Bamboo An Alternative to Steel Reinforcement

SINHGAD TECHNICAL EDUCATION SOCIETY’S

SINHGAD COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE (Affiliated to University of Pune & Approved by COA)

S.No. 44/1, Vadgaon (Bk), Off Sinhgad Road, Pune – 411041 Tel. Fax: 020 – 24351439

Website: www.sinhgad.edu

E-mail:scoa@sinhgad.edu

Student’s Declaration I hereby certify that the work which is being presented entitled “Bamboo: An

Alternative to Steel Reinforcement?” in the subject of Dissertation and Architectural Project I, in the fulfilment of partial requirement for the award of degree of Bachelor of Architecture submitted in the Sinhgad Technical Society’s Sinhgad College of Architecture, Pune, is an authentic record of my own work carried out during a period from June 2017 to April 2018. The views expressed in this paper are my own and I am solely responsible for the accuracy and sources of information and data used.

The matter embodied in this report has not been submitted by me for the award of any other degree.

Signature of the student (Anket Sanjay Tathed) This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to the best of the knowledge of undersigned. This Candidate has appeared at sessional examination held on April,2018 at the Sinhgad Technical Education Society’s Sinhgad College of Architecture, Pune, under Savatribai Phule Pune University.

Prof. M. V. Gokhale Subject Coordinator

External examiner

Ar. Tanmayee Panse Subject Coordinator

Stamp

Bamboo: An Alternative to Steel Reinforcement?

Dissertation On

Bamboo: An Alternative to Steel Reinforcement?

Submitted to

Sinhgad College of Architecture, Pune Under Savitribai Phule Pune University For the fulfillment of the partial requirements for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Architecture By Anket Sanjay Tathed

Under the Guidance of Prof. M. V. Gokhale Sinhgad College of Architecture S.No. 44/1, Vadgaon (Bk), Off Sinhgad Road, Pune – 411041

April 2018

Anket Sanjay Tathed, Fourth Year B. Arch. (B) 2017-18

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Bamboo: An Alternative to Steel Reinforcement?

1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 5 1.1. Background ................................................................................................. 5  1.2.What is Bamboo.......................................................................6  1.3. Need for study………………………………………………..6 1.4.Aim& Objectives, RQ, Scope & Limitation…………………………..7 1.4.1.Methodology ............................................................................... 7 1.4.2.Scope and Limitation................................................................... 7 1.5. Literature Review: ............................................................................ 7 1.6. Data collection and analysis ........................................................... 10 2. Observed Climate Change trends and Projected Climate Change ............... 10  2.1.Background…………………………………………………10  2.2. Humidity……………………………………………..………………11  2.3. Conclusion on Climate Change Projections…..….………...11  2.4. The question of sustainability…………..……………..........11  2.5. Status of Bamboo in a Kerala village ……………..…….....12 2.5.1. Bamboo in Wayanad……………………….................12.

2.5.2. Methods…………………..…………………...............12  2.6.Bamboo Properties……………………………………..……12  2.7. Mechanical Properties of Bamboo………...………..………12  2.8. Mechanical properties of bamboo and its behavior in structural concrete ……………..………………………………..13  2.9. Shear resistance of reinforced concrete beam …………...……14 3. Tables and Graph……………………………………………..….…...15  (1)Bamboo....................................................................................15  (2)Steel Wire…………………………………………..…...........15  (3)Steel Bar……………………………………………..……….15 4. Book Case study…………………………………………………………..16 4.1. Bamboo reinforced concrete slab………………………………..…..17 4.1.1. Concrete Strength……………………………………………..18 4.1.2. Conclusion drawn in this case studies…………………………19 4.2. Research question…………………………………………………….19 4.2.1. Analyses drawn in this Research question……………………...22 5.1. Recommendations……………………………………………………..23

