2008

• Humanitarian
Bamboo Guidelines,
Indonesia Draft 1

9/2/2008
F OREWORD

This Draft 2 of the Humani ta rian Bamboo Guidelines is intended to suppl y a general la yout and
di vision of the issues and style of the proposed guidelines . As such the document is very much
“up for discussion” any comments will be taken seriousl y and will input into the second draft

These gui delines a re being developed as a NO LOGO project, wi th the generous financial and
support of Oxfa m G.B’s Pri me Project in Jogjaka rta Indonesia wi th contributions and assistance
by numerous bamboo and disaster response experts both in Indonesia and India and the support
of Shelter Cl uster pa rti cipants gl oball y.

This fi rs t draft intended to precipi ta te discussion and comment, i t is not intended a t this s tage to
be a document for use in Humani ta rian programming. Any i nput cri ti cism or feedba ck into the
further development of this document is much apprecia ted.

All comments should be sent to:

Da ve Hodgki n
Benchma rk Consul ting
Rt06 Rw04 Tembi , Sewon
DAVE.HODGKIN@GMAIL.COM
+6281392099666
ACK NOWLED G EMENTS AND COPYRIG H T

This document has been developed as a NO LOGO project through the financial assistance of
Oxfam GB’s PRIME project in Yogya ka rta Indonesia as a contri bution to the Shel ter Clus ter wi th
the main prepa ra tion of the document by Da ve Hodgkin from Benchma rk Consul ting.

The author would pa rti cularl y like to thank Ale Aidid, Kim Williamson and Loren Lockwood for
thei r assistance in resea rch and edi ting along with Anto, Sebas tian a nd thei r tea m from Oxfam
for thei r endless support.

Production of this document would not ha ve been possible wi thout the generous assistance of
the following contributors and thei r respecti ve organi za tions :

In no pa rticular order

HUMANITARIAN ADVICE

• Ashley, Cleo, Manfred & Timo and staff from, IOM Yogyakarta
• Kelly and staff from CHF
• Bill Marsden and his staff from IFRC
• Loren Lockwood, Caritas Switzerland
• Joe Ashmore from Ashmore consulting and Humanitariantimber.org
• Sarbjit, Pradeep and staff from Red R India
• Retno and staff from UNDP Jogjakarta
• Arimbi & Satrio DeJaRup

B AMB OO TECH NICAL ADVICE

• Arief and Linda Garland from the Environmental Bamboo Foundation in Bali
• The staff of Sahabat Bamboo
• Ben from Mangrove Action Plan
• Jatmika and his team at University of Gadja Mada
• Pak Marisso and team from ####
• Pak Purwito from Department of Publc Works Research Centre in Bandung
• Anton from P.T Bambu in Bali

LIST TO BE COMPLETED

For a full lis t of contributors see list on ba ck pa ge

SECTIONS

Section A
Introduction
1. Introduction to the guidelines
2. Introduction to bamboo Section B
3. Deciding to use bamboo

Sourcing
1. Crop Management & Harvesting
2. Treatment
3. Procurement
4. Logistics
Section C
Building
1. Design
2. Construction Section D
3. Maintenance
4. Other uses Support
1. Programming Tools
2. Further resources
3. Appendix
 Table of Contents
CONTENTS .................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
A.1. Introducti on to guidelines ................................................................................................ 4
A.1.1. Outline and s tructure .................................................................................................... 4
A.1.2. Rationale .................................................................................................................... 4
A.1.3. Target Audience ........................................................................................................... 5
A.1.4. Disclaimer ................................................................................................................... 5
A.2. Introducti on to Ba mboo ................................................................................................... 6
A.2.1. Bamboo the plant......................................................................................................... 6
A.2.2. Introduction to Bamboo in construction ............................................................................ 9
A.3. Decidi ng to use bamboo ................................................................................................. 10

B.1. Ma terial sourci ng & Specifying....................................................................................... 12

B.1.1. Selection and grading...................................................................................................13
B.2. Crop Mana gement and sus tainable ha rves ting.............................................................. 17
B.2.1. Harvesting .................................................................................................................18
B.3. Logisti cs and Handling .................................................................................................... 19
B.4. Trea tment....................................................................................................................... 20
B.4.1. To Treat or not to treat.................................................................................................20
B.4.2. Protection without treatment ........................................................................................21
B.4.3. Protection through Treatment .......................................................................................22

C.1. Design Principles............................................................................................................. 28

C.1.1. Designing a program that uses Bamboo...........................................................................28
C.2. Designing s tructures in ba mboo..................................................................................... 29
C.2.1. Design principles .........................................................................................................29
C.2.2. Designing in bamboo ..............................................................Error! Bookmark not define d.
C.3. Cons truction ................................................................................................................... 33
C.3.1. Jointing sys tem Types ...................................................................................................34
C.4. 37
C.5. Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 38
C.5.1. Design forAdaptability – Deconstruction ..........................................................................38

D.1. Tools and resources ........................................................................................................ 40

D.1.1. Specification tool.........................................................................................................42
D.1.2. Procurement tool ........................................................................................................42
D.1.3. Checklist ....................................................................................................................42
Annex 1 Glossary of Terms........................................................................................................ 43
D.2. 44
D.3. Other uses for bamboo................................................................................................... 43
D.4. Annex 2 Further resources ............................................................................................. 40
D.4.1. WEbsites...............................................................................Error! Bookmark not define d.
D.4.2. Example Emergency Shelter projects ..........................................Error! Bookmark not define d.

