Environmental and mechanical performance assessment of bamboo culms and strips for structural use: Evaluation of Phyllostachys pubescens and Dendrocalamus giganteus species

Abstract

The environmental and mechanical performance of bamboo culms and strips for their use in construction are evaluated considering two species: Moso (Phyllostachys pubescens) and Dendrocalamus giganteus. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used for the environmental performance assessment. For the mechanical performance evaluation, the following tests were performed: compression of culms parallel to fibers, bending, and longitudinal tensile tests. Moso species performed better both environmentally and mechanically. This study brings important ecodesign information about two species of bamboo for different applications that can facilitate its use in the construction industry, thus contributing to a bioeconomy and a low carbon pathway.