Strength characteristics of bamboo: structural applications in bamboo-reinforced Concrete

Abstract

An investigation into the strength characteristics of local bamboo has been carried out. The local bamboo that was the subject of this thesis is of the species Arundinaria alpina. The theoretical part of the study was devoted to a survey of the extent of structural usage of bamboo in other countries and also delved into what should be experimentally undertaken in order to assess the suitability and appropriateness of our local bamboo as a potential for future structural uses. The bamboo samples were collected around Mt. Kenya Region, where the above-mentioned bamboo species grows. Relevant experimentation was subsequently and methodically carried out in the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Workshops, University of Nairobi. Characteristic strength tests of bamboo in tension, compression, shear, bending and bond with concrete have been carried out with a view to establishing approximate• values of certain relevant strength parameters. The strength values obtained have made it possible to compare bamboo with conventional construction materials steel and concrete. The results indicate that bamboo has a potential for structural usage. A comparative experimental analysis of the general performance of a steel-reinforced beam against a bamboo-reinforced beam of similar size in dimensions showed that bamboo can be reliably used as a reinforcing material. An unreinforced beam of similar dimensions and of plain concrete acted as control in this analysis and failed at a much lower load than that for the bamboo-reinforced beam. The suitability and appropriateness of bamboo as a reinforcing material would be further enhanced if further research was carried out to investigate its durability and long-term performance. Particular problems concerning its fire-resistance, low modulus of elasticity, high deflections at low loads and moisture susceptibility with attendant adverse dimensional changes resulting in poor bond formation and poor composite action are all areas of further research and should be investigated. Otherwise, investigations this far has proven the potential of bamboo as a future structural material.