Review on Bamboo as Mainstream Construction Material

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8 XII December 2020
https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2020.32617

International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
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Review on Bamboo as Mainstream Construction
Material
Swathy Krishna A K
M-Tech student, Toc H Institute of Science and Technology (TIST), APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Kerala, India.
Abstract: Bamboo is a well-known construction material from long time but only as a secondary and aesthetic material. The
review on use of bamboo as a main stream construction material in conventional construction method is done in this paper. The
strength properties of bamboo as reinforcement is reviewed and found to be suitable for reinforcement. Some of the new and old
bamboo building technologies and properties of bamboo panels are also discussed. The possibility of growing bamboo for
construction is also discussed. The overall analysis concludes that bamboo is very potential building material due to its
economical, strength and seismic resisting properties.
Keyword: Bamboo, seismic properties, bamboo reinforcement, bamboo panels.
I. INTRODUCTION
The environmental hazards caused by conventional construction materials have necessitated an alternate construction material
which can counteract the environmental problems and show satiable performance. Research were done to invent new materials but
couldn’t came up with anything as good as concrete. One way to reduce carbon dioxide emission and dumbing of concrete waste is
reduce the use of them by other effective material replacement in suitable conditions. Bamboo is a biodegradable material which
will not pollute nature and can meet this requirement. Although bamboo had been a construction material in olden days its
popularity decreased with introduction of conventional construction method. But research and technology shows that bamboo can be
incorporated in modern day construction without affecting the strength and structural properties. They are proved to be safe as
reinforcement and replacement for steel in certain conditions. The aesthetic feature of bamboo building is another reason which
makes them desirable. The seismic performance of bamboo houses are also analyzed considering the popularity of traditional
bamboo houses in earthquake porn areas. The prefabricated panels introduction has made bamboo more suitable for walls and
floors. Being a tropical – sub tropical region, India can improve its construction techniques using bamboo as we have the suitable
climate for their growth. Cultivating bamboo for construction in rural areas will be highly beneficial due to its low cost housing
methods, environmental safety, earthquake resistant properties.
A. Selection And Preparation Of Bamboo[1]
Selection of bamboo should be done with at most care for a durable structure. Bamboo gains its full growth in few months. However
it is recommended to select bamboo with longest and large diameter culms showing a pronounced brown colour, gained due to long
age of plant. Use of whole culms of green unseasoned bamboo is prohibited. Bamboo should be cut, dried and seasoned for three to
four weeks before using when possible. Avoid bamboo cut in spring or early summer reduces the weakness of culms due to
increased moisture content. Bamboo has a reinforcement can be bend by applying heat pressure either at wet or dry condition. This
property helps use of bamboo as stirrups. Asphalt emulsion, native latex, coal tar, paint, dilute varnish, water glass shall be used as
waterproof coating to reduce swelling when in contact with concrete.
B. Cost Analysis Of Bamboo Versus Steel Reinforcement
The design of bamboo reinforcement are done as per US Naval Corps guidelines [1,2]. The cost effectiveness of designed bamboo
slab, beam, column and footing as per specification are compared with that of steel in table 2 [2].
Table 1: Cost comparison of bamboo and steel reinforcement
Reinforced structures Bamboo (Rs) Steel (Rs)
Slab 9146 20371
Beam 640 5008
Column and footing 530 5110

