Topical Issues:

Modern Bamboo Scaffolds

It is believed that the first bamboo scaffold in China was built some 5000 years ago while the basic framing systems and the erection methods were developed about two thousand years ago. Nowadays, in spite of open competition with metal scaffolds, bamboo scaffolds remain competitive and efficient in building construction in Hong Kong and the neighboring areas.

Why the ancient craft is so successful in the post-industrial era? The question has puzzled INBAR and the Research Center for Advanced Technology in Structural Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPolyU) when in 1999 they started a research and development project on 'Bamboo Scaffolds in Building Construction'. The project team including Professors J.M. Ko (project leader), S.L Chan and K.F. Chung has been working closely with INBAR over a period of two years to answer the question and develop effective use of bamboo scaffolding in modern building construction.

In May 2002 the project resulted in the International Seminar on 'Bamboo Scaffolding in Building Construction' jointly organized by HKPolyU and INBAR in Hong Kong. Prominent researchers and practitioners presented their views on the latest development of bamboo scaffolds. The Seminar was well attended by over two hundred engineers from government departments, consultant firms and developers. INBAR has published proceedings of the Seminar "Bamboo Scaffolds in Building construction" and two complimentary Technical Reports - Design of Bamboo Scaffolds and Erection of Bamboo Scaffolds

Due to their high adaptability and low construction cost, bamboo scaffolds can be constructed within a comparatively short period of time in any layout following irregular architectural features of a building. Bamboo scaffolds are also cost and labor efficient, easy to handle, adjust and cut into peaces. They are also better resistant to typhoons, an important factor for many areas.

Kao Jue and Mao Jue bamboo species are commonly used as vertical and the horizontal members. Bamboo is light enough for handling a single member at a time. Due to the ease of handling, bamboo scaffolds are erected and dismantled quickly. No machinery, power-driven tools and tightening equipment are required except of hands, simple hand tools and nylon or wire ties.

At present, the typical height of bamboo scaffolds in Hong Kong is 15 m. Installation of steel bracket supports at regular intervals allows full coverage of the height of a building. Besides widely erected on construction sites, bamboo scaffolds are also used in posters erection, decoration, demolition and civil work.

Bamboo scaffolds have proven to be very competitive towards metal ones in all aspects, including labor, cost, recycling and safety. It is clear now that the main factor hampering the development is lack of codes and standards. INBAR with the partners is intended to submit draft standards to the International Standard Organization (ISO) and correspondent National Agencies. Approval of international and national standards will remove artificial barriers on the important direction of efficient bamboo development. For the further information please visit:
http://www.inbar.int or http://www.cse.polyu.edu.hk/bamboo/bamboo.htm