Bamboo Frame Research Articles

Biostabilization of fecal sludge and tannery liming sludge: A novel approach

Fecal sludge and tannery liming sludge management is essential for humans and the environment. The emitted amount of waste from two industries is reduced in composting leading to value-added products. This research focused on the effectiveness and feasibility of co-composting fecal sludge and hair-burning liming sludge from tannery. Fecal sludge was intermittently mixed with hair-burning liming sludge which also consisted of chicken manure and sawdust. Five piles (Pile 1, Pile 2, Pil3, Pile 4, and Pile 5) indicated respectively as P#1, P#2, P#3, P#4, and P#5, contained various ratios of composting materials were mixed, piled onto a horizontal bamboo frame, and observed for 120 days. To ensure a suitable oxygen supply, the composting piles were turned on in the thermophilic stage so that pathogens could not survive. The highest temperatures in the thermophilic stage were 39.0°C, 49.2°C, 55.7°C, 41.7°C, and 51.3°C. These referred to the respective piles P#1, P#2, P#3, P#4, and P#5. The Dewar stability index confirmed the stability of each composting pile, and the maximum degradation was found for P#3. The metals chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) in the final compost were found to be 38.1, 144.7, 15.1, 450.5, and 22.7 mg/kg, respectively. TCLP results reveal only an insignificant amount of metal leaching. Fecal coliform of the compost was below the standard level; Helminth eggs and Salmonella spp. were absent. SEM micrographs reflect the decomposition of composting materials. The maximum germination index and germination capacity of compost pile P#3 for compost-soil ratio 1:0 and 1:1 were 90%-92.8% and 100%, respectively. The present approach produced nutrient-enriched compost from fecal sludge and hair-burning liming sludge from a tannery emerges as a suitable solution for reducing solid wastes.

Comparative analysis of seismic response and vulnerability of laminated bamboo frame structure under near-field and far-field earthquake actions

The study offers an evaluation of seismic response and vulnerability for a five-story laminated bamboo frame structure, assessing the effectiveness of seismic intensity measures across various damage thresholds and the modeling uncertainties involved. A structural finite element model was developed in OpenSees software, utilizing the Pinching4 model to accurately represent the non-linear characteristics of T-shaped steel connections in beam-column joints. Two collections of earthquake records, one consisting of pulse-like near-field and the other of far-field events, were utilized to examine the structure's nonlinear behavior. Additionally, vulnerability curves for various damage states were generated using the multiple stripe analysis technique, applied to both ground motion datasets. The applicability of 24 seismic intensity measures was also analyzed across various damage limit states. The modeling uncertainty under different seismic actions was further estimated using a first-order second-moment method. Ultimately, the annual collapse probability of the structure are elucidated. Research indicates that due to the influence of joint stiffness, the overall structure demonstrates dynamic characteristics that are predominantly of the first mode shape. The spectral acceleration associated with the fundamental period achieves a reduced logarithmic standard deviation in the vulnerability analysis across various limit states. Other IMs considering higher mode effects or softening period actions no longer predominate. In most cases, the modeling uncertainty under far-field seismic action is higher than that under near-field, especially at the severe damage limit states by using an efficient intensity measure. The laminated bamboo frame structure faces a much higher collapse risk in near-field than in far-field conditions.

An investigation of timber frame housing in Vietnamese Mekong River Delta

Timber frame housing is one of the most common structures in many countries in the world. In Vietnam, timber frame buildings are well-known for having special whittling techniques that should be considered a lesson for modern methods. In the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta, the housing in rural areas was built mostly with timber frames, and some housing was built with bamboo frames and used natural materials such as nipa-leave, and coconut-leave. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the characteristics of timber frame housing in the Mekong River Delta. To achieve this, firstly, an on-site investigation of ten local housings in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta is carried out. Secondly, the architectural characteristics of local housing are introduced, and finally, we analyze the details of timber frames. The result shows that the timber frame housing in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta has the following features: simple structure, light framing, and a flexible connection to other local materials. These characteristics should be considered in detail as a lesson for housing design in the region.