Appendix 3 Distribution Map of Indonesia.....................................................................................45

Pg 1
GLOSSARY OF TERMS

TERM MEANING
Culm The common term for a n indiv idua l stick of bamboo within a clump
(see diagram ###########)
Clump A group of culms forming one individual bamboo plant
(see diagram ###########)
Running One of the two main groupings of ba mboo where fresh shoots travel underground
and may spring up, up to 30m from the main clump, allowing the bamboo to spread
Species over an ever increasing area. The fibres of running varieties are generally much
straighter than those of clumping species
Clumping The grouping of bamboos tha t grow with new s hoots forming close to the base of
existing culms, forming a close knit s tand. T he fibres of clumping bamboo are
Species generally more intertwined than those of running s pecies
Node The crosswise element that occurs a t regular intervals along a culm of bamboo
(see diagram ###########)
Column Major vertical structural elements of a building

Beam Major horizonta l structural elements of a building

Rafter Structural roofing pieces that ex tend from the ridge of the roof down to the externa l
walls and often through to create eaves

Joist Horizontal structural member tha t flooring is atta ched to

Lintel Horizontal structural member above a doorway or window, designed to ens ure
transfer the loa d and any s tresses of the s tructure to either side of the opening

Bracing Elements incorporated into a building to stop the building from racking (rock ing)
under cha nging loa ds

Peg or Dowel Small, commonly timber or bamboo element, driven through holes in adjoining pieces
of timber or bamboo to pin the two pieces together (see diagram ###########)
Inter-nodal space Term referring to the hollow section of tube in any bamboo culm that occurs
between any two nodes (see diagram ###########)
Node The solid section tha t regularly breaks up the hollow tubular section of a culm

Racking Rocking

Warpage Twisting and bending of bamboo or timber over time, commonly ca used by exposure
to adverse effects s uch as too much loa d, excess sun,

Ridge The horiz ontal member that makes up the highes t point of two or more intersecting
roof planes

Eaves The element of a roof that overhangs pas t the externa l wa lls

Under purloin Horizontal structural elements that s upport rafters or joists

Fishplates A bridging element a pplied to the side of one or two building elements to provide
reinforcing and s trengthening across a weak point in constrcution
Nogs Small spacing elements placed between larger cons truction components such as studs
or rafters to prevent them from buckling or twis ting

Pg 2
 Section A
Introduction
1. Introduction to the guidelines
2. Introduction to bamboo
3. Deciding to use bamboo

Key Points
• These gui delines a re intended as an introduction to the key issues regarding the use of
ba mboo in post disaster humani ta rian shelter programming

• Aiming to bridge the gap between humani ta rian workers unders tanding of emergency
response and the techni cal knowledge of techni cal bamboo experts

• The hi gh strength, low cos t, rapid growth and high a vailability of bamboo a cross many
disaster prone regions makes this an ideal resource for use in humani ta rian shel ter

• A number of fa ctors need to be considered when considering the use of including

a vailability of resource and skills as well as social a cceptance

Pg 3
A.1. INTRODUCTION TO GUIDELINES
A.1.1. OUTLINE AND STRUCTURE

These gui delines a re di vided into four dis tinct secti ons . The fi rst three sections suppl y an
introduction to the main issues around the use of Ba mboo in humani ta rian Programming, whilst
the last section provides a list of addi tional resources in support of those themes.

A.1.2. RATIONALE

The Humani ta rian Bamboo Project (HBP) to develop the humanita rian ba mboo guidelines
emerged from the 2006 Jogjaka rta Ea rthquake response in conjunction with reques ts from
humani ta rian workers further afield. As part of the Jogjaka rta ea rthquake response over 70,000,
24m 2 bamboo transi tional shel ters were erected over 9months , a t an a vera ge cos t of $1-200,
resul ting in one of the la rges t and mos t ra pid pos t disaster shel ter responses in recent his tory, a t
rela ti vel y low unit cost and with minimal envi ronmental impact.

It became clea r after Jogjaka rta tha t although ba mboo was a cos t effecti ve, strong, cheap,
rapidl y cons tructed and readil y a vailable material , many huma nita rian workers were
inexperienced in its use and la cked clear guidance on bes t pra cti ce in bamboo cons truction.

