Study of bamboo as a building material – Construction & preservation techniques and its sustainability

Abstract

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass found in the tropical and mid temperate regions, growing three times faster than most other plant species due to a unique rhizome-dependent mechanism. It’s a versatile natural resource which has been used as a building material from ancient times. Apart from being known for its flexibility and durability, the material is also known for its environmental and sustainable benefits, in the present global context. Bamboo thrives in many parts of the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates. Increasing usage of bamboo in building results in energy savings, conservation of the world's limited resources, and pollution reduction. Bamboo forests are one of the most easily accessible resources for many communities, and they may be used to address one of the most serious types of human hardship: housing issues. Since four to five-year-old culms can be used, it can be used in construction and other engineering products efficiently. Even though bamboo construction has seen its growth worldwide, this building technology is not yet popular in India. Engineers who are used to employing well-developed technology will find this a challenge to their science and expertise. This review analyses bamboo as a building material and attempts to study the mindset of stakeholders in the construction industry with respect to bamboo, in Kerala in Indian context.