Bridging Housing and Climate Needs: Bamboo Construction in the Philippines

The Philippines faces a significant shortage of affordable housing, and with the growing urgency brought by climate change, there is a pressing need for more sustainable and affordable building solutions. One promising option is cement bamboo frame buildings, which blend traditional bamboo building methods with modern materials. This approach is already being implemented in social housing projects in the Philippines. Dynamic lifecycle assessment (DLCA) calculations show that these bamboo buildings can effectively reduce overall CO2 emissions. Before a building’s end of life, biogenic effects offset approximately 43% of its total production emissions, while the temporary carbon storage afforded by these biogenic materials further reduces total emissions by 14%. In comparison to concrete brick buildings, bamboo constructions reduce emissions by 70%. Transforming an unmanaged bamboo plantation into a managed plantation can potentially triple the capacity for long-term CO2 storage in biogenic materials and further reduce net emissions by replacing concrete with bamboo as the main construction material. Thus, bamboo construction offers a potent, economically viable carbon offsetting strategy for social housing projects.

Bamboo Construction Inspired by Vernacular Techniques for Reducing Carbon Footprint: A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Whilst upcoming innovations on digital technology and renewable energy can have a significant impact on the reduction of operational carbon emissions in the construction industry, readily available fast-growing building materials like bamboo are already proving reductions in the embodied carbon of dwellings above 60% when compared to traditional brickwork in Colombia. This paper presents a like-by-like comparison of the environmental impact of a conventional clay brick house (CBH) and a bamboo house for social housing in Colombia, which was built using adapted vernacular technologies. The bamboo house uses bamboo species Guadua angustifolia Kunth as the main structural support for the light cement bamboo frame (LCBF) system, a.k.a. ‘cemented bahareque’, whilst the CBH combines clay bricks and steel for the load-bearing walls. Traditionally built Guadua angustifolia Kunth bahareque (GaKB) houses are a key part of the vernacular architecture in the ‘coffee cultural landscape of Colombia’ (CCLC) recognised by UNESCO. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to calculate the carbon footprint of the houses following four phases: (1) definition of objective and scope; (2) inventory analysis; (3) impact assessment; and (4) interpretation of results. The results show that the carbon footprint of the GaKB house accounts for about 40% of the CBH, i.e., the GaKB generates a carbon footprint of 107.17 CO2-eq/m2 whilst the CBH results in a carbon footprint of 298.44 kg CO2-eq/m2. Furthermore, from a carbon balance calculation, the carbon footprint of the GaKB house is further reduced to about 36% of the CSB house. LCA results for the built GaKB house demonstrate that vernacular housing projects that preserve cultural heritage can also be resilient and climate-neutral. This paper sets a precedent for the establishment of targeted government policies and industry practices that preserve the cultural heritage and vernacular technologies in the CCLC region and in other emergent economies worldwide whilst promoting future-proof and net-zero carbon construction.

ENHANCING ANGKLUNG PERFORMANCES USING A MIDI CONTROLLER

Angklung is musical instrument originated from Indonesia, specifically West Java. It consists of bamboo tubes, connected to a bamboo frame. Sound is generated when the bamboo frame shakes, causing the bamboo tubes to oscillate. This musical instrument is played by an ensemble or individually. Music technology advancement has improved, allowing musicians to explore new possibilities for creating and performing music. One of the most important aspects of music technology is the existence of a communication protocol called the Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or MIDI in short. MIDI allows communication between electronic musical instruments as well as computers. The aim of this research is to create a prototype that allows users to control the angklung using a MIDI controller. The overall system requires a personal computer, a microcontroller, relay, and DC motor. The MIDI controller is used as an input, connected to a small-single board computer via a USB connection. The personal computer is used to proess incoming MIDI data. The microcontroller is used to receive input signal from the small single board computer, in order to control DC motor according to its pitch. The result shows that the prototype is able to function properly, as the angklung will shake according to its input from the MIDI controller.

