Bamboo is a multi-dimensional construction material and has proven to be eco-friendly, sustainable, and easy to use. It is indeed the future of construction and a step towards a sustainable future.
The slides above talk about its details and use in the construction industry. All the sources used for this ppt are mentioned at the end of the slides.
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Bamboo as a building material
1. SUBMITTED BY - MRINMAYI ALANDKAR
SAKSHI MALLURWAR
SHRESTHA BHADRA
BAMBOO
AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
2. INDEX
1. INTRODUCTION
2. PROPERTIES
3. HISTORY
4. BENEFITS OF BAMBOO
5. HARVESTING
6. AVAILABILITY
7. PROTECTION
8. USES OF BAMBOO IN
CONSTRUCTION
● Joinery
● Foundation
● Flooring
● Walls
● Roofs
● Cladding
● Interiors
9. PRINCIPLES TO PICK BAMBOO
10. NOTABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF
BAMBOO
● Energy Efficiency
● Earthquake Resistant
11. ADVANTAGES
12. DISADVANTAGES/LIMITATIONS
3. INTRODUCTION
● Bamboo has been in wide usage since
ancient times as a low-cost material for
houses, bridges etc.
● Bamboo recently started appearing in
designer homes as flooring, walling and
panelling material.
● Bamboo is renewable and versatile
resource, characterized by high strength
and low weight.
● Various structural shapes may be made
by training the bamboo to assume them
as it grows.
4. INTRODUCTION
● It is estimated that there are 1200
bamboo species growing in about 14.5
million hectares area.
● Bamboo is the world’s fastest growing
woody plant. It grows approximately 7.5
to 40 cm a day.
● Bamboo also excels in biomass
production, giving 40 tons or more per
hectare annually.
● It has been used successfully to
rehabilitate soil ravage by brick making in
India.
5. PROPERTIES
● It is a perennial grass
● Fastest growing plants( 30cm-1m in 24 hrs)
● Strongest part is node where branching occurs
● 1450 species across the world
● Has been used since long as scaffolding material.
● Has shallow roots
● Long-lasting
● Splitting-can be cut and laminated into sheets and planks
● Bending-can be bent by heating above 150 deg C.
● Shaping-can be made into various structures by training it as it
grows
● Helps surrounding areas by cleansing air, soil, preventing floods
etc.
6. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PROPERTY VALUE
DENSITY 0.5-0.9 gm/cc
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH 6.2-9.5 KN/sq.cm
BENDING STRENGTH 2000 KN/sq.cm
TENSILE STRENGTH 14.8-38.4 KN/sq.cm
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY 2.0 KN/sq.cm
TENSILE STRENGTH
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
ELASTIC MODULUS
ANISOTROPIC PROPERTY
SHRINKAGE
FIRE RESISTANCE
FLEXURAL STRENGTH
SHEARING STRENGTH
7. HISTORY OF BAMBOO AS CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
Early uses: Over 5,000 years ago, Chinese people used bamboo to construct treehouses, beginning its
legacy as a sturdy building material. From around 200 BCE to 200 CE, bamboo created paper and
books. With that came the classification of over 60 documented plant varieties in China between the third
to fifth centuries. The more individuals discovered about this plant, the more they wanted to use it.
Developing applications: Bamboo came inside for use as an interior building material with the Ming
Dynasty starting in the 1300s. Individuals used the plant to create bedding and flooring for their homes.
This use further established bamboo as a building material for indoor and outdoor use alike.
More than furniture: Beginning in the 600s, the Tang Dynasty developed bamboo musical instruments.
The material established an even stronger cultural legacy with this bamboo application. Other cultural
uses of bamboo include inspiration for art, poetry and music, as well as use in cultural dishes and meals.
Bamboo becomes hardwood: In the late 1990s, inventors in China developed a treatment that made
bamboo look and feel like hardwood. By cutting and planing the bamboo stalks into planks,
manufacturers created a durable alternative to hardwood flooring and boards. Before the 20th century,
China and Japan used laminated bamboo for flooring.