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6. Reference ...................................................................................................... 23 List of Figures: (1).Fig.1.6.1. Location Map ……………………………………………………………….10 (2).Fig.2.9.1: Shear transfer in beam with web reinforcement…………………………….14 (3).Fig.2.9.2: Stresses on an element in concrete beam……………………………………15 (4).Fig.3.1: Size and spacing of bamboo reinforcement in slabs and walls…………….....16 (5).Fig.4.1.1: Details of specimens…………………………………………………..…….17 (6).Fig.4.1.2: Bending test setup casting of slab specimens……………………………….17 (7).Fig.4.1.3: Details of specimens………………………………………………………...17 (8).Fig.4.1.4: Bending test setup of slab specimens……………………………………….17 (9).Fig.4.1.5: Curing condition (left) underground, (right) above ground…………………18 (10)Fig.4.1.6: Compressive and tensile strength. (Effect of curing condition)……............18 (11).Fig.4.1.7: Cracking and failure………………………………………………………..18 (12).Fig.4.2.1: Bamboo reinforced column and Beam……………………………………..20 (13).Fig.4.2.2: comparison between convention concrete and bamboo reinforcement……21 (14).Fig.4.2.3: Energy consumption during construction………………………………….21

List of Tables: (1).Table 2.7.1: Mechanical properties of bamboo………………………………...............13 (2).Table 2.7.2: Mechanical properties of bamboo………………………………………...13 (3).Table 3.1.1: Properties of bamboo……………………………………………………..15 (4).Table 3.1.2: Properties of steel wire……………………………………………………15 (5).Table 3.1.3: Properties of steel bar……………………………………………………..16 (6).Table 4.1.1: Size and spacing of bamboo reinforcement in slabs and walls…………...17 (7).Table 4.2.1: Details of specimens………………………………………………………17 (8).Table 4.2.2 Bending test setup………………………………………………………….20 (9).Table 4.2.3: Ratio comparing between bamboo and steel……………………………...20

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1. Introduction: Bamboo is a natural material which is available in bulk and ease of use in the rural areas. Bamboo occurs mostly in tropical and subtropical areas, from sea level to snow-capped mountain peaks, with a few species reaching into temperate areas.

After some years steel reinforcement may no longer be available. Then we will have to find an alternative to steel, as bamboo being a natural material and is abundantly available in most of the part of earth it can be a replacement for steel in reinforced concrete structure for green building and low cost purpose.

The major application of bamboo is for construction and housing. It is estimated that one billion people live in bamboo houses. For ages bamboo has been used in construction and currently they are used as props, foundations, framing, scaffolding, flooring, walls, roofs and trusses. Bamboos are tied together to make grid reinforcement and placed in soft clay to solve deformation problems in embankments. In rural part of India mostly bamboo is use as reinforcement in mud walls as it has quit high strength.

In this research for studying on various issues of bamboo reinforced concrete analysis and comparison of steel and bamboo reinforced column is made.

1.1. Background What is Bamboo?

Bamboo is a tribe of flowering perennial evergreen plants in the grass family.

Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family. It is mainly composed of cellulose and lignin, about 70% and 20% respectively.

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, with reported growth rates of 100 cm (39 in) in 24 hours. However, the growth rate is dependent on local soil and climatic conditions, as well as species, and a more typical growth rate for many commonly cultivated bamboos in temperate climates is in the range of 3–10 centimeters (1.2–3.9 in) per day during the growing period.

Bamboo has been eulogized, sung about, drawn and ascribed distinct spiritual powers in several Asiatic civilizations. Many ancient and medieval classical texts including the Yajurveda and the Arthasastra of India as well as I Ching of China abound in references to the spiritual and the material values of bamboo. Bamboo has enjoyed more positive epithets in several cultures and during several ages than the common description of it as the “poor man’s timber” in modernist India.

1.2. Present situations: The Kerala Context (warm and humid):

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The demographic, socio-economic and physiographic situations in the states determine the specific vulnerabilities of their economies towards climate change and in such circumstances, it is imperative to work on the precautionary and anticipatory measures for facing the expected changes and adapting to the changes in the long term.

At the same time it is also important to work on our environment in a manner that the shocks of changes are not able to alter the circumstances rapidly and there is sufficient time and scope to adopt appropriate adaptive mechanisms to suit the changes. Thus the preparation of State Action Plans for Climate Change (SAPCC) should be consistent with the broad objectives of the NAPCC and result in a set of sectorial activities and programmers that will take into account state level variations, geographical specificities and socioeconomic considerations.

1.3. Need for study: Vision address to Climate Change in Kerala The Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change developed by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Kerala aims to address negative consequences of climate change and thus reduce risk associated with it. It also envisaged climate change strategies need to be integrated development planning process in the state.

Vision – Placing the climate change concerns at the forefront of sustainable development and for maintaining the quality of life of the people of the State.