Design and construction of “Bamboo Cubic” facade with laminated bamboo lumber

This paper presents the design and construction of the facade renovation project ("Bamboo Cubic" project) of Huangqiao Square in Shaowu City, Fujian Province, China. In this project, the structural form and cross-sectional dimensions were determined using a combination of manual and finite element analysis to meet relevant regulations. Once the structural form was confirmed, primary structural components such as the foundation, the column base, and the connection between frame elements were designed to comply with design requirements. Innovative connections were used to install a unique curved design, which required curved LBL members to be prefabricated with precision. The total height of the LBL bamboo frame part is 16.86 m. This project clearly showed that engineered bamboo can be used both as a structural primary member as well as for aesthetic purpose. Use of steel and LBL frames in the "Bamboo Cubic" facade project highlighted the prospect of future hybrid construction.

The mechanical performance evaluation of recombinant bamboo with weakened metal connections under low-cyclic loading

ABSTRACT Tearing failures often occur at the bolt position of the recombinant bamboo beam under a large bending moment and shear force due to its poor compressive strength perpendicular to the grain. In this study, three H-shaped weakened connections were designed to explore the mechanical performance of the recombinant bamboo frames under low cyclic loading. The weakened forms of the web were selected as variables, including elliptical, rhombic, and arc holes. Load-displacement hysteresis curves, skeleton curves, stiffness degradation, ductility analysis, equivalent viscosity damping coefficient, and failure modes of the recombinant bamboo frame with three weakened connections were compared and analyzed. The results show that the weakened connections achieved the purpose of the outward movement of the plastic hinge. The moment and shear force will lead to the stress concentration of connection with the rhombic hole, and buckling failure of connection with the arc hole is easy to occur. Comparatively, the ultimate bearing capacity and energy-dissipating capacity of connection with the elliptical hole are the best among the three weakened connections. In conclusion, the weakened shape and position have a great influence on seismic performance.

Early Brood Development of Carp Fishes Utilizing Greenhouse Technology in Winter Seasons

Carp aquaculture is very popular in both seasonal and permanent ponds. Carp seeds are available for stocking in culture in late May and the ideal water temperature for carp gonad development is 28°C–32°C. The aim of this study was to develop the species’ broods in winter season by raising water temperature, utilizing the greenhouse concept. Two identical ponds, T1 (Greenhouse Pond, GHP) and T2 (Non-greenhouse pond, NGHP) each with three replications were used. Transparent polyethylene-sheet to a bamboo frame covered the T1, whereas no covering for T2. On December 1, 2020, 20 broods/pond stocked equally in the two ponds and reared until February 28, 2021. The mean water temperature of T1 was 28.67±0.49, 28.67±0.78, and 28.83±0.39°C in December, January, and February, respectively compared with T2 found to be 18.25±0.62, 18.58±0.52, and 18.92±0.51°C in December, January, and February, respectively. The average water temperature was 28.75°C and 18.58°C in T1 and T2, respectively. The statistical t-test revealed that the temperature in T1 notably increased in the winter than T2. About 90% of the broods matured within February in T1 while only 15% in T2. The growth of fish gonad was benefited from the usage of greenhouse technology in this study.

Nursing and management of early produced larvae of Thai pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using greenhouse concept

This experiment was conducted for the development of nursing techniques of early produced larvae of Thai pangus (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using Greenhouse concept for a period of 40 days from 10th February to 20th March 2020. The experiment was designed into two treatments (i) Greenhouse pond (GP) and (ii) Control or open ponds (CP) having three replicates each. Greenhouse concept was used for increasing the temperature during the winter month for proper growth and survival of the spawn. For this purpose, three ponds were covered with transparent polyethylene sheet fastened into bamboo frame and three ponds with no such covering. All the nursery ponds were stocked at a density of 20 g hatchling/decimal with 3 days old P. hypophthalmus. After 40 days of nursing period, the highest mean final length, weight gain and survival rate of fry were found to be 9.75 cm, 12.44g and 73.19% in greenhouse pond where in Control ponds it was 6.39 cm, 7.22g and 58.08%, respectively. A significantly higher (p<0.05) mean gross production of 6.07 kg/ decimal was found in greenhouse pond where in Control ponds it was 2.80 kg/ decimal in 40 days of nursing period. Water quality parameters were found to be better with good primary production in the green house ponds due to retaining day light temperature by polyethylene sheet. Results from the present experiment indicated that greenhouse technique can be suitable for the nursing and management of early produced larvae of Thai pangas with proper growth and good survival rate.

