution with the monitoring technology up where it's needed and a safe, secure steel container in which to house any recording equipment, power generators or other non-weatherproof items.

Hand railings

Hand railings are commonly made with either 48mm or 42mm steel tubes. So if your container conversion has a roof terrace or a balcony, and you need to create safety hand railings round the edge, then attaching some of the vertical hand railing supports directly to the corners of the shipping containers is a great place to start.  

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