8. BENEFITS AS CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
Its flexibility: Bamboo bends without breaking. Because of its pliability, builders use it in
constructions to withstand earthquakes. Its flexibility also makes bamboo useful for
curved projects, such as sculptures and handles of handbags.
Its durability: Along with being pliable, bamboo lasts a long time. It’s less prone to
warping than wood is, making it an excellent choice for humid climates. Because it won’t
warp as often as wood, your bamboo products will last much longer.
Adding texture to projects: Adding bamboo to walls, ceilings, floors, furniture and
more adds interest to a space. With its combination of cylindrical rods and sleek lines,
bamboo can add texture to almost any surface or room. From feature walls to
eye-catching furnishings, bamboo creates a stylish, yet rustic, appearance in any room.
A versatile style: Whether you want a tropical or refined feel for your building, bamboo
will provide it. Use it in different ways to create an oasis or evoke history with similar
uses from the past. Choose panels or flooring with sleek lines for a modern twist on the
classic material.
9. BENEFITS AS CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
A unique look: While bamboo flooring is common today, you could also use the material in
unique ways. Incorporate it in panels on your walls or as fences inside and outside. Find
beautifully crafted bamboo furniture that gives rooms a unique touch. Your visitors will have
seen hardwood furniture before, but bamboo adds something special to a build.
Its resistance: When treated properly, bamboo furniture and products will last for years to
come. If you use the proper sealer on your bamboo builds, the material will also be
water-resistant. Bamboo is also more immune to insects and disease than trees and
hardwood, since it’s a type of grass.
Efficient and sustainable energy: The plant even has advantages in uses outside of
construction. Bamboo produces the same amount of energy as traditional coal, but it does
so more efficiently. Bamboo creates much less ash than coal, which makes it easier to
dispose of once burned. Charcoal from bamboo also emits no sulfur, which regular coal
does emit. Overall, bamboo has more pros than traditional coal, from harvesting methods
to how it burns.
10. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION
● Bamboos grow from sea level, in the tropics, to 4000 metres above
sea level, in the temperate region. Although, bamboos are more
common to the tropics, they also occur naturally in subtropical and
temperate zones of the world, except in Europe.
● The geographical distribution of bamboos is governed largely by the
conditions of rainfall, temperature, altitude and soil. Most of the
bamboos require a temperature from 8 degree celcius to 36 degree
celcius, a minimum annual rainfall of 1000 mm and high atmospheric
humidity for good growth.
● They form an important constituent of many deciduous and evergreen
forests. In nature bamboos seldom occur as pure crops, but are
generally found as an understorey in tropical evergreen, tropical moist
deciduous, tropical dry deciduous, montane sub-tropical, montane wet
temperate and Himalayan wet temperate forests.
● Bamboos are usually found in moist valleys, sheltered depressions,
along steams and the lower hill slopes, but occasionally also occur on
higher slopes and hill tops.
11. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION
● Generally, the genera Bambusa and Dendrocalamus are found
under tropical conditions, whereas Arundinaria and its allies occur in
the temperate region and are by far, most common on high
elevations in the western and eastern Himalayas. Dendrocalamus
strictus is predominant in dry deciduous forests, while Bambusa
bambos flourishes best in moist deciduous forests.
● The most important bamboo of the semi- evergreen forests of the
Andamans in Gigantochloa rostrata. In the eastern region, i.e., West
Bengal, Assam and north-eastern Himalayas, the commercially
important bamboos are Bambusa tulda, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
and Melocanna baccifera.
● They usually occur mixed with or under tree species, except in case
when they form secondary brakes, and then, they are more or less
pure. Though many species form brakes, those of Arundinaria,
Ochlandra, Melocanna and Bambusa bambos are typically more
extensive. Where shifting cultivation is practised, the bamboo brakes
are more common.
12. PROTECTION
UNTREATED BAMBOO
● As bamboos have less natural durability it requires chemical
treatment for longer life.
