Use of lignocellulosic biomaterials for sustainable development of bamboo strand lumber for structural applications

Abstract

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants and has mechanical properties similar to timber. The main reasons for the popularity of bamboo in construction can be attributed to its low cost, local availability, and adequacy of simple, local tools, and skills for fabrication. Application of bamboo in construction is, however, normally limited to low-cost housing and temporary structures due to several factors including irregular shapes, hollow circular cross sections, and durability issues. This report presents the results of an investigation into production of an engineered bamboo lumber product. Bamboo culms were cut into smaller strands and were re-constituted into rectangular sections by gluing and pressing at 140 °C to 145 °C. This approach overcomes the presence of the inherent hollow core and randomizes the inter-nodes and other growth characteristics found in bamboo. The reconstituted bamboo strand lumber (RBSL) was developed using crushed Bambusa bambos species and phenol formaldehyde resin. The physical and mechanical properties of reconstituted bamboo strand lumber were evaluated as per IS 1734 (1983). From the results it was found that the BSL can be used as an alternate to timber to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for building applications that will effectively transform the world.