RINGSCAFF: Safe Access for a 72 m Chimney Tower

ENGINEERED ACCESS FOR EXTREME HEIGHT CONDITIONS
At the Altonorte industrial facility in Antofagasta, Chile, a 70-metre chimney tower required a safe and reliable access solution to enable inspection and maintenance works at height.

Given the vertical nature of the structure and the limited working space around the chimney, the project demanded a scaffolding concept capable of combining stability, accessibility, and efficient material handling over a total height of 72 metres.

Scafom-rux, in collaboration with Aquaservice, delivered a RINGSCAFF solution specifically designed to meet these requirements, ensuring safe access to all working levels while maintaining structural integrity throughout the entire height.

BUILDING SAFELY AT 70 METRES
The main challenge of this project was the extreme height of the scaffolding structure and the associated requirements for stability and safe access.

Providing continuous vertical access up to level 36 required a solution that was both lightweight and efficient. At the same time, transporting materials to upper levels presented a significant logistical challenge during assembly.

Another critical aspect was ensuring structural stability across the full height of the scaffold, particularly given the proximity to the chimney structure and exposure to environmental conditions.

ENGINEERING SOLUTION

To address these challenges, a fully engineered RINGSCAFF solution was developed, using approximately 60 tonnes of material distributed across 7,291 components.

The scaffolding structure was designed with base dimensions of 8.17 m x 6.60 m and extended vertically up to 72 metres. A key feature of the solution was the integration of an aluminium stair tower, providing safe and efficient access up to level 36. The use of aluminium ensured reduced weight while maintaining high usability and safety.

To solve the challenge of material transport at height, intermediate loading platforms with a capacity of 500 kg were installed every 20 metres. These platforms enabled controlled and efficient handling of materials during erection, significantly improving workflow and safety conditions.

Structural stability was achieved through a system of base jacks leaning against the chimney surface, creating additional support and ensuring overall rigidity of the scaffold across its full height.

The configuration of the RINGSCAFF system, including 2.57 m and 2.07 m dimensions, allowed precise adaptation to the project requirements, ensuring both flexibility and structural performance.

A key component valued by the client was the use of Scafom-rux “Corner Decks”, which contributed to improved platform coverage and usability in complex areas of the structure.

COORDINATED SUPPLY FOR COMPLEX DEMANDS
From a logistics perspective, the project required coordination between multiple locations. Materials were supplied from both Antofagasta and Santiago, as the local warehouse alone could not support the full system requirements.

This coordinated approach ensured timely delivery of all components, allowing uninterrupted progress during assembly despite the complexity of the design.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Scafom-rux provided technical support beyond material supply. Prior to execution, the technical office conducted two site visits to assess conditions, evaluate constraints, and develop the final scaffolding design.

This early involvement ensured that the proposed solution was fully adapted to the real site environment, reducing risks and improving overall efficiency during execution.

CLIENT VALUE AND FEEDBACK
The client selected Scafom-rux primarily due to the fast response in delivering technical solutions and the ability to ensure quick material dispatch.

Positive feedback was received regarding both the technical service and logistics performance. The client highlighted satisfaction with the scaffolding design, as well as the speed and reliability of material supply.

The project demonstrates Scafom-rux’s capability to deliver safe, stable, and efficient scaffolding solutions even under extreme height and logistical constraints.

 

Project Key Facts

RINGSCAFF
CHIMNEY TOWER (H = 70 M)
ALTONORTE – ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE

PROJECT QUICK FACTS

• Project: Chimney Tower Access System
• End Customer: Altonorte
• Partner: Aquaservice
• Duration: 10 months (Nov 2025 – Aug 2026)
• Scaffolding system: RINGSCAFF
• Material: ~60 tonnes / 7,291 components
• Structure height: 72 m
• Base dimensions: 8.17 m x 6.60 m
• Key challenge: High-altitude stability and vertical material handling