● Untreated bamboo has the following lifespan in different conditions
❖ Exposure to soil & atmosphere and attack by fungi, insects-1 to 3
years
❖ Under cover-4 to 7 years
❖ Very favourable conditions-10 to 15 years
● Very difficult to be treated by normal preservative methods in dry
condition since outer & inner membrane impermeable to liquids.
PRE-HARVEST & POST HARVEST PRECAUTIONS
● Felling during low sugar content season
● Felling of mature bamboo
● Post-harvest transpiration
● Water-soaking
13. PROTECTION
BORAX-BORIC ACID PRESERVATION TECHNIQUE
Depending on the
diameter of the bamboo,
different sized drill bits,
attached to a long steel
rod are used to drill into
the centre of the
bamboo throughout their
whole length.
At the preservation
treatment pool, bamboo
soaks in borax-boric
acid solution for 2 days
to allow the mineral to
penetrate all the nodes
and diaphragms.
Bamboo is removed
and stacked vertically
so the solution can be
drained and reused.
Next the bamboo poles
are left to busk in the
sun depending on the
amount of sunlight.
The bamboo
poles are left to
dry slowly in a
cool dry place
until they are
used for
construction
14. PROTECTION
● Oil obtained from neem seeds can be used to
improve water resistance and dimensional
stability of bamboo particularly at high
oil-treatment temperature.
● Bamboo samples are soaked in hot neem seed
oil at 60 deg C for four hours. This type of
bamboo has been found to have better
resistance and dimensional stability than
samples soaked in oil at room temperature for
24 hours.
NEEM SEED OIL TREATMENT
15. PROTECTION
● This is a fraction of coal tar distillate with a boiling
point range above 200 deg C and is widely used
admixed with fuel oil in the ratio of 50:50.
● The fuel oil ensures stability to creosote against
evaporation and bleeding from the treated bamboos
● Creosote has high performance; it is non-corrosive
and provides good protection from termites.
METHODS OF TREATMENT
● SURFACE APPLICATION: Brushing, spraying or
dipping of timber in preservative solution for the
required period.
● SOAKING PROCESS: The debarked timber is
submerged in the preservative solution for sufficient
period till the desired absorption is obtained.
COAL TAR CREOSOTE
16. PROTECTION
● During the casting and curing of concrete, reinforcing
bamboo absorbs water and expands.
● The swelling of bamboo pushes the concrete away
● Then at the end of the curing period, the bamboo loses the
moisture and shrinks back to almost its original dimension
leaving voids around itself
● The swelling and shrinkage of bamboo in concrete creates a
serious limitation in the use of bamboo as a substitute for
steel in concrete
● One effective treatment is the application of thin epoxy layer
to the bamboo surface followed by a coating of fine sands.
PROTECTION OF BAMBOO IN CASE OF BAMBOO REINFORCED
STRUCTURES
17. USES OF BAMBOO
Bamboo is considered a blessing for its numerous benefits and multidimensional uses.
Although, bamboo has various uses some common elements made with bamboo are:
● Foundation
● Flooring
● Walls
● Roofs
● Cladding
● Interiors
Roof
Walls
Flooring
18. BEFORE WE SEE THE BUILDING ELEMENTS,
IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE RIGHT JOINERY
19. DO’S AND DON'TS OF BAMBOO USAGE
● Use completely dry bamboo before using it in
construction (preferable air dried)
● Do not use bamboo poles with profound vertical cracks
● Only use mature bamboo of 4-6 years.
● Do not use bamboo that has flourished.
● Do not use conventional wood nails in bamboo joinery
● Use nylon, steel or vegetal cord in joinery
● When using bamboo as a column make sure that the
lower part connecting with the surface ends with node
20. CUTS AND NODES
Bamboo columns or beams need to have a node
at both ends
Bamboo cuts
One ear Two ear Beveled Flute mouth Fish mouth
When can’t find bamboo of the required length with both
end nodes in place, you should insert a wooden cylinder
of the appropriate diameter or a fitting piece of bamboo
with a node.