Source: 1 State Environment Report, 2007 2 Economic Reviews, 2010

1.4. Aim & Objectives, RQ, Scope & Limitation: Aim: To analyze bamboo as building material with conventional reinforcement materials in buildings in warm and Humid (Kerala) Climate.

Objective: 1) Identify availability and physical property of bamboo.

2) Identity comfort requirement, Strength of material in warm and humid Climate.

3) Identity availability of conventional building material with its property.

4) Identity different ways of making the use of bamboo reinforced concrete as Simple and cost effective.

Methodology: 1. Analysis based on previous researches.

2. Exploratory research with help of case studies.

3. Quantitative research understanding the different materials and parameters that affect use of materials.

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4. The method followed for analyzing the case studies depends on the observation and photographic documentation.

Scope and Limitation: Scope:  To Study bamboo as sustainable building material.  To identify new trend in construction and detail study on the same.

Limitation: The study of bamboo will be limited to its availability wrt climate of Kerala.

1.5. Literature Review: Aim/Title

State of The Art : Bamboo as a Structural Material

Authors

M. B. Varma

Year of publication Source

Bamboo as a Cost effective Structural Material in Buildings.

Sajed Hussain Mir

Bamboo Composite Materials for Low-Cost design.

Trevor David Dagilis

Bamboo as conventional construction materials.

8-9 Jan 2016

01-11-2013

01-01-2012

2008

Publicised in journal International Journal of Engineering Research Volume No.5, Issue Special 1 pp : 300303

Publicised in journal International Journal of Engineering and Technical Research (IJETR) ISSN:23210869,Volume1,Issue-9

E- publicised Wisconsin Centre for Environmental Education (WCEE)

E- publicised Philippine Institute Of Civil Engineers

Analysis method

Experiment method

Survey , Experiment and Analysis and method

Methodology Analysis method

Anket Sanjay Tathed, Fourth Year B. Arch. (B) 2017-18

Alex Cornelio Matricio

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Finding/ Conclusion

Literature available suggests try and use bamboo with the structural elements.

From literature it also can be concluded that from place to place bamboo is not remaining the same.

Therefore one cannot generalize the properties of bamboo as it was done with steel and other building material. It seems from literature before using bamboo, every time one has to find out its properties which seems to be difficult to apply on actual worksite. Make all end users aware of its advantages and make easily available all properties of bamboo along with a very simple method to carry out testing.

This study has finally concluded that “Bamboo, ― THE WONDER GRASS” can be used as an economical building and structural material in buildings. As a very economic building material, bamboo‘s rate of productivity and cycle of annual harvest outstrips any other naturally growing resource. This research can help in deciding the use of Bamboo as a Structural and Constructional material in Buildings. There are many things to be worked upon so that this wonder grass can be made into a cost effective strength material.

Anket Sanjay Tathed, Fourth Year B. Arch. (B) 2017-18

This paper presents the feasibility of using bamboo and non-steel as the reinforcing material in concrete members. In order to investigate the fracture behaviour and the mechanical properties of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete members.

(1) The tensile strength filled with cement paste cured significantly increase with aging time.

(2) The behaviour of pull-out test with bamboo is almost the same as the plain steel bar; however, the bond strength with bamboo was higher than the one with plain steel bar.

(3) Bamboo reinforced concrete slab: When fresh concrete is

Based on the experimental study for physical and tensile strength of conventionaltreated bamboo the following conclusions were being drawn: (1) Physical Properties of Bamboo.

(2) Tensile Strength of Bamboo.

(3) Ph value for salt water and fresh water conform to the accepted level of alkalinity and acidity for both salt water and fresh water.

(4) It is implies that immersed bamboo in salt water condition is better than natural air-dry and immersed in fresh water.

The presence of salt water particles during immersion process affects the strength properties of the bamboo.

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poured, its water will moisten the bamboo; then, the concrete will harden and lose water so that the bamboo will again dry out.

This drying process will completely break any bond between the bamboo and the concrete. It can be considered that underground humidity is high at any times therefore supply of water to the concrete can be accomplished.

Analysis

Suitability of bamboo is shown in this paper as a structural member.

Characteristics of bamboo are it is light in weight, easily available and also ample too and can be handle by unskilled worker also with less cost this is studied by some research worker and thus this leads to good building material.

