ABSTRACT
It is because of its light weight, trained skillful workers and especially its comparatively low price that bamboo scaffolding has the advantages in the construction bidding process. However, the disadvantage is its low strength, inflammable nature, irregular shape, changeable nature and uncertain quality that adversely influence construction safety and quality as well as companies’ image. Metal scaffolding overcomes these disadvantages and has such advantages as ease of erection, is safe and reliable, and meets the demand for standardisation and automation in the construction industry. Now, more and more contractors are considering to use it, although it is much more expensive than bamboo scaffolding. However, metal scaffolding remains in an inferior position to it and is being adopted very slowly in Hong Kong.