21. JOINING HORIZONTAL WITH VERTICAL ELEMENTS
Flap joint: Is used when there is no
lashing wire available.
Fish mouth joint
Joint with one or two ears: Is used to join bamboo rafters,
logs or lumber.
Use of dowels and anchors
Joining bamboo
with dowels and
lashing
Fish mouth
joint with
pegs
Bamboo joint
with wooden
anchor
22. DOUBLE AND QUADRUPLE BAMBOO RAFTER SUPPORT
1. Beams formed by 4 or 6 members: The top row
is separated from the bottom with bamboo or wood
slats so that the upper bamboos do not slide over
the lower.
2. Central double rafter: It has a wide range of
applications in the construction of bridges and
structures for rural facilities.
3. Lateral single rafter: Each of the rafters is
secured independently at the side support and each
other. It is often used in the construction of bridges
and structures for rural facilities.
4. Lateral double rafters: Is often used as a central
support for bridge structures or sheds.
23. JOINING AND FIXATION OF BAMBOO POLES
Joint with double
wooden wedge.
Joint with dowels
and clamping fitters.
Cross joint with
dowel.
Lateral joint with
dowel.
Corner
joint.
24. However, only if the problem with bamboo joinery can be satisfactorily
addressed, and simplified,
we can expect to see much more bamboo in modern buildings, bridges
and furniture.
26. FOUNDATION
COMPOSITE BAMBOO AND CONCRETE
FOOTING
SINGLE POST FOOTING STRIP FOOTING
BAMBOO IN DIRECT GROUND
CONTACT
● Bamboo is placed either on the surface
or buried.
● For strength and stability, large diameter
and thick walled sections of bamboo with
closely spaced nodes should be used.
● Preservative treatment is recommended.
● A concrete extension is given to a bamboo
post using a plastic tube of the same
diameter.
● The result is a bamboo post with an integral,
durable foundation.
27. FOUNDATION
BAMBOO ON ROCK/CONCRETE FOOTING BAMBOO PILES AS FOUNDATION
● Bamboo is being used for bearings, it should
be placed out of ground contact on footings of
either rock or preformed concrete.
● The largest and stiffest sections of bamboo
should be used.
● It is used to stabilize soft soils and reduce
building settlement.
● The treated split bamboo piles were filled with
coconut coir strands wrapped with jute.
● The sections were then tied with wire and
area was covered with a sandy material.
28. FLOORING
● The simplest method is to lay bamboo culms in
parallel, tied to the supporting framework.
However, this gives a very uneven surface and
can be uncomfortable to sit or stand on for
long.
● More even surfaces are achieved by using
bamboo board (split and flattened culms), or by
cutting bamboo strips, which are woven into
boards.
● Since bamboo components cannot be joined
together without leaving gaps, the floors are
well ventilated, improving the indoor climate
and preventing moisture accumulation.
● Precautionary measures are required to
minimize attack by biological agents and fire.
29. WALLS
● The most extensive use of
bamboo in construction is for the
walls and partitions.
● The major elements, the posts
and beams, generally constitute
part or structural framework.
● They are to carry the self-weight
of building and loads imposed by
the occupants and the weather.
● An infill between framing
members is required to complete
the wall.
● The purpose of the infill is to
protect against rain, wind and
animals, to offer privacy and to
provide in plane bracing to ensure
the overall stability of the overall
structure when subjected to
horizontal forces.
Types of bamboo walls
30. ROOFS
Bamboo shingle roof
Appropriate lengths of bamboo culms are cut and the shingles
are split off these vertically, whereby bamboo culms are split
into quarter or half sections.
● For fixing bamboo shingles,
pre-drilled holes are needed for
nailing or tying with a tough
string. Quarter-cut bamboo
shingles can also be made with
splints which are hooked onto the
lathing.
● The minimum roof pitch for
shingles is 45°. Pressure
impregnated bamboo can have
lower pitches, but are not
recommended.
31. ROOFS
Thatched roof
● The Congo grass is harvested when mature and dried.