Most important consideration along with lifespan and safety is economy of projects.

Consideration is important in cases of developing and underdeveloped societies, this is done to reduce the cost factor of buildings.

This research is

Anket Sanjay Tathed, Fourth Year B. Arch. (B) 2017-18

Situation, the state of the forest resources and the needs for low-cost design are given for Ecuador, which is seen as representative of countries with a history of bamboo use, and potential for further development.

The study of ANOVA and ttest for the significance of strength of bamboo depends on 3 conditions while rest use ANOVA and t - test for investigation, bending and basic strength of bamboo this was the present study.

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beneficial for economic condition of people and proper use of bamboo for construction purpose.

1.6. Data collection and analysis: State Profile – Kerala lies on the South Western coastal region of India between latitudes 8017’ and 120 47’ North and longitudes 740 52’ and 770 24’ East. It is spread over an area of 38,863 km2, stretching 580 km in length and 30 - 130 km in breadth, while in terms of area, about 1.2% of geographical area of India.

Fig.1.6.1. Location Map Source: 3 Land Resources of Kerala, Kerala State Land Use Board

2. Observed Climate Change trends and Projected Climate Change: 2.1. Background: The climate of Kerala is tropical monsoon with seasonally excessive rainfall and hot summer. The state having four seasons – Anket Sanjay Tathed, Fourth Year B. Arch. (B) 2017-18

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1) The period of March to the end of May is the hot season.

2) South West Monsoon season that continued till the beginning of October.

3) From October to December is the the North East Monsoon season and two months January and February.

4) Winter season The climate in the state is pleasant from September to February and summer months March to May is uncomfortable due to high temperature and humidity.

The state is extremely humid due to the existence of Arabian Sea in the west of it.

2.2. Humidity: As the state stretches from north to south with Arabian Sea on its west, relative humidity, in general is high over the state. The relative humidity during the monsoon season is about 85 %.

2.3. Conclusion on Climate Change Projections: 1. As mentioned above, Kerala is severely threatened by climate change and suffer from a relatively high vulnerability to present and expected impacts. Vulnerabilities owing to climate change have huge dimension in the state. It has already faced various types of developmental and environmental issues.

2. In this background the local strategies to deal with climate change have to be directed towards post containing the change ensuring resilience in the existing natural resource base of the state against the influence of shock of climate change and adaptive actions based on the available and upcoming information’s related to the impacts and implication of climate change.

2.4. The question of sustainability: A host of global institutions, national and state governments, policy makers and scholars as well several resource dependent communities themselves have been forced to address this challenge of ‘sustainable development’. The realization that resources on the earth are finite and non-renewable or have become so as a result of the dynamics of global development is at the root of making the concept of ‘sustainable development’ an explicit goal.

2.5. Status of Bamboo in a Kerala: 2.5.1. Bamboo in Wayanad: According to a study (Nair et al. 2001), the forests in Wayanad division including the Wayanad North and Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary were the richest in bamboo resources in the State, containing an approximate quantity of 5,65,450 tones or 21.50 percentage of the growing stock of bamboo in the state (Ibid). There was also a high degree of species diversity of bamboo in Wayanad district (State of Forest Report 1999), the predominant species being Bambusa bambos.

2.5.2. Methods:

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As the study involved both quantitative (assessments of the inter-sectoral allocation of bamboo) and qualitative aspects (assessment or comparison of the structural system in bamboo wrt conventional structural system).

2.6. Bamboo Properties : Bamboo most distinguished and useful properties can be resumed as 

Renewability - Bamboo is not a wood, it is a grass. Stems are ready for harvest within 5 years.



Sustainability - After harvesting the mother plant, new shoots continue to develop from the root system evenly distributed.



Stresses -In bamboo, there are no rays or knots, which give bamboo a far more evenly distributed stresses throughout its length.



Coherent appearance - Without rays or knots, its natural appearance is smooth and coherent.



Low density - Specific gravity (SG) is a measure of the density of a substance. The specific gravity of a substance is a comparison of its density to that of water. The specific gravity of bamboo varies between 0.4 and 0.8. It is very light.



High Wettability - Positively related to adhesion. It has high wettability so that bamboo strips can be glued firmly.



Resiliency - Bamboo is elastic and very resistant.

