Site Reconnaissance
The first step is always a thorough site survey. Preferably this occurs at least four months before we begin to build, allowing time for design, modelling and engineering. It also allows time for a new shipment of bamboo from China, if required.

Site Preparation
Most structures are very tall – up to 35 metres so far – and subject to high wind loads. We use concrete blocks as temporary foundations to prevent movement at the base.
Generally Bambuco occupies an area central to the city. Every site is different and many have sensitive surfaces such as old cobblestones. Blocks are offloaded from a crane truck and placed directly on site on thick rubber mats which prevent damage to the substrate. Chemset studs or steel pins are drilled into the concrete; these will be ground off after pull down.
There is no penetration of the substrate.
Normally the blocks are precast though occasionally the concrete is poured directly on site into plastic lined forms when load spreading is required.
Precast concrete blocks typically weigh 750 – 2000 kg. and the total number required ranges from 40 - 60.
The contractor supplying the concrete pads is responsible for their removal.
Festival management usually choose to undertake the cost of concrete block placement and removal; having the advantage of local knowledge, this is likely to be the less expensive option. Our quotes will otherwise be based on a safe figure.
Structures built on a metal base, such as the Ship of Fools, use welded down metal cleats.
Smaller structures on non-sensitive substrate may use ground penetrating anchors only if the ground is sufficiently compacted.

Bambuco’s Equipment Container on Site
With the exception of concreting and craning equipment used for footings, Bambuco provides all equipment needed for construction of the bamboo structures.
The equipment arrives in the company’s six metre shipping container and unloaded by crane or side-loader as near as possible to the work-site – it can be moved once construction is complete. During work hours it acts as the site ‘toolbox’ with frequent access required. During non-working hours it acts as a secure storage place for equipment.
A shade structure is usually constructed in the vicinity of the container.
If the structure incorporates ‘cigars’ then a second six metre container will also arrive with the steel framing and cables.

The Bamboo on Site
We ship 12 metre containers directly from plantations in Southern China. Bamboo growers familiar with our needs have selected each piece. Shipping time is 5 -6 six weeks.
There are two possibilities:

1. Bringing in a new shipment directly to festival site: This container does not belong to Bambuco so the bamboo must be unloaded and the container sent back to the shipping yard. The container may be unloaded on site or to a temporary undercover storage.
2. Bringing Bambuco’s container to site: One 12 metre container of bamboo is stored in Belgium. This container does belong to Bambuco. We can unload the whole container with side-loader or crane directly to site or unload the bamboo only and remove the container to temporary storage. Gross weight is about 15 Tonnes.

In both cases access is required for a full length semi-trailer to the site.
Before construction begins the bamboo must be graded according to size and form. A full 12 metre shipping container contains roughly 500 ten metre lengths of bamboo. Generally four or five separate stacks are made, as near as possible to the worksite. Each stack measures about 11m long by 2m wide by 1m tall. These are placed around the worksite.

Safety
Our work would be impossible without stringent a stringent safety policy. Normal construction industry OHS (occupational health and safety) rules apply to a Bambuco worksite.
During construction general public must be kept clear of the worksite. Normally a simple barrier made from bamboo is enough to delineate the work area; this is aesthetically more acceptable than industrial barriers. If metal ‘crowd barriers’ are used they must be low profile (not Haras).
Once construction is complete the barriers may be removed so that people can move beneath the structure and touch the bamboo.
Festival or press personnel wishing to enter the site during work hours are required to follow normal precautions such as wearing hard-hats and suitable footwear. Entry is only possible by prior arrangement with the production manager.
Site security is essential during non-working hours mainly to guard against unskilled people climbing and falling. It is also a requirement of our Public Liability Insurance Policy.

Public Information
During the course of each project there is much public curiosity aroused about the company, the project and bamboo itself. Often people have no idea that bamboo can grow to such a large size, can be so strong and be ready to cut at six years of age! In order to avoid answering the same questions over and again, printed and pictorial information is provided, placed on supports beneath a bamboo shade structure – the ‘information centre’. The environmentally sustainable nature of plantation bamboo, both as a building material and food source, is part of the message being delivered.
This is also the best place for Bambuco personnel to interact informally with local populace and other festival performers. Musicians are constantly attracted to the material; experimental instruments are made; children can play with bamboo off cuts; the ‘Bambuco Barbeque’ has become a traditional social event at this venue on each site.