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Studying table 1 it is evident that bamboo reinforced structures are much cheaper than steel reinforced structures. The cost effective
technology with bamboo has led to 15 - 40 percent saving over the conventional costs [3]. Especially in tropical rural areas in India
where bamboo can be cultivated and made readily available. Another factor which makes bamboo cost effective is its long lasting
property when properly harvested and maintained [3]. Requirement of simple tools and no costly machinery for construction also
add up to the benefits of bamboo. In case of rigid pavement where bamboo dowels bars are used cost saving is about 89.84% [4].
C. Bamboo As Replacement To Steel
Cost effectiveness of bamboo alone cannot be considered for its replacement with steel. Strength property of bamboo is one major
consideration to take while using it has reinforcement. Bamboo showed a favorable result for various tests such as tensile, double
shear and flexural tests. However compared to steel, tensile and double shear results were low for bamboo (almost 50%) which
might be because of the low density of bamboo [5]. Bamboo reinforced concrete has attained flexural strength almost near to steel
reinforced concrete [5]. Table 1 shows the comparison of strength properties of spruce wood, steel and bamboo [6,7] and it is
indicate that strength properties of bamboo is less than that of steel but greater than spruce wood. But the bending strength of
bamboo is much higher even than that of steel. Still values of strength properties prove bamboo as a qualified construction material.
Table 2 : Comparison of strength properties of spruce wood, steel and bamboo [6,7]
Properties Spruce wood Bamboo Steel
Compressive srrength
(N/mm2) 43 62-93 140
Tensile strength (N/mm
2
) 89 233 410
Elastic modulus (N/mm
2
) 11000 20000 21000
Bending strength (N/mm
2
) 68 76-276 140
Shearing strength (N/mm
2
) 7 20 92
Instead of traditional steel reinforcement, bamboo can be used as dowel bars in rigid pavements. When 20mm steel dowel bar was
replaced with 20mm bamboo dowel bar, its spacing was increased about 12 to 10 mm [4].
D. Bamboo Panels For Walls And Flooring
The prefabricated bamboo panels are preferably constructed as sandwiched structures for walls and roofs with sound and heat
insulation in between the interior and exterior panel. Mostly bamboo oriented strand broad (OSB) are provided for the interior panel
while veneer composite material for the exterior panel due to its low density, aesthetic features, good durability and dimensional
stability. The bamboo is split into strips then made to bundle fibers using mechanical rollers. These bamboo bamboo bundles are
woven using rubber thread and the veneer is coated on exterior or both sides by a rubberizing machine and glues. Later it is dried
and hot pressed at temperature of 150 – 155 degree Celsius with pressure of 4 Mpa and pressing time 1mm/min to form the bamboo
bundle veneer laminated composite [8]. The walls, roofs and floors of the building can be connected with different type of steel
connections. Engineered bamboo are natural bamboo that has been cut into thin strips and glued back together to form wide panels
to use for bamboo flooring and walls[9]. This engineered bamboo is durable, resilient and harder than many hardwoods. Bamboo
scrimber is a type of engineered bamboo which has continuously researched and manufactured due to its excellent mechanical
characteristics and design. These scrimber materials have similar look and smoothness of wood and manufacturer can utilize the
wood processing equipment and technology to process the bamboo scrimber [10].
Fig 1: The surface of bamboo scrimber with different textures (a wood grain; b strip shaped; c mountain shaped; d pattern of
vortexes)[10]

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Exposure to high temperature led to decrease in mechanical property of bamboo scrimber and colour change was observed in the
inner and external area of the sample [10]. Above 150 degree Celsius colour changes become prominent and 170 degree Celsius was
found to be the turning point for physical, mechanical and chemical properties of bamboo scrimber under heat treatment condition
[11]. Horizontal, vertical and strand woven bamboo are the three main type of bamboo flooring. Layers of bamboo are stuck
collectively horizontal to make horizontal bamboo flooring while they are stuck collectively vertical to make vertical bamboo
flooring. Bamboo grains is less visible and transparent on ceiling of the platform in vertical bamboo flooring while bamboo grains
are more visible as it looks full on exterior of the platform. Bamboo strands are collectively made and pressed under intense heat
and weight to make the board of flooring of strand woven bamboo. Strand woven bamboo is stronger than any wood floor and
bamboo grains are irregular in them. Study was conducted on Bamboo Composite Lumbrt (BCL) with four different core layer
materials, viz, bamboo strips vertically glued, jabon wood plank, manii wood plank and sengon wood plank manufactured using
horizontally glued Andong bamboo strips as the outer layers and all BCLs produced are concluded to be suitable for solid wood
substitute [12].
E. Bamboo As An Effective Roofing Material
Bamboo is a light weight material and its chances of falling are very less due to its flexibility make it suitable for roofing skeleton in
earthquake prone areas. Even if it falls it can be re-erected easily with less human and property loss with least efforts and minimum
cost [13]. When weight of the roof covering increases a stronger support is need to be provided [14]. The bamboo trusses has
strength comparable to Teak and Sal and hence roofing frames can be made using bamboo rafters, purlins etc. for fixing the roof
[13]. A study was conducted to find the displacement value in eight different truss shapes: Double Howe, Modified Fan, Modified
Queen, Pratt, Fan, Double W, M shape and W shape by using standard load (Dead Load, Live Load, and Wind Load) to calculate
axial force in each truss shape member [15]. As per the result of eight type displacement values, the minimum displacement is
Modified Fan truss shape and the minimum weight of the trusses structure in greenhouse is Double Howe truss shape [15]. The best
shape for this study was concluded to be Double Howe because it has minimum weight and the deflection is in the limit. Certain
types of roof coverings require special type of construction and extra care has to be taken at joints. Traditional techniques of
bamboo joint in roof typically require the use of ropes or ties with buckles, or the mortgage by simple snap and it can obtain simple
knots but not efficient from structural point of view [16]. The strategy of “weak pins” at bamboo roof joints allows quick and easy
to repair of the nodes, avoiding collapses in the bamboo canes or in the plywood plates [16].
F. Future Of Bamboo In Indian Construction
Public work department (PWD) has included bamboo as one among the 12 new items in the state schedule rates (SSR) 2020-21, a
guideline and manual on the use of materials in PWD projects. This is expected to increase the use of bamboo as mainstream
material in construction of buildings and complexes apart from its limited use as furniture and sheds. Even though bamboo had been
a well-known construction material in India before 20-30 years ago the conditions has changed due to popularity of conventional
building techniques. But considering its sustainable and environmental features and incorporation of new technologies and
prefabrication methods bamboo has great future in Indian construction. The bamboo research and training institute (BRTC) in
Chandrapur, Maharashtra is one of Asia’s largest training and research centre built in bamboo. SSR took a cue from BRTC in
allowing bamboo as mainstream construction material. BRTC aims at developing high yield and fast growing bamboo species by
using the latest cutting edge technologies. BRTC is also planning various programs to create awareness in farmers to promote
bamboo sector. The engineering application of bamboo in housing is demonstrated by IPIRTI, Bangalore in collaboration with
TRADA, U.K and they differ from conventional bamboo use practices. IPIRTI suggest uses of round bamboo as columns, rafters
and tresses as main load bearing elements. They suggest bamboo mat board (BMB) as gussets in combination with mild steel bolts
for load bearing joints in roofing structures and bamboo mat corrugated sheet (BMCS) as roof claddings. Various preservative
treatment are recommended by IPIRTI for bamboo.
Fig 2: IPIRTI type housing [17]

