This document presents research on the potential of engineered bamboo as a construction material. It outlines five innovative structural systems that use engineered bamboo elements like scrimber beams and panels. An environmental impact analysis found that bamboo-based systems have lower impacts than steel and concrete. The research aims to develop engineered bamboo technologies and appropriate construction systems to promote its acceptance and market growth as a sustainable building material.

1. Potential of Engineered Bamboo as a
Construction Material in the Urban Environment
M.Sc. Arch. JulianaVicente Becker
PhD Student, University of São Paulo
ICBS-2018
June/ 2018

2. 1. Introduction
2. Research Presentation
3. Five Innovative Structural Systems
4. Environmental Impact Analysis
5. Final Considerations
0. PRESENTATION OUTLINE

3. ~1250 BAMBOO SPECIES IN THE WORLD
China - > 500 native species, highest diversity in the world
Brazil - ~232 native species, highest diversity in America
India - ~120 native species
1. INTRODUCTION
(Source: FAO 2011)

4. ENGINEERED BAMBOO:
- quality control;
- better joints;
- more stable;
- large scale production;
- same aspect as wood;
- more easily accepted in an urban context.
BUILDING MATERIAL:
- renewable;
- local;
- low/positive environmental impact;
- high structural capacity;
- sustainable material.
Direction of Engineered Bamboo Research (Rittironk, 2009)
1. INTRODUCTION

5. 1. INTRODUCTION
Timber Construction Development
Bamboo Construction Development
(De Flander et Al. 2009, modified)

6. 2. RESEARCH PRESENTATION
1. RESEARCH
2. DESIGN
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
Engineered Structural Bamboo Elements
Engineered Wood Structural Systems

7. Dendrocalamus asper
Typical Floor Plan - National Social
Housing Program (4 aparts/ floor)
Typical Floor Plan - National Social
Housing Program (4 aparts/ floor)
Current Social Housing Buildings in Brazil.
Demand for design improvement.
2. RESEARCH PRESENTATION
Dendrocalamus asper

8. Source: guaduabamboo.com
Source: Sharma et al, 2015
Source: Xiao, 2014
Woven bamboo mat panels
Flattened bamboo
Scrimber bamboo
Engineered bamboo beams
2. RESEARCH PRESENTATION

9. 3. FIVE INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
SYSTEM 1 - Platform with natural bamboo
- flattened bamboo boards
- bamboo OSB boards

10. SYSTEM 2 - Platform with engineered bamboo
Mains elements:
- scrimber studs
- steel connectors
- bamboo OSB boards
Stability:
-concrete core
-long assembly time
3. FIVE INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

11. SYSTEM 3 - Pillar Beam
Mains elements:
- scrimber pillars
- scrimber beams
Stability:
-concrete core
-steel connectors
-metallic X-shaped stems
-long assembly time
3. FIVE INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

12. SYSTEM 4 - SolidWall
Mains elements:
-flattened panels
Stability:
-no need concrete core
-fast assembly time
-highest level of
prefabrication
3. FIVE INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

13. SYSTEM 5 - Sandwich Panels
Mains elements:
-sandwich panels
(scrimber studs+ bamboo OSB
panels)
Stability:
-no need concrete core
-fast assembly time
-grid and modular
arrengements
3. FIVE INNOVATIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

14. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTANALYSIS
Between Systems
Platform
natural
Platform
engin.
Pillar
Beam
Solid
wall
Sandwich
panels

15. Bamboo, Steel and Concrete
First fusion steel
4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTANALYSIS
System 01:
Platform
natural
System 02:
Platform
engin.
System 03:
Pillar
Beam
System 04:
Solid
wall
System 04:
Sandwich
panels

16. 5. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
FUTURE RESEARCH
• Lower environmental impact from engineered bamboo materials (adhesive, energy efficiency on process)
• What are the technically and environmentally appropriate engineered bamboo technologies to be applied for
structural elements?
• What are the construction systems more appropriate for implementing engineered bamboo elements?
FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS
• What are the next steps to be developed for engineered bamboo materials to be well accepted in the
construction market?
• Enlargement of market / enlargement of production - Lower production cost / Lower market price
• What can countries with bamboo resources do to develop the bamboo market?
• Transfer of knowledge to process engineered bamboo
• Sustainable management of bamboo forests
• Standards and norms for products

17. Obrigada!
谢谢!

18. EXTRA SLIDES

19. 8. DETAILED MATERIALS CALCULATION

20. 8. DETAILED MATERIALS CALCULATION

21. 8. DETAILED MATERIALS CALCULATION