2.7. Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Bamboo is a very complex material and many things affect it including: 1) direction 2) moisture content (MC%) 3) diameter 4) wall thickness 5) distance to node 6) Height 7) ages 8) Species.

These are further explained below – 1) Because bamboo grains are aligned parallel in the axial (vertical) direction, bamboo is an anisometric material. This means the mechanical properties depend on the direction of the force; for instance, compression of the bamboo in the axial direction will result in a different compressive strength then compression in the radial direction.

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2) Generally speaking, dry bamboo has higher mechanical properties than wet bamboo. Raw bamboo naturally has a high moisture content, where MC = 100*(wet weight-dry weight)/dry weight.

3) Generally, smaller bamboo has stronger mechanical properties (such as ultimate compressive strength) for its size. However, larger bamboo can withstand larger forces.

4) Thicker walls have better mechanical properties generally.

5) As the distance to the node decreases, the mechanical properties improve.

6) The height along the bamboo (when measured from the ground) affects its properties. Generally, the part of the bamboo nearer the bottom has stronger properties.

7) Very young bamboo and old bamboo have weaker mechanical properties than bamboo that is around the age of 3-7 years.

8) The species of bamboo also matters; some are not useful as a building material.

Because so many properties affect bamboo, it can be difficult to find bamboo property values which are reliable across a large number of cases.

Two reliable charts of mechanical properties are given below –

Modulus of Elasticity(MOE)

(N/mm^2) psi 16,170 2.3*10^6

Bending Strength, Fb 20.27 Compressive Strength, Fc 7.86 Tensile Strength, Ft 14.96 Longitudinal Shear Strength, Fv 1.41

2940 1140 2170 205

Table 2.7.1

Allowable Stress (N/mm^2) for bamboo with a density of Compression Bending Shear 600 kg/m^3 Dry Bamboo (12%MC) 7.8 12 1.8 Wet or green bamboo 6.6 9 -Table 2.7.2

2.8. Mechanical properties of bamboo and its behavior in structural concrete: The tensile strength of bamboo can reach up to 370 N/mm2. This makes bamboo an alternative to steel in tensile applications. This is because the ratio of tensile strength to specific weight of bamboo is six times greater than that of steel (Amanda et al. ,1997). Ghavami (2005) found the strength distribution at the bottom of the bamboo culm to be more uniform than at the top.

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Bamboo may contain high nutrients to foster fungi growth and insect attack. It needs to be protected from several conditions including temperature, moisture and pest.

Bamboo has strong water absorption, low resistance to fire than steel and show weak bond with concrete (Steinfield, 2001).

The mechanical properties of bamboo used as reinforcement in structural concrete elements. The study showed that ultimate loads of the concrete beams averaged 400 percent of the unreinforced concrete beam capacity. Ghavami (2005) studied the mechanical properties of six different types of bamboo and their behavior in concrete. The study concluded that bamboo can substitute steel satisfactorily and that there is the need to establish the characteristic strength of bamboo for a comparative study of Bamboo reinforced concrete beams using different stirrup materials. Four-point bending tests were performed on six concrete beams reinforced with bamboo to identify their behavior compared to steel reinforced concrete beams. Tests results indicated that bamboo reinforcement enhanced the load carrying capacity by about 250 percent as compared to the initial crack load in the concrete beam.

2.9. Shear resistance of reinforced concrete beam: Figure 1 - represents the shear transfer mechanism of a cracked concrete beam acted on by a shear force V. The directions of the principal compressive and tensile stresses are such that they tend to be parallel to the beam axis. At the mid-span of the beam shear stresses are low and the bending stresses dominate. Near the supports the shearing stresses are high and an element.

Figure 2 - is subjected to both shear stresses and normal tensile stresses. Close to the neutral axis, the bending stress on an element is very small and can be neglected such that the shear stresses acting on an element are equivalent to the principal stresses also called diagonal tension. Before the advent of diagonal cracking, loads are supported by concrete in tension. The major contributors to shear resistance V; are aggregate interlock across the diagonal crack Va, dowel action effect of the longitudinal reinforcement Vd, un-cracked concrete action Vc and the web reinforcement Vw.

Figure 2.9.1: Shear transfer in beam with web reinforcement

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Figure 2.9.2: Stresses on an element in concrete beam Source: 4 International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering, Volume 2 Issue 2 2011

3. Tables & Graphs: Properties of bamboo and steel reinforcing bars in beams : 1) Bamboo : Whole Culms Diameter (in.)

3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 1 2

Area (sq.in) 0.008 0.136 0.239 0.322 0.548 1.92 ¾ Inch Wide splints

Thickness (in.)