In response to the concerns above these guidelines ha ve been produced to help guide and di rect
humani ta rian workers make better informed decisions about when and how to use bamboo in
post disaster recovery opera tion. The guidelines aim to provide an “open source”, “no Logo”
bri dge between the techni cal knowledge of Bamboo experts and the disaster response
experience of humani ta rian workers .

A.1.3. PROCESS

These gui delines a re being developed in conjunction wi th the websi te

www.humani ta rianbamboo.org to provide ini tial guidance to workers consideri ng the use of
ba mboo in post disaster response. The guidelines a re in no wa y comprehensi ve and i t is s trongl y
recommended that pra cti tioners seek out the advi ce of techni cal experts and local trades -people
to provide more specifi c advi ce on thei r indi vi dual programs .

The production of these guidelines has been broken into a number of sta ges,

1) Consul tati ve workshops to advise on the guidelines

a . Forums ha ve been conducted in Yogyaka rta and Pune India
2)Production of Indonesia speci fi c guidelines
a . Fi rs t dra ft in English then translated into Indonesian
3)Development of a website as a reposi tory of informa tion rega rding bamboo progra mming
4) Depending on a cceptance and relevance the producti on of a more i nterna tional set of
guidelines along wi th expansion of the website to provide a larger collati on of
international informati on.

Pg 4
 A.1.4. TARGET AUDIENCE

These gui delines a re prima ril y ta rgeted a t Humani ta rian pra cti tioners i n the field, provi ding them
wi th guidance as to best pra cti ce in bamboo usage and cons truction.
Seconda ry ta rgets include:

• Members of disaster a ffected communi ties looking for guidance on wha t to expect from
humani ta rian workers or guidance on things to consider in thei r own bamboo projects
• To advise donors on what the sector sees as best pra cti ce and wha t to look for in funding
proposals tha t incorpora te the use of ba mboo

A.1.5. DISCLAIMER

It is an almos t impossible to produce a set of guidelines short enough to be read in the limi ted
time a vailable to emergency workers as well as detailed enough to provi de clea r techni cal advi ce
on all aspects of bamboo usage. As such these guidelines aim to provide an introduction onl y to
key issues , wi th references a nd sources a vailable for further inves tiga tion as requi red.

Pos t disaster shel ter progra ms aim to assist families on their pa th from pos t disaster
homelessness to a return to a s ta te of adequa te shel ter securi ty. As such the design of progra ms
mus t by necessity incl ude extensi ve input from the l ocal communi ty. Ba mboo cons tructi on
methodology is intri ca tel y linked to local culture and va ries grea tl y from pla ce to pla ce. Base
pri nciples as portra yed in these guidelines must be integra ted wi th local wisdom to a chieve
quality progra mming.

Al though the grea tes t ca re has been taken in producing these guidelines , the a uthors will not be
held responsible for any advi ce gi ven, advi ce must be checked on a case by case basis.

Pg 5
A.2. INTRODUCTION TO BAMBOO
A.2.1. BAMBOO THE PLANT

Ba mboo is one of the most useful plants known to humani ty, wi th all parts of the plant used,
providing shoots as nutri tious food, lea ves as fodder and stalks for cons tructi on. Of the more
than 1,000 known uses for ba mboo, common uses include, pos t and bea m cons truction,
formwork, food, fodder, musical ins truments, piping, walling, flooring, ma ts , baskets, roofing,
cooking utensils, medici ne, cha rcoal, etc.

Ba mboo is highl y versa tile, s trong and highl y renewable, i t You can watch it grow!
is an intrinsi c pa rt of dail y life for most Indonesians, The tallest bamboo can grow at up
to 1-2m/day, reaching he ights of
Homes a re buil t from it, floors and walls a re covered over 35m within 1 growing season.
wi th i t, Ba mboo baskets and pots adorn houses while That’s 15-20cm over lunch.
countless bamboo bri dges cross the myriad of small s treams and
ri vers tha t cross this country.

Over 1,000 species of ba mboo ha ve been identi fied globall y wi th more than 100 classified as
woody species sui table for construction. Indonesia alone has more than 140 known species , of
whi ch at least 16 a re commonl y used in cons tructi on.

COMMON CONSTRUCTION BAMBOOS IN INDONESIA AND THEIR USAGE

INSERT TABLE OF MAIN SPECIES IN INDONESIA AND THEIR USES

For further informa tion redis tribution in Indonesia see:

Pg 6
Distribution Map of bamboo in Indonesia

Pg 7
 A.2.1.1. GROWTH PATTERN OF BAMBOO
Ba mboo, can be di vided broadl y onto two groups running and clumping. Cl umping species sprout
thei r new shoots close to the base of exis ting culms whils t running va rieties ma y send out shoots
as fa r from the exis ting clump as the clump is tall.

