Bamboo scaffolding

You know, Denis, the first thing you think of, even if you are a bit of a materials geek like me, when you see 30 stories of scaffolding made of what basically looks like twigs, isn't wonder at the amazing strength of bamboo. However you are right about the fantastic properties of bamboo.
Oddly enough, bamboo scaffolding was discussed in a SCMP story today. Yesterday the Buildings Department of Hong Kong issued new guidelines for thedesign and construction of bamboo scaffolding. The new standards include defined inspection intervals (increased frequency during storms) and approved standard constructions. Apparently last year during a bad storm scaffolding collapsed in Hong Kong.