Composting of limed fleshings generated in a tannery: sustainable waste management.

In tanneries, limed fleshing is an unavoidable waste generated in beamhouse operation. Proper management of limed fleshing with protein, fat, lime, and sulfide will help to protect the natural environment and at least reduce the pollution that ends up in it. In this study, excluding any pretreatment, limed fleshing is used for compost production. Chopped and mixed limed fleshing with chicken manure, cow dung, and sawdust was heaped onto a horizontal bamboo frame. Three composting heaps were fabricated weighing 720, 700, and 760kg. The turning of composting materials in the heaps causes temperature changes in the thermophilic range. The thermophilic temperatures in these heaps were 69.07°C (heap 1), 69.9°C (heap 2), and 69.19°C (heap 3) which ensured the death of the pathogenic organism. The quality of compost was assessed based on the nutrients-nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) content. NPKS in the compost fulfils the requirements of the investigated materials as compost. The largest amounts of metals- zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) of the compost detected in the heaps were, respectively, 200.3, 37.4, 20.3, 12.0, and 3.9mg/kg. Cadmium (Cd) in the compost was below the detection limit. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs show the decomposing of composting materials. This study indicates that limed fleshing can be converted into nutrient-enriched compost without any pretreatment. Using an easy, simple, and adaptable technique could reduce the volume of solid waste generated in the tannery to reduce environmental pollution.

Seismic performance assessment of a multi-story bamboo frame structure

As a building material, engineered bamboo has caught attention around the world due to its advantages in energy conservation and environmental protection. The seismic performance of bamboo buildings needs to be evaluated to further promote the use of bamboo materials in building construction. We studied the seismic response of a 3-story bamboo frame structure numerically using nonlinear dynamic time history analysis. A simplified modeling method for bamboo column-beam joints was proposed in the numerical model. The hysteresis behaviour of the joint was simulated by Pinching 4 material in OpenSEES, with the parameters calibrated through test results. Comparative analysis shows that the proposed modeling method could reasonably reflect the pinching effect and the degradation of the joint hysteretic behavior. A total of 20 ground motions with three intensities were involved in the nonlinear dynamic analysis. The results demonstrate that the frame meets target performance levels, providing evidence for the further popularization of engineered bamboo structures.

Evaluating the mechanical behavior of post-tensioned recombinant bamboo frame with metal energy-dissipating connections

The low lateral stiffness and brittle failure mode of heavy recombinant bamboo structures with bolted connections remain a concern that limits its widespread application in seismic areas. Metal energy-dissipating connections with reduced beam sections are proposed, which can move the plastic hinges outward from the beam-to-column interface and improve the ductility of the frame. To improve the lateral stiffness, post-tensioned cross cables are introduced into the recombinant bamboo frame. The mechanical behavior of post-tensioned recombinant bamboo frames with metal energy-dissipating connections were studied. Two frames, including Frame 1 (without post-tensioned cross cables) and Frame 2 (with post-tensioned cross cables), were fabricated and tested. The results show that the weakened connections all yield at the reduced beam section, and the final failures also occur here. The hysteresis curves of Frames 1 and 2 both have pinching phenomena, but those of Frame 1 is more obvious. The post-tensioned cross cables reduce the slippage of Frame 2, so the hysteresis curve is fuller. Comparing the two skeleton curves, the stiffness and bearing capacity of Frame 2 have been significantly improved. The effect of the slippage in Frame 1 is revealed in the stiffness degradation, when the displacement of Frame 1 is greater than 15 mm, the viscous damping coefficient decreases suddenly. On the contrary, the viscous damping coefficient of Frame 2 continues to increase with the displacement increases. In conclusion, Frame 2 has greater lateral stiffness and bearing capacity, as well as good recovery and energy consumption capacities.