Full size in 3 months Ba mboo differs grea tl y from ti mber both in growth pa ttern and
Unlike timber which may take 10s or s tructure. Unlike ti mber, bamboo grows to full height
100s of years to reach full height, and girth in a single growing season. Ba mboo
bamboo reaches its pinnacle in one
season, only toughening up over the should not be ha rves ted during this period as the high
next years
levels
of suga r within the sap ma ke the
ha rvested culms highl y prone to pest
infiltra tion. See section: 0

Dra wing of clump growth wi th indi ca tor of new

shoot coming up, this yea r’s growth, old growth
deca yi ng

Pg 8
Ha rves ting

Ha vi ng rea ched full height wi thin the fi rs t few months culms then toughen and ha rden over the
next few years rea ching full strength after 2-3. After 5-6, yea rs culms begin to degrade and
eventuall y die off as rot, deca y and pest infesta tion set in, making them progressivel y less
sui table for use in cons truction. Culling out of older culms wi thi n a clump increases overall cl ump
producti vi ty by allowing more sunlight through to younger culms . See section: 0

Pg 9
Crop Management and sus tainable ha rves ting
From fi rs t planti ng clumps rea ches full producti vi ty in
Bamboo Mass Flowering
Bamboo flowering occurs on mass across a species,
in cycles from 5 to 100yrs+ depending on the
species. Mass flowering events may cause great
change to ecosystems and wreak havoc in
communities depende nt upon bamboo as a
resource or heavily affected by ensuing plagues of
flower eating pes ts and their predators
such as rats and snakes
10 – 12 yea rs and can then be sus tainabl y
ha rvested until the clump eventuall y flowers
and then dies off. Clump floweri ng
occurs en masse a cross a species wi thi n
one a rea , in cycles tha t va ry from species to
species but ma y occur onl y once in a 100 or
more yea rs .
Pg 10
A.2.1.2. CULTIVATION OF BAMBOO
Ba mboo ma y be grown ei ther di rectl y from seed, through cuttings , or by di visions of cl umps . As
ma ny woody species ha ve long periods between flowerings , wi th often low ra tes of germina tion
from seed (below 1%), this is perhaps the least common method of cul ti va tion. Smaller plant
va rieties a re easily handled and therefore commonl y cul ti va ted through clump sepa ra tion, whilst
la rger va rieties a re generall y propaga ted through cuttings.

Dia gram of a cutting, seed planting and clump sepa rati on

One of the more common

commercial methods of propaga ting
woody species invol ves hori zontall y
burying cuttings that a re 3-4 nodes
in length a round si x inches below Dia gram of buried 3 node s ys tem
ground prior to onset of the rainy
season. Holes a re cut mid wa y
between nodes, with each segment
then filled wi th wa ter prior to
burial. New shoots then form from
the nodal joints .

Concern about the impa ct of mass ba mboo cons truction projects on local community s tocks ma y
lead a gencies to consider communi ty replanting progra ms. This is outside the prima ry focus of
this document but for more informa tion see: #######

A.2.1.3. DISTRIBUTION
Ba mboo occurrence is la rgel y confi ned to the high rainfall tropi cal regions though i t ca n grow in
colder tempera te or sub tempera te zones . Bamboo of differing species, quali ty and quanti ty
occurs a cross most of Indonesia.
For further detail on distri bution in Indonesia see:

Pg 11
Distribution Map of bamboo in Indonesia

Pg 12
 A.2.2. INTRODUCTION TO BAMBOO IN CONSTRUCTION

Ba mboo’s combination of hi gh s trength and lightness of weight make i t an ideal ma terial for
rapid construction of housing, whi ch if well buil t can be hi ghl y resistant to damage by s trong
wi nd, floods and earthqua kes. These fa ctors , combined wi th low cos t and rela ti ve a vailability in
mos t of the disaster prone tropi cal regions , make ba mboo an ideal ma terial for many
humani ta rian cons tructi on projects .
Housing the world
An estimated 1 billion people
across the globe live in homes
KEY POINTS FOR INCLUS ION IN THIS CHAPTER made from bamboo.

• Used throughout the world

• Ideally suited to emergency and temporary shelter
• Suited to permanent shelter if treated
• Different construction system
o Nodal placement becomes important
o Unlike timber has little or no resistance to crushing between nodes
o Very high tensile strength
• Can be used:
o For piping
o Poles
o Beams
o Rafters
o Batons
o Cladding
o Roofing

Pg 13
A.3. DECIDING TO USE BAMBOO
The appropria teness of bamboo for a gi ven humani ta rian progra m needs to be ca refull y thought
out. Fa ctors tha t mus t be considered a re di verse, and a re summa rized in the followi ng decision
diagra m:

DECISION DIAGRAM FOR

NE E D TO IN TER VINE
NE ED T O A SS IST A NCE = (D AMA GE LEV E LS *
LI KE LY H EA LT H IM PA CTS) MI NUS ( COM M UNI TY
COPI NG CA PA CI TY + G OV CAPACI TY) T O ASS IST

CONS TR CUTI ON S KI LLS

D OES TH E COM M UNIT Y HAV E
D EM ONS TRA TE D KNOWLED GE OF
BA M BOO CONSTR CUT I ON?

