07-02-2010, 06:38 PM
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BAMBOO REINFORCED CONCRETE
INTRODUCTION
Bamboo has been used as a construction material in certain area for
centuries. A study of bamboo is used as a reinforcement in precast concrete
elements was carried out in U.S Army Engineer Waterway experiment station in 1964.
Bamboo was given recent consideration for use as reinforcement in soil cement
pavement slabs in which the slabs behave inelastically even under light loads.
BAMBOO CHARACTERISTICS
Bamboo is giant grass not a tree.
The density of fibres in cross-section of a bamboo shell varies with thickness as
well as height.
The strength of bamboo is greater than most of the timber products.
Bamboo is more prone to insect attack than other trees and grasses.
Bamboo can prevent pollution.
SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF BAMBOO
SELECTION
Use only bamboo showing a pronounced brown color. This will insure that the plant is
at least three years old.
Select the longest large diameter culms available.
Do not use whole culms of green, unseasoned bamboo.
Avoid bamboo cut in spring or early summer. These culms are generally weaker due to
increased fiber moisture content.
CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES
Concrete Mix Proportions
The same mix designs can be used as would normally be used with steel
reinforced concrete. Concrete slump should be as low as workability will allow.
Excess water causes swelling of the bamboo. High early-strength cement is preferred
to minimize cracks caused by swelling of bamboo when seasoned bamboo cannot be
waterproofed.
CONCLUSION
The environmental and financial comparison demonstrates that
bamboo can compete with building material. Bamboo is a natural product and will
therefore always have some extent of irregularity. It is therefore suggested that the
bamboo culm should be used in functions were the measurement requirements are not
entirely precise or fixed, as in temporary buildings (e.g., pavilions and tents) or
small civil projects. Furthermore, bamboo can play a role as a non-supporting or
finishing material.
