Expert: Dr. Abdulaziz Jarkas - 6/26/2007

Question
i am in the construction industry, i am using bamboo scaffolding for a 4 storeyed building, the engineers from the clients side insist that i use steel scaffolding,(H Frame ) because when we use bamboo we make holes in walls but we also fill them up with bricks and cure it properly...)but they dont want holes in walls) please can someone tell me the merits & demerits of bamboo scaffolding, compare them.. even top builders in mumbai use bamboo for their 30+ multistoreyed buildings, so why cant it be used for 4 storeyed building, i need facts to convince them, thanks Nitin

Answer
Dear Nitin,

You can absolutely use the Bamboo scaffolding for your building - I see no problem with that provided it is erected properly. You may argue that it's well known that Bamboo possesses enough strength not only to be used as scaffolds, but also may be used as permanent members of structures, though not widely in use nowadays!

Now, as for what the Engineers are insisting on, it all depends on what is stipulated in the Contract or Agreement; the arguments should be based on this.

Hope this helps!

Dr. Jarkas