B AMBO O R ESOUR CES T RAIN IN G

AR E THER E S UF FI CIE NT BAM BOO I S TE CH NI CA L TRAI NI NG
RE S OUR CE S IN T HE ARE A? F EAS A BLE A ND A PR OPR IAT E?

LO CAL PRO CURE MEN T

H OW WI LL BULK PROCURE ME NT
I M PA CT ON LOCAL COMM UNIT Y?

BRO ADER PRO CUR EMEN T

CA N AD DI TI ONA L BAM BOO
BE PR OCUREE D FR OM OUTS I DE?
AR EA

CAN COMMUNITY MANAGE

PR OCUR EMENT?

Pg 14
 Section B
Sourcing
1. Material Sourcing and
specifying
2. Crop Management &
Sustainable Harvesting
3. Treatment
4. Logistics and handling

Key Points
• The importance of bamboo as a l ocal communi ty resource makes it essential tha t
humani ta rian workers consider the effect of large scale procurement on regional bamboo
s tocks and set i n place s ys tems tha t a meliorate potential nega ti ve impa cts
• To trea t or not to trea t bamboo is an overa rching decision tha t will affect all levels of
progra mming and needs to be considered ea rl y on in progra m design and procurement
• Ba mboo is commonl y a communi ty resource; hence the voi ce of the communi ty is
important a t all s ta ges of procurement of bamboo and bamboo products

Pg 15
Section B
Introduction Sourcing Building Support
B.1. MATERIAL SOURCING & SPECIFYING
Sourcing bamboo in suffi cient volume and quality proved to be a ma jor challenge for a many a gencies
during the Jogjaka rta earthqua ke response, wi th some agencies consuming over 10,000 culms a da y a t
thei r peak. It is cri ti cal when designing la rge s cale programs to ca refull y consider the i mpa ct of such la rge
s cale purchasing on both the a vailable resource and the l ocal ma rket.

Relative merits of Procurement options

Community Local or regional National

Pros • Funds injected at the
lowest level into a
community can produce
up to 8 times the
economic benefit for the
affected population
• Quality control enforced by
the home owner
• Increased “ownership” of
the program
• Works well with rural
communities who have a
good understanding of
bamboo selection and
construction
Cons • Requires higher levels of
financial control
• Requires community
training for quality control
• Urban communities may
have little or no
experience in procuring
and constructing in
bamboo
Notes • •
• Easily centrally controlled
• Inspection of suppliers
sources, business
premises and storage
facilities easily conducted
• Puts money into local
business helping kick-start
the economy
• High potential for short
term impact on the local
price of bamboo,
potentially pricing self-
recovery groups out of the
market
• Potential for high level
short-term and even long
term impact on local
bamboo crops
• Potentially larger, more
professional suppliers
• Potentially spreads the
environmental impact
over larger area
• Reduces impact on local
markets
• More difficult to inspect
offices, storage and
transport facilities
• Harder to regulate
harvesting practices,
hence potential for
increased
environmental impact,
though further afield
• Requires stricter
tendering processes
and controls, hence
often slower to
instigate
•

NOTE: If considering trea tment of ba mboo i t is important tha t this is ta ken into considera tion in designing
your procurement solution Many trea tment s ys tems requi re trea tment wi thi n a few da ys of cutting,
others ma y requi re da ys of wa ter based leachi ng, yet others a re bes t conducted a t the ti me a nd source of
cutting

Pg 16
 B.1.1. SELECTION AND GRADING

The quali ty of any gi ven cons tructi on is onl y as good as the material i ts made from. A la rge range of
fa ctors ca n a ffect the quality of bamboo, including when i t is ha rves ted, i ts age etc. the following list
provides some guidance on ba mboo selection, this gui dance can never repla ce the weal th of local
knowledge rega rding l ocal ma rkets and bamboo species/quali ty.

B.1.1.1. AGE
Mos t species of ba mboo a chieve thei r pea k s trength between 2 and 5yea rs of growth.

Checking for Age

• During the fi rs t yea r of growth the juvenile lea ves that form as each branch forms a re s till visibl y
a tta ched to the main s talk of ba mboo. As bamboo a ges these fall a wa y
• As bamboo ages i t loses i ts fresh green colour, slowl y da rkeni ng to pale brown
• As bamboo ages the walls begin to dry out and ha rden, causing the internodal walls to shrink,
showing wrinkles
• Perhaps the sures t test of age is tone, younger or older bamboo has a much flatter tone than the
much tougher correctl y a ged bamboo. A small amount of pra cti ce will cla rify the correct tone for
any gi ven species

CORRECT AGE
TOO YOUNG TOO OLD
Image showing:
Image showing: Image showing:
• juvenile lea ves fallen
• juvenile lea ves • juvenile cra cks and spli ts
off
s till fi rml y forming
• internodal collapse
a tta ched • Si gns of mould and
• internodal joints fungal a tta ck
s till full • Dull brown

See section: 0

Pg 17
Growth pa ttern

B.1.1.2. SIZE
Ba mboo is commonl y sold in Indonesia in
lengths of 6m i n widths , “besa r’#####cm,
3 si zes wi th measurements
“sedang” ####cm ,“kecil ” ######cm.
Measurement should taken from the thinnest
end of the cul m.