● Then, thatch panels of a maximum of 3 meters in
length are made by folding the dry grass over a
bamboo split and threading it onto the split using palm
fiber.
● The bamboo split gives structure to the grass turning it
into a panel whilst also acting as a roofing batten.
● When installed the alang alang panels are tied to the
rafters using a lashing technique with bamboo rope.
32. ROOFS
Halved bamboo roof ● The simplest form consists
of a bamboo purlin and
beams, supported on
perimeter posts.
● Halved culms are then laid
convex side down,
edge-to-edge, spanning
from the ridge to the eaves.
● A second layer, convex side
up, is then laid to cover the
joints.
33. ROOFS
Flattened bamboo roof
It is a 3 layered hybrid roofing technique where we first place treated pelupuh over the rafters for interior
aesthetics, then an asphalt linear (synthetic waterproofing membrane) and pelupuh which is cut to size
as roofing shingles as a final layer. All layers are attached using a nail gun.
● Flattened bamboo is very flexible and works
nicely with curvilinear roofs.
● The synthetic waterproof membrane lasts for
20-25 years, but the outer bamboo pelupuh
layer must be replaced every 5-8 years.
Flattened bamboo
degrades quickly if
it is exposed to
moisture and
organic matter.
34. BAMBOO AS CLADDING MATERIAL
● Modern and environmentally
friendly.
● Easy to install
● Low maintenance
● Durable
● The natural shiny yellow
color (Chinese bamboo)
● Lightweight, easy to screw
into a wall.
37. PRINCIPLES TO PICK BAMBOO
The first one is do not use green, fresh cut bamboo. Bamboo has to be completely dry before
using it in construction.
Air dried is the best way to dry bamboo,During the drying process the bamboo diameter shrinks
If incomplete dry bamboo is used in joinery this will result in losing and weak joints after a
few weeks
Bamboo which is less than 3 years of age should not be used. Only use mature bamboo of 4-6
years.
It is important to use bamboo nodes because it is the strong point of a bamboo pole. If a bamboo
column or beams do not have a node at both ends, the bamboo may crush.
Bamboo that has flourished should not be used. Rest assured bamboo only flourishes once in
a lifetime (60-120 years)
38. NOTABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO
IS BAMBOO ENERGY-EFFICIENT?
Bamboo have huge potential for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. Their use would dramatically
reduce emissions compared to traditional materials, helps to reduce human impact on climate change.
WHY IS BAMBOO ENERGY-EFFICIENT?
Using bamboo would reduce emissions compared to traditional building materials and will help to keep
carbon out of the atmosphere by diverting timber from being burnt as fuel.
HOW DOES BAMBOO SAVE ENERGY?
Renewable, plant-based materials such as bamboo have huge potential for sustainable and
energy-efficient buildings. The thinner cell walls have lower thermal conductivity due to cellulose chains
being almost at a right angle to the plant stem.
ECO-FRIENDLY , SUSTAINABLE , ENERGY - EFFICIENT
39. IS BAMBOO ECONOMICALLY SUSTAINABLE?
Bamboo is a highly sustainable plant. Bamboo can grow to full size in just 3-4 months, compared to
standard trees which can take 30+ years to grow. This makes it a super sustainable alternative due to its
naturally renewing properties. Nasty pesticides and chemicals aren't required when harvesting bamboo.
HOW DOES BAMBOO SAVE ENERGY?
Renewable, plant-based materials such as bamboo have huge potential for sustainable and
energy-efficient buildings. I The thinner cell walls have lower thermal conductivity due to cellulose chains
being almost at a right angle to the plant stem. "Nature is an amazing architect”
DOES BAMBOO ABSORB HEAT?
Well, bamboo has the phenomenal ability to wick (absorbs)heat and moisture away . In fact, bamboo
wicks heat and moisture away twice as fast as cotton, reduces the humidity.
NOTABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO
ECO-FRIENDLY , SUSTAINABLE , ENERGY - EFFICIENT
40. IS BAMBOO AN INSULATOR?
As an insulation material, it can have a positive thermal performance due to the
presence of air cavities, however when many culms of Bamboo are aligned to
make a wall, the contact surfaces in the joins, because of its rounded nature, are
few allowing thermal bridges.These thicker layers also give bamboo its strength
and stiffness.
IS BAMBOO COOL IN SUMMER?
The exceptional thermo-regulating properties of bamboo means it is cool in
summer and warm in winter.
NOTABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO
ECO-FRIENDLY , SUSTAINABLE , ENERGY - EFFICIENT
41. NOTABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO
EARTHQUAKE
RESISTANCE
● High residual strengths to absorb shocks
and impacts.
● In earthquake-prone regions it offers an
additional advantage – a tensile strength
that provides resilience and enables
bamboo-constructed buildings to
withstand shoks.
● Bamboo houses built by IPIRTI-TRADA
(Timber Research and Development
Association ) technology can resist seen
repetitions of typical zone 5 earthquake
over 7 on the rishter scale, showing no
signs of falling apart. Only few of the cracks
can be seen in case of intensive shocks
-said in annual report of ministry.
https://ipirti.gov.in/bamboohousingsystem.html
42. ● Environmentally friendly -Bamboo forests are very
environment-friendly. They reduce pollution by producing
oxygen, more than 35 percent more than trees do. Their roots
create a water barrier that helps control soil erosion. Bamboo
also consumes high quantities of nitrogen, which helps
reduce water pollution.
● Recyclable - A study by the National Association of Home
Builders estimates that about 8,000 pounds of waste is
created from the construction of a single 2,000-square-foot
home. The majority of the waste is wood, cardboard and
drywall that ends up in landfills. In comparison, bamboo is
completely recyclable.
● Sustainable - Eco-friendly bamboo is one of the
fastest-growing wild grasses on earth. It reaches heights of
full maturity in as little as three years and regenerates quickly
after harvesting. Some bamboo species can grow over 35
inches in a single day
ADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO
https://www.greenhomeguide.com/know-how/article/5-benefits-of-building-a-home-with-bamboo#:~:text=Bamboo%20forests%20are%20very%20
friendly,which%20helps%20reduce%20water%20pollution.
43. ● Tensile strength: Bamboo has higher tensile strength than steel because its fibers run axially.
● Fire Resistance: Capability of bamboo to resist fire is very high and it can withstand temperature up to
4000 C. This is due to the presence of high value of silicate acid and water.
● Elasticity: Bamboo is widely preferred in earthquake prone regions due to its elastic features.
● Weight of bamboo: Bamboos due to their low weight are easily displaced or installed making it very
easier for transportation and construction.
● Unlike other building materials like cement and asbestos, bamboo poses no danger to health.
● They are cost effective and easy to use.
● They are especially in great demand in earthquake prone areas.
● Strong -Some bamboo species have the same strength ratio as steel and almost twice the compression
ratio of concrete
● Earthquake- and hurricane-resistant.-Bamboo absorbs the shocks of seismic activity and high winds
far better than rigid concrete and steel structures.
ADVANTAGES OF BAMBOO
44. Bamboos come with their own set of drawbacks such as:
● They require preservation
● Shrinkage: Bamboo shrinks much greater than any other type of timber especially when it loses water.
● Durability: Bamboo should be sufficiently treated against insect or fungus attack before being utilized
for building purposes.
● Jointing: Despite prevalence of various techniques of jointing, structural reliability of bamboo is
questionable.
● poor resistance to fungi and bacteria.
● It is sensitive to attack from insects.
● Their structural efficiency is low.
● Shaped by nature.
● Lack of design guidance ,codes, no uniform extended legislations.
● Splitting - Low strength along transverse direction can lead to cracks
● Joining techniques - through many techniques are present but structural efficiency is low
● Flammability - not fire resistant and the cost of fore treatment is relatively high
DISADVANTAGES / LIMITATIONS OF BAMBOO