1/8 1/4 3/8 ½ 5/8 3/4

Area (sq.in) 0.094 0.188 0.282 0.375 0.469 0.563 Table 3.1.1 Source - 5 www.iosrjournals.org

(2) Steel Wire : AS&W Wire Gauge no.

000 00 0 1 2

Diameter (in)

Area (sq.in)

Weight (1b/ft)

0.3938 0.3625 0.3310 0.2830 0.2625

0.012180 0.10321 0.086049 0.073782 0.062902

0.4136 0.3505 0.2506 0.2136 0.1838

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3 4

0.2437 0.2253

0.059867 0.046645

0.1584 0.1354

Table 3.2.2 Source - www.iosrjournals.org

(3) Steel Bar: Nominal Dimensions – Round Sections Bar Designation no.

2 3

Nominal Diameter (in.)

0.250 0.375

Cross Sectional area (sq.in.)

0.05 0.11

4 5 6 7

0.500 .625 .750 .0875

0.20 0.31 0.44 0.60

8 9

1.000 1.128

0.79 1.00

Table 3.2.3 Source - www.iosrjournals.org

Figure 3.1- Size and spacing of bamboo reinforcement in slabs and walls.

Source - www.iosrjournals.org

4. Book Case study: 1. Bamboo reinforced concrete slab (Source: 6 Research and Development on Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Structure, Masakazu TERAI & Koichi MINAMI Fukuyama University, Japan)

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The flexural failure of bamboo reinforce concrete slabs are studied. The configuration and sectional details of all specimens are shown in Figure 4.1. For the tension reinforcement, bamboo (diameter: 15.3mm, yield strength 197N/mm2) divided in a quarter were used. Specimens were reinforced singly (tension reinforcement ratio p: 0.48%). As shown in Figure 4.1, the bamboo were reinforced in a lattice pattern and tied with the twisted rope made of polypropylene at the intersection of bamboo reinforcements. A total of 12 test specimens consisted of six specimens aging underground and six above the ground, tested at 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, 1 year, 3 year and 5year, respectively.

Ready mixed concrete confirming to JIS A 5308 with the proof compressive strength of 10.1 N/mm2 and the slump value of 18cm (the measured value: 16.0cm) was used. The maximum size of coarse aggregate was 15 mm and the air content was 5.2% (measured). The mixing proportion for concrete is listed in Table 4.1.

Figure 4.3 shows the scenery at the concrete casting.

Figure 4.1.1. Details of specimens

Figure 4.1.2. Bending test setup

Compressive Water Fine strength cement aggregate Unit Weight (Kg/m3) level ratio content Fc (MPa) W/C S/a (%) Water Cement Fine Coarse Mixture (%) (W) (C) aggregate aggregate agent (S) (G) 10.1 88 63.0 203 231 1119 683 1.85 Table 4.1.1. Mixing proportion

Figure 4.1.3: Casting of slab specimens

Figure 4.1.4: Curing condition (left) underground, (right) above ground

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After the eights day of casting concrete, specimens were remolded, measured the dimensions and the weight. The half is placed 800mm above ground made a stand with a roof, shown in Figure 4.4 (right). The other half is buried underground digging a hole to 800mm, shown in Figure 4.4(left). For management of concrete strength, test cylinders of 100mm diameter was constructed and cured under the same conditions.

Slab specimens were loaded concentrically with a tensile/compression tester with 5MN capacity, as shown in Figure 4.2. During the loading test, the load P was measured by load cell. Displacements δ of the specimen were externally measured by displacement transducers instrumented at the sides of the specimens.

4.1. Concrete Strength – The results of tests on specimens carried out at 28 and 84days are shown in Figure 4.6.

The compressive strength of test cylinder cured underground changes significantly highly from the one cured in laboratory. It can be considered that while the inside of the laboratory is dried, the underground is humid at any times therefore supply of water to the concrete can be accomplished. It turns out that the tensile strength of test cylinder cured underground increased the rate of strength development of concrete.