B.1.1.3. STRAIGHTNESS
For predictabili ty of strength loa ds and repli cability of design culms should be of a reasonable level of
s traightness. Acceptable levels of “sweep” and “crook” ma y be measured using a s tringline s tretched
from the ti p to the butt of the culm. No pa rt of the culm should fall outside of the line of the s tring.

Note: Mildl y bent culms ma y be sui table for use as shorter members such as nogs and bra cing, whilst
keeping the s traightes t sections for longer applica tions such as ra fters and poles

B.1.1.4. TAPER
For ease of cons tructi on and consis tency of
s trength, cul ms should be selected wi th a mini mal
level of taper along the length. A ma ximum taper
of 10mm per 3m is commonl y considered
a cceptable

Pg 18
B.1.1.5. NODES
Wi der node spa cing (30cm-60cm) ma kes for easier
construction, though proximi ty of nodes to joints
grea tl y i ncreases joint strength. Good planning and
piece selection on site can ensure bes t nodal
pla cement for i mporta nt s tructural joi nts.

B.1.1.6. SPECIES
Species sui table for use in humani ta rian
progra mming va ry a cross the country. The
vas t va riati on in cha racteris ti cs and
properties between species , makes
a ccura te selection essential.

Species mos t commonl y selected for poles ha ve thi cker walls whils t species for general cons truction ha ve
thinner but denser walls. A la rge va riety of clumping species are used for woven sheeting and handi cra fts
depending on the exa ct needs of the product being produced.

The following table provides a lis t of the common most sui table for humanita rian progra mming common
in Indonesia. Tables such as this and the ta bles in the Appendi x should be used as an indi ca tor onl y;
nothing ca n replace local knowledge and wisdom

Poles General Woven Handicrafts

construction Sheeting
Diameter of 15cm+ Diameter of 5-10cm
Wall thickness 2cm+ Wall thickness 1cm+

Ori Apus Wulung

Petung Apus
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

See section: Page 45

Pg 19
Distribution Map of bamboo in Indonesia

Pg 20
B.1.1.7. INSECT AND FUNGAL ATTACK
Ba mboo should be checked
ca refull y for si gns of fungal deca y
or insect a ttack, such dama ge is 3 Dra wings or photos clearl y showing borer holes
a nd indi ca tion of fungal atta ck a nd rot
mos t commonl y due to excessi ve
age of the cul m or poor s tora ge
and handling.

The three mos t common forms of a tta ck on bamboo are

1) Powder borer

See section: 0,

Pg 21
Growth pa ttern and 0

Pg 22
B.1.1.8. SPLITTING
The ma jori ty of Asian
clumping bamboo species as
used in cons truction in
Indonesia a re prone to
Example of splitting in bamboo,
spli tting. Al though this
proves a grea t benefit for the Example of end wi ring to prevent spli tting
ma nufacture of handi crafts
and woven sheeting,
excessi ve spli tting ca n
grea tl y weaken the s trength
of bamboo in cons truction.
Excessi ve spli tting in ba mboo is commonl y a sign of poor handling and storage, excessi ve a ge of the culm,
or overl y rapid drying as per freshl y bamboo left for too long in di rect sunlight.

• Do not use bamboo where splitting continues through the node

• Allow excess a t ei ther end of the cul m when ordering to allow for natural tendency to spli t a t ends
when drying
• Hai rline splits a re a cceptable but should be considered as a wa rning of potential problem such as
poor handling, excess age etc

See section: 0

Pg 23
a nd 0

Pg 24
Growth pa ttern

Pg 25
 B.2. CROP MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE HARVESTING
Recent research by the Envi ronmental Bamboo Founda tion in Bali
Grow your own house?
shows that good crop management pra cti ces can increase bamboo
Simply by managing crops be tter crop yields by up to 400% whils t poor pra ctices , as a re prone to
communities can increase the yie ld
of the ir bamboo by up to 30% occur in the rush of cons truction a fter a major disaster, ca n
With a 3-5 year yield time, families devas ta te crop output for many yea rs or in some cases
can quickly grow an extension to
permanentl y.
their shelter

• Cool Diagra m showing a clump of bamboo next to a ri ver, reinforcing ri ver banks, transpi ring
wa ter into the ai r, shading a communi ty and providing windbreaks

DETAI L: BAMBOO PLANTS PERFORM AN IMPORTANT RO LE IN DISAS TER RIS K RE DUCTION, REINFORCIN G
RIVERBANK AND PROTE CTING AGAINST FLOODS, WHILST BUFFERING STRONG WIN DS AS WE LL AS PROVI DING A
VALUABLE ON HAN D RESOURCE FOR RAPID POST DISASTER SHE LTER

For many communities bamboo crops perform essential roles in

Disaster Risk Reducti on, strengthening ri ver banks , buffering Grow your own protection?
s trong wi nds wi thout the haza rd caused by trees when Training communities in good crop
blown over, shading a nd cooling the community’s management can greatly improve
resilience in future disasters. As we ll as
envi ronment. Training communi ties in crop mana gement being a valuable resource, bamboo
and the resul tant increased output can provi de val uable provides an excellent buffer for floods and
storms
income genera tion at a village level , whilst also improvi ng
communi ty level disaster preparedness.

