Sustainable Construction Using Bamboo as Flexural Members

Abstract

Concrete is the largely using construction material. But it possesses some limitations in its application. The pollution created by cement is one of the major problems. Also the steel will become a scarce material after 20 or 30 years, so that, we should go for some sustainable building materials. The material should be also renewable. The significance of bamboo as a construction material arises in this situation.It is proven that bamboo possesses good tensile strength as well as compressive strength [1]. This material is also renewable and eco-friendly. Studies are conducted to analyze the performance of bamboo in place of reinforcement.This paper discuss about the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo and the behaviour of bamboo as a structural beam. The beams are made with bamboo either bolted or tied together. The connection materials are bolts and ropes. Normal strength tests are conducted over beams. The load and deflection is analyzed. It is seen that the load carrying capacity and load- deflection properties are better for steel bolted beam. And it is also comparable with concrete and steel.This type of beams can be used for residential building purposes. By using bamboo structural members, the cost can be reduced. Of course the economic benefit will go to the rural people, who cultivate bamboo. The method is sustainable, economic and possess nearly no pollution to the atmosphere. Since the material is renewable, it is highly reliable.