Figure 4.1.5: Compressive and tensile strength. (Effect of curing condition)

Figure 4.1.6: Cracking pattern after failure

When fresh concrete is poured, its water will moisten the bamboo; then, during the curing time, the concrete will harden and lose water so that the bamboo will again Anket Sanjay Tathed, Fourth Year B. Arch. (B) 2017-18

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dry out. This drying process will completely break any bond between the bamboo and the concrete. It can be considered that underground humidity is high at any times therefore supply of water to the concrete can be accomplished. It also considered that bamboo reinforcement absorbed water moderately will become difficult to split.

For analyzing of strength of bamboo reinforced concrete members, the crosssectional size of a bamboo is not constant, therefore strength changes with places.

Since bamboo is bent at the node or there is "spring" over the longitudinal length, it is very difficult to calculate the strength of bamboo reinforced concrete members.

Here, in order to estimate the strength of bamboo reinforced concrete members, the form and the section of the bamboo were assumed as follows: (1) Cross-section of the bamboo is assumed to be circular hollow. From the average measured value, the outside diameter is 15.3mm, the inner diameter is 9.5mm and the thickness of hollow is 2.9mm.

(2) Bamboo is homogeneous over the entire length.

4.2. Conclusion drawn in this case study: (1) The tensile strength filled with cement paste cured w/c=80% and 100% significantly increase with aging time.

(2) The behavior of pull-out test with bamboo is almost the same as the plain steel bar; however, the bond strength with bamboo was higher than the one with plain steel bar. It can be expected that the bond strength covering with full treatment shows the high value 1.2-1.35MPa. (3) Bamboo reinforced concrete slab: When fresh concrete is poured, its water will moisten the bamboo; then, the concrete will harden and lose water so that the bamboo will again dry out. This drying process will completely break any bond between the bamboo and the concrete. It can be considered that underground humidity is high at any times therefore supply of water to the concrete can be accomplished.

2. Research question: How does the properties of bamboo offers an alternative solution in modern industrialize construction?

Developing countries have the highest demand for steel reinforced concrete, but often do not have the means to produce the steel to meet that demand. Rather than put themselves at the mercy of a global market dominated by developed countries, Singapore’s Future Cities Laboratory suggests an alternative to this manufactured rarity: bamboo. Abundant, sustainable, and extremely resilient, bamboo has potential in the future to become an ideal replacement in places where steel cannot easily be produced.

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Figure 4.2.1: Bamboo reinforced column and Beam

Property Modulus of Elasticity Compressive strength Tension strength Bending strength Shear strength

Bamboo (KN/sq.cm) 2000 6.2 – 9.3 14.8 – 38.4 7.6 -27.6 20

Steel (KN/ sq.cm) 2000 14 16 14 9.2

Table 4.2.1 In comparison with steel, bamboo has advantages over steel in tension and bending strength. However, it loses in compressive and shear strength aspect.

For being a natural material the weight of bamboo is much less than steel. Bamboo has more than twice the Unit Strength-Weight ratio than that of Steel. For the abundance availability the cost bamboo is low. That’s why, bamboo has higher Strength-cost ratio than that of steel. Being a natural material bamboo offers much less strength than that of steel. Yet it exhibits double Strength-weight ratio than that.

Strength-Cost ratio of bamboo is also more than nine times higher than that of steel.

This scenario certainly provides interesting information for the prospect of more research in this field.

Sample no.

Length (m)

Bamboo – 1 Bamboo – 2 Bamboo – 3 Bamboo – 4 Steel - 1 Steel – 2 Steel – 3 Steel - 4

0.51 0.52 0.51 0.54 0.53 0.53 0.53 0.53

Crosssectional (cm2) 2.34 2.55 2.16 1.80 0.785 0.785 0.785 0.785

Volume (m3)

Weight (Kg)

Unit (Kg/m2)

Average (Kg/m2)

0.00011934 0.089 746 812 0.001326 0.095 716 0.00011016 0.087 790 0.0000972 0.097 998 0.000041605 0.31 7451 7872 0.000041605 0.33 7932 0.000041605 0.32 7691 0.000041605 0.35 8412 Table 4.2.2 Unit weight of bamboo and steel In comparison with length and weight ratio, bamboo perform more efficient than steel.

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Bamboo: An Alternative to Steel Reinforcement?