The2008 Humanita rian Ba mboo Consul ta ti ve Forum in Jogjaka rta

Protecting communities
Over 90% of homelessness through
natural disasters is caused wind and
flood, bamboo plays an important role
in community’s resilience to these
events
identi fied good crop management as one of the mos t overl ooked
aspects of ba mboo usage in the Jogjaka rta Ea rthquake
Response, recommending that all future ba mboo based
humani ta rian programs shoul d include measure to ensure
sus tainable ha rvesting as pa rt of thei r procurement pra cti ces.

Pg 26
 B.2.1. HARVESTING

Ha rves ting is often the onl y time communi ties engage wi th thei r ba mboo s tocks , hence providing the
grea test opportuni ty for crop management. Al though many pra cti tioners a gree tha t in and emergency
ba mboo crops can be ha rves ted a t any ti me of yea r, i t is clea r that ha rvesti ng a t the correct time of yea r
and in the correct manner will greatl y i mprove both ba mboo quality a nd crop production.

B.2.1.1. WHEN TO HARVEST

The sus ceptibility of ba mboo to pest infiltra tion is highl y influenced by sap suga r levels a t the time of
ha rvest. Harves ting a t the correct phase of growth and ti me of yea r ma y increase ba mboo’s usable life
span by up to ten fold. Ha rves ting during the rainy growth season should be a voided as i t will da mage
newl y emerging shoots .

Pg 27
B.2.1.2. HOW TO HARVEST
Bes t pra cti ce in bamboo ha rves ting includes :

• Onl y ha rvest culms over 2 yea rs of a ge See Section B.1.1.1 Age of bamboo
• Cut culms 2-3 nodes above ground to reduce the likel y hood of fungal a tta ck
• Clea r out ol der culms tha t ha ve begin to deca y, this opens up the clump allowi ng more light in and
encoura ging growth in new shoots whilst also reducing the ris k of fungal infection a cross the
clump.
• Ba mboo cells begin to collapse and close wi thin 2-3 da ys of ha rves t after whi ch time they a re no
longer capable of transporting wa ter. Treatment s ys tems tha t make use of the plants vas cula r
s ys tem mus t be underta ken duri ng this period. Storing freshl y cut bamboo under wa ter as is
common in sap lea ching procedures will increase this interval

Horseshoe drawi ng of crop harves ting

(i n building wi th Bamboo pa ge 5, but looking like a clump of bamboo)

ONE PA GE INP UT TO BE INSERTED HERE

“ GOOD C ROP MANAGEM ENT GUIDELINE”

Pg 28
B.3. TREATMENT
B.3.1. TO TREAT OR NOT TO TREAT

Perhaps the grea test debate amongst humani ta rian workers regarding the use of bamboo, is whether
ba mboo should be trea ted or not prior to use in pos t disaster cons truction. Arguments for trea tment
point out the obvious advanta ges of increased longevi ty and the ensuing i ncrease in benefi t from
assistance provi ded to the affected communi ty, while proponents against trea tment point out such
fa ctors as cos t, ti me dela y and the need for increased techni cal expertise.

Untreated Bamboo
Cheap, fas t, effective, buy it today, use
it today. Lasts for 1-3 years depending
on exposure, biodegrades

Treated Bamboo
20-30yrs life expectancy if sheltered from
weather. Hence a greatly increased
contribution to community resource

The decision to trea t or not trea t needs to be made on a case by case basis and will be based on a range
of fa ctors, such as the forecast usage time of the structures being buil t and the a vailability of sui table
skills and equi pment. Much will be mus t be based on a clea r understanding of the profile of any gi ven
disaster.

In reality whether deciding to or not to chemi call y treat ba mboo, the grea tes t defense lies in how
ba mboo has been handled from the moment of ha rvest, or even ea rlier, until i ts eventual usage in shel ter
construction. The bes t trea tment s ys tems in the world a re easil y undermined and lea ched awa y through
simple errors in design and cons truction. On the other hand, completel y untrea ted bamboo, correctl y
ha rvested, cured, transported and installed ma y last as long as i ts poorl y handled though thoroughl y
trea ted counterpa rt.

Pg 29
 B.3.2. PROTECTION WITHOUT
TREATMENT

The most i mportant defense in a ny

ba mboo s tructure, whether trea ted or
not, is how i ts design protects i t from
the elements. Untrea ted ba mboo in
di rect conta ct wi th moist ground or
rain ma y completel y break down in less
than a yea r, whils t building….