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G. Growing Bamboo On Commercial Scale For Construction: Factors To Consider
There are 75 genera with 1250 bamboo species worldwide and their physical property, mechanical property and anatomical
structure are significantly different [18]. All these different species of bamboo but all are not suitable to use for construction and
adaptable to cultivate in India. Two species of running bamboo viz, Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and rubro bamboo
(Phyllostachys rubromarginata) and a clumping bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) are more suitable for subtropical climate [19].
Running bamboo are more tolerant of cold than clumping bamboo and are generally better suited for temperature climates [19].
Bamboo cultivation does not require much area as it grows densely. Due to its dense growth it does not support much wild life.
However, when grown at wider spacing, bamboo planting can be desirable for some bird species [19,20]. But in bamboo invaded
areas bamboo leaf litter can also significantly influence stream chemistry and dynamics leading to impacts on aquatic species [21].
Proper irrigation system should be installed mainly at initial stage of cultivation. Proper measures should be taken to prevent fire
hazards. Bamboo growth is strongly influenced by environmental factors and is highly variable from year to year [22]. Some species
of bamboo may take decades to grow, and farmer does not get profit until it is harvested [19]. Table 3 shows average tensile and
compressive strength of different species of bamboo.
Table 3: Average tensile and compressive strength of different species of bamboo [6].
Species Average tensile strength (N/mm
2
) Average compressive strength
(N/mm2)
Gigantochloa Scortechinii 169.6 58.14
Schizostachyum Grande 188.57 28.6
Bambusa Vulgaris 232 67.62
Dendracalamus Asper 221.95 63.2
As per table 3 tensile strength and compressive strength is higher for Bambusa Vulgaris and Dendracalamus Asper and both these
bamboos are widely grown in India. The densely tufted culms of Bambusa Vulgaris grow 10–20 m high and 4–10 cm thick.
Dendracalamus Asper grows 15–20 m tall, and 8–12 cm in diameter and is commonly known as giant bamboo or dragon bamboo.
H. Bamboo Housing System And Seismic Performance Of Bamboo
Compared to an equivalent wooden panel, bamboo panels are superior in terms of their physical and mechanical properties as well
as their seismic performance [23]. The high bending or flexible property and light weight make bamboo suitable for seismic
conditions. Traditional houses in Sikkim are made of bamboo which is also known as Assam type housing or Ikra have resistance to
earth quake[24]. A weed called Ikra is used extensively in the walls and roofand the roof are generally light weight sheets supported
by bamboo trusses which are laterally conneceted to the parallel walls. In bamboo housing system the stresses are higher than
modern housing system and in Ikra bamboo housing system seismic force is 12.97% and 11.72% of reinforced brick masonry and
confined brick masonry systems respectively [25].
Fig 3: Ikra type housing [24]
The prefabricated bamboo bahareque walls have some ductility under cyclic loading [26]. Research shows that bamboo bahareque
house resists earthquake shaking without slightest damage [27,28].

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II. CONCLUSION
Bamboo is highly recommended in modern day construction due to its cost effective and sustainable properties. Replacing bamboo
with conventional building materials have advantages like reduced carbon dioxide emission [29]. According to studies conducted in
China, bamboo may sequester carbon dioxide at higher rates than conifer or hardwood forest [30]. Thus cultivating bamboo for
construction purpose can also benefit environment, apart from how its replacement to cement and steel benefits environment.
Bamboo is much preferred as reinforcement in members taking less loaded structures like public toilet, parking area, sunshade since
bamboo as a reinforcement deflects more due to low density; but it attains flexural strength almost equivalent to steel reinforced
concrete [5]. The light weight and flexural property of bamboo make it suitable for seismic condition. Improved technology helps
to use bamboo more effectively as floors, wall and roofing materials and bamboo have great role in present and future construction
industry.
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