Parametric Approach to Simplified Life Cycle Assessment of Social Housing Projects

The provision of sustainable housing solutions is one of the main challenges in emerging economy countries. Furthermore, it is clear that a sustainable solution should be based on renewable bio-based materials. Scientific and practical evidence clearly suggests that the use of bamboo in the provision of housing solutions provides communities with both environmental and socio-economic benefits via this strategy. One barrier to the promotion of this type of solution is the lack of knowledge on structural design and environmental performance. Moreover, access to assessment tools and methodologies is limited. The use of simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has exhibited great potential to increase accessibility, but the generation of life cycle inventory data remains a major issue. In this paper, we describe the development of a methodological approach to use parametric design to generate the data required to carry out simplified LCA of social housing solutions. Moreover, we present a case study assessing a housing unit using cement bamboo frame technology developed by the Base Bahay Foundation in the Philippines. The main parameters for the LCA of the buildings were identified through sensitivity analysis. Moreover, they show that parametric design is a valid approach to overcome the challenges of data generation at early stages of design. The proposed approach would enable users without civil and/or engineering background to carry out simplified LCA calculations. Thus, through methodological approaches, it is possible to reduce significantly the complexity associated with LCA and open new avenues for it application.

Development of Suitable Microclimate Using Low˗tech Greenhouse for Off-Season Production of High Value Crops in Bangladesh

Low˗tech greenhouses (low˗techs) have been used globally to cultivate horticultural crops since many years, but their utilization in Bangladesh is a recent phenomenon. Moreover, information on altered microclimate inside the low˗tech is hardly reported. An investigation has been conducted in the Crop Botany Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (24o72´N, 90o43´E and 18 masl), Mymensingh during the late autumn to winter seasons from mid-October to mid-February of 2015/16, 2016/17 and 2017/18 years to find out the variation in microclimatic parameters between inside and outside of low˗techs and to evaluate the suitability of altered microclimate inside the low˗techs for off˗season production of high value crops in Bangladesh. Three low˗techs were erected in each year using bamboo frame covered with single inflated polyethylene film (thickness = 0.2 mm). Major microclimatic parameters inside and aside outside the low˗techs were measured with standard devices or techniques. Around 30 percent incoming photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was cut˗off by low˗tech cover during solar noon when the sun’s zenith gets minimum value (around 0o). However, this cut˗off portion of PAR was gradually increased with the sunrise and sunset when zenith is around 90o. During the daytime, low˗tech retains higher air temperature than that found at outside and the differences in air temperature between inside and outside of low˗techs was gradually increased after sunrise with a peak difference of 7 to 9 oC following the solar noon (i.e., 13:00-14:00 hour). No distinct variation in relative humidity was recorded between inside and outside of the low˗tech. Low˗tech cover retains higher soil temperature than that was recorded in outside. The variation of both air and soil temperatures between inside and outside of low˗techs was higher during the daytime but lower at nighttime or even at daytime when the sky remained overcast. The variation in microclimatic parameters under low˗techs not only protect the growing crops from climate vagaries during autumn, winter and spring seasons but also provide suitable warmer environment for growing many high value crops during that seasons and thus crop production in off˗season and/or season extension benefits can easily be achieved by low˗techs.

