Structural Solutions for Low-Cost Bamboo Frames: Experimental Tests and Constructive Assessments

Abstract

Experimental tests and constructive assessments are presented for a simple bamboo framed structure with innovative low-cost and low technology joints, specifically conceived for small buildings in developing countries. Two full scale one-storey bamboo frames have been designed by using the simplest joints solution among three different tested typologies. The entire building process is based on low-technology and natural materials: bamboo canes, wooden cylinders, plywood plates and canapé rods. The first full scale specimen (Unit A) is a one-storey single deck truss structure subjected to monotonic collapse test; the second full scale specimen (Unit B) is a one-storey double deck truss structure used to evaluate the construction time throughout assembling tests. The first full scale specimen showed ductility in collapse and ease in strengthening; the second one showed remarkable ease and speed in assembling structural elements. Finally several constructive solutions are suggested for the design of simple one-storey buildings; they are addressed to four purposes (housing, school, chapel, health center) by the composition of the proposed full scale bamboo frames. Ease of use and maintenance with a low level of technology contribute to application in developing countries although not exclusively.

Development of Preliminary Curved Bamboo Member Design Guidelines through Finite Element Analysis

“…The round hollow section of bamboo prevents the use of similar joints as other wooden structures. There are two optional solutions for the connection between bamboo members, including binding and bolted connections [42].…”

Environmental, social and economic sustainability of bamboo and bamboo-based construction materials in buildings

“…The bamboo is usually joined by lashing with vines, split bamboo or rattan (Ham 1990;Larasati, Ihsan, and Mawardi 2013), this makes for a relative weak joint between bamboo poles. Often the joints are built, in vernacular contexts, throughout with tied ropes or by incisions of the bamboo, simple to realize but not suitable to transmit the entire bearing capacity of the bamboo elements (Sassu et al 2016). In Indonesia, plastered bamboo houses were developed in early twentieth century which used wooden skeleton and bamboo woven mat on the outer skin.…”

“…Bahareque consists of timber vertical elements and horizontal timber, cane or bamboo elements, with mud infill and finished with plaster. Though in some cases like in Ecuador, the warm tropical climate makes it unnecessary and bamboo houses need little more than the split bamboo walls for privacy and ventilation (DeBoer and Groth 2010; Sassu et al 2016). Figure 3 shows the baharaque techniques of Indonesia and Colombia.…”

Self-healing coatings for inhibiting corrosion of ferrous metals exposed to preservative-treated bamboo

“…Bamboo is an important renewable biomass material with characteristics of high strength, high hardness, strong toughness, low weight, fast growth and low costs [1,2]. Currently, bamboo has been used in engineering, construction, packaging, furniture and decoration [3][4][5]. Nevertheless, bamboo is extremely susceptible to attack by decay fungi and mold fungi due to containing plentiful organic nutrients, such as starch, protein, sugar and fat [6].…”