Sample Type Bamboo Steel

Ultimate Strenghth (Mpa) 92.84 414

Density (Kg/m3)

Strength - Density

Density - Strength

812 0.114 8.77 7872 0.052 19.23 Table 4.2.3 If the ratio comparing between bamboo and steel is equal, bamboo will have the upper hand to outperform steel's performance.

As above tables shown the possibility of bamboo as a structural component, it could be the next green reinforcement in the construction industry. The table below showed a comparison between conventional and bamboo reinforced concrete.

Bamboo reinforced concrete a significant gain in strength and has the potential to replace the steel as a green reinforcement.

Figure 4.2.2: Comparison between conventional concrete and bamboo reinforcement

Figure 4.2.3: Energy consumption during construction

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Bamboo: An Alternative to Steel Reinforcement?

2.1 analyses drawn in this Research question: Besides having the advantages and potential strength as a construction materials, it has a bigger agenda to provide a more sustainable methodology for the built environment. As trees used for timber take 30 to 50 years to regenerate to their full mass, whereas one bamboo plant can be harvested every 3 to 7 years. As such, bamboo could be an alternative material towards modern construction industrial in the near future.

5. Conclusion: The following salient conclusions can be drawn from the study: 

Bamboo can be used as reinforcement in R.C.C structure for low cost housing project as tensile strength of bamboo is good.



The behaviour of bamboo is almost the same as the plain steel bar; however, the bond strength with bamboo was higher than the one with plain steel bar. It can be expected that the bond strength covering with full treatment shows the high value.



The strength of bamboo is directly affected by its moisture content.



The load carrying capacity of Bamboo reinforced concrete is about 3 times that of plain concrete beam having same dimensions.



As done in steel reinforcement, bamboo reinforcement technique is used for both main and distribution reinforcement.

The use of bamboo for concrete purpose can be confirmed in this project this needs to be verified by some realistic method. Thus this study is the first step towards the use of bamboo in effective way for construction purpose.

5.1. Recommendations: The availability of combination bamboo and concrete structure can be confirmed.

Therefore, for construction of the actual structure, it is necessary to verify some realistic methods. It can be said that this study is the first step towards the development for the future. It is important to accumulate further experimental data and to consider the practical application. For practical application of the structure with bamboo, it seems to be important to consider the following conditions: 1) Design of the structure with bamboo 2) Combinations of materials (the concrete strength and type of bamboo) 3) Construction and Workability Anket Sanjay Tathed, Fourth Year B. Arch. (B) 2017-18

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Bamboo: An Alternative to Steel Reinforcement?

4) Durability of bamboo within mortar and concrete.

6. Reference: 

International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 2, Issue 6, June 2013



Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change o 1 State Environment Report, 2007 o 2 Economic Reviews, 2010 o 3 Land Resources of Kerala, Kerala State Land Use Board o Kerala%20climate/KERALA%20STATE%20ACTION%20PLAN% 20ON%20CLI MATE%20CHANGE.pdf



International journal of civil and structural engineering

volume 2, no 1,

2011 o 4 International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering, Volume 2 Issue 2 2011 o A comparative study of Bamboo reinforced concrete beams using different stirrup materials for rural construction Adom-Asamoah Mark, Afrifa Owusu Russell. o Amada, S., Ichikawa, Y., Munekata, T., Nagase, Y. and Shimizu, H., 1997, “Fiber texture and mechanical graded structure of bamboo, Composites Part B, 28, 30, B, 32, pp 451-459. o British Standard Institute: Structural use of concrete. BS8100:Part 1:1985 

IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) e-ISSN: 2278-1684,p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 8, Issue 1 (Jul. - Aug. 2013), PP 50-61 o 5 www.iosrjournals.org o Bhalla , S., Janssen J.A.J “ Design Bamboo As Green Alterative To Concrete And Steel For Moder Structures.” o Chariar.V.M., “Fabrication and Testing of Jute Reinforced Engineered Bamboo Structural Elements.”



6 Research and Development on Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Structure Masakazu TERAI & Koichi MINAMI Fukuyama University, Japan o research%20papers/bamboo%20reinforcemnt/WCEE2012_2020.pdf o Terai, M. And Minami, K. (2011a). Fracture Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Members. 11th International conference on the mechanical behavior of materials.

Vol.10, DVD

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o

Terai, M. and Minami, K. (2011b). Basic Study on Bond and Flexural Properties of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Members. Proceedings of the Japan Concrete Institute. Vol.33, CD

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