Evaluation of Low Cost Protected Structure for Commercial Cultivation of Dendrobium Cv. Sonia under Assam Condition

Background: Dendrobiums are most popular high value cut flowers which require special attention during cultivation. In Assam, Dendrobium orchids are normally grown under iron frame shade net houses which are quite vulnerable to cold injury during extreme winter period and heavy rain during monsoon period. Further, the existing structures are very costly which is not affordable by small and marginal farmers of Assam. Keeping in view the current study was aimed to evaluate a suitable low cost protected structure for commercial cultivation of Dendrobium cv. Sonia under Assam condition. Methods: An experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Experimental Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, during 2018-2019 which was laid out in factorial completely randomized design with 10 treatment combinations replicated five times. The first factors comprised 5 numbers of low cost protected structures viz., G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5. The second factors comprised T1-1 tier and T2-2 tiers. Result: The results revealed that among the protected structures, healthy growth and better quality flowers were obtained under G1 (Bamboo frame structure covered with fixed 200 micron UV film with top ventilated and 50% agro shade net as ceiling) protected structure followed by G4. Between the tiers, T2 was found to be superior in respect of the growth characters as well as most of the flower characters. So, this treatment combination is merits consideration for commercial growers of Assam to bring about timely and quality flower production of Dendrobium cv. Sonia.

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Ultralightweight foundation system for peaty ground

Construction on peat deposits represents a major challenge for the geotechnical community. Waterlogged peat deposits have great potential for buoyancy generation. The premise of the present investigation is that this can be beneficially incorporated in foundation design practice, thereby reducing the net bearing pressure and hence resulting settlements. A novel foundation system, comprising a bamboo frame (BF) structure incorporating recycled plastic block (RPB) inclusions, is presented for supporting lightweight structures bearing on peaty ground. The buoyancy effect is produced by the lower bulk density of the foundation construction materials combined with the waterlogged condition of the peat deposit. A programme of reduced-scale 1 g physical modelling was conducted to investigate the performance of BF- and BF–RPB-type footing bearing on remoulded peat with different water content and fibre content (FC) values. The mobilised undrained bearing capacity (q f) increased for lower-water-content and higher-FC peat materials. Deeper BF footings and the inclusion of the RPBs within their cavities significantly improved the mobilised q f value. Advantages of the presented foundation system over conventional solutions for peaty ground include its simple technology, reduced earthworks in construction, reduced settlement due to the buoyancy contribution and being more sustainable and economically viable.

Restoring force model of an energy-dissipation joint and non-linear dynamic analysis of a hybrid frame

This paper presents the non-linear time-history analysis of an engineered bamboo and steel hybrid frame connected with novel energy-dissipation joints, of which the effectiveness has been proven by nine pseudo-static experiments in the previous study. The restoring force model of the joint with best performance is proposed, where the critical points of the simplified skeleton curve and the simplified hysteretic rules are obtained via So.Ph.I v. The effectiveness of the established restoring force model was verified by comparing with the experimental results, and good agreement was achieved. To further demonstrate the seismic performance of the energy-dissipation joint, the time-history analysis of a five-story three-span steel-engineered bamboo frame was simulated in Open-Sees with natural earthquake wave input. A zero length element at the ends of the beam was used to simulated the additional rotation of the semi-rigid joint. The pinching 4 material was used to define the moment-rotation relationship of the energy-dissipation joint, with the parameters optimized in So.Ph.I v. Drift of the hybrid frame was compared to standard limits, which can verify the effectiveness of both the energy-dissipation joint and the proposed restoring force model.

An Evaluation of Artificial Fish Nest for Assessment Enhancement Effects of Fishery Resources of in Xiangjiang River

Artificial fish nests are set in Lukou section and Hengyang section of Xiangjiang River from March 20 to May 10, 2019. The structure of artificial fish nest is bamboo frame, with the size of 2.5 m × 5.0 m × 4 and a unit frame area of 60 m2. A total of 58,201 eggs were collected by 24 monitoring times, of which 30,441 were from Lukou and 27,760 from Hengyang. 3831 fish eggs identify 8 fish species using morphological or molecular biological methods. The results showed that the number of eggs peaked from the 8th day to the 24th day after the nest entered the water, and then decreased rapidly. There was significant negative correlation between egg number in per m2 fish nest and days of fish nest (P < 0.01). The economic benefits of artificial fish nests were RMB 11.81 million. The artificial fish nest can not only increase the population of fish, but also has significant economic benefits.