To a chieve the long life expectancy

from a ba mboo s tructure it is fi rs tl y THE BES T PROTECTION FOR BAMBOO IS SIM PLY KEE PING I T DRY.
essential to follow good ha rvesti ng pra cti ce ALLO W ADEQUAT E E AVES, GOOD DR AINAGE AN D KEE P BAMBOO
to ensure minimal suga rs wi thin the FREE FROM DIRE CT GROUND CONT ACT
ba mboo See section: B.2.1Harvesting

Protect from Rain Adequate Drainage Avoid Ground contact Adequate ventilation

Components of a bamboo protection strategy

Pg 30
B.3.2.1. AIR CURING
Ba mboo can be ai r cured by lea ving the bra nches and lea ves on
for two to three da ys after cutting. This allows the bamboo to
consume the remaining suga rs and s ta rches wi thin the cul m
reducing i ts a ttra cti veness to pes ts . Branches should be kept
free of ground conta ct throughout this period.

B.3.2.2. WATER LEACHING

Curing bamboo through lea ching the sap from wi thin the cul m
removes the sugars and s ta rches that a ttra ct most pes ts . This
rela ti vel y simple is process is undertaken as qui ckl y after
ha rvesting as possible as cells wi thin the cul m begin to close
after 2-3 da ys .

Commonl y bamboo is immersed in flowing wa ter for 4-12

weeks depending on the species wi th s tone wei ghts applied
above to keep them fully i mmersed. In some pa rts of the world
ba mboo is lea ched in salt water as the sal t offers addi tional
pes t resistance. Generall y this is not recommended as salt
wa ter takes longer to penetra te the cul m and the i mbedded
salts also raise the hydros copi c ca paci ty of the fibers leading to
more rapid rotting

An alterna ti ve method of lea ching out saps invol ves standing

the ba mboo upri ght in la rge drums full of water for 3-4 da ys , to
allow the ba mboo plant to dra w in the wa ter and clear out i t i ts
own sap. This method can also be used as a low tech method
for injecting bora x trea tment.

B.3.2.3. AIR DRYING VS KILN DRYING

Ba mboo tha t has been properl y dried prior to use will ha ve more consistent durability than bamboo dried
in posi tion. Ai r dryi ng of bamboo takes around 6-12 weeks depending on species whils t kiln drying takes
2-3 weeks. Solar kilns offer a low energy cos t in-between solution of 3-6 weeks . Kiln drying ma y be
necessa ry duri ng the rainy season when bamboo ma y begin to mould before drying out.

When drying bamboo ca re should be taken to provide regula r support and allow sufficient spa ce a round
the cul ms for evapora tion. The ra te a t whi ch bamboo can be dried va ries from species to species wi th
some species spli tting more readil y than others . Species prone to spli tting can ha ve their drying rate
slowed down by the appli ca tion of a sealant such as paint to the ends

Pg 31
 B.3.3. PROTECTION THROUGH TREATMENT

The dura bility of bamboo can be grea tl y extended through the appli ca tion of treatments

B.3.3.1. SMOKING
Smoke from burning timber or bamboo contains a range of preserva ti ve and protecti ve chemi cals such as
creosote. Bamboo is s ta cked ei ther verti call y or horizontall y over a fi re, rota ted regula rl y for 1-2 da ys .
Al though some of the oldest ba mboo s tructures in the worl d a re preserved through s moking, resul ts from
this method of treatment a re generall y more va riable than those from bora x based s ys tems and ma y
requi re a lot more research and field testing making this method less suitable for humani tarian response.
Expert and local advi ce should be sought if considering s moke based trea tments

Resea rch in Japan and China shows that through smoking and s team hea ting bamboo wi th a precise
combina tion of tempera ture, humidi ty and timi ng, the cellulose and lignin wi thin the cellula r wall can be
ma de to plasti cize ma king i t much stronger across i ts tubula r section and grea tl y increasing durability.

B.3.3.2. EXTERNAL TREATMENTS

A range of external trea tments can be applied to bamboo to reduce its a ttra cti veness to fungus and pes t
a tta ck. Such trea tments ma y incl ude the appli cation of kerosene, camphor, commercial pes ti cides and
va rnish or paint. The high sili ca content in the outer skin of bamboo commonl y resul ts in low absorption
ra tes , wi th pes t resistance being a chieved more through the ba mboo becoming unattra cti ve to pests
ra ther tha n a ctuall y toxi c. External treatments need to be reapplied a t regula r intervals , once every 2-3
months is common for kerosene or once every six months for va rnishes.

In general external trea tments a re not considered tha t effecti ve, though paint or va rnish can protect
trea ted ba mboo from leaching where some exposure to rain is una voidable.

Trea tments such as sump oil , bi tuminous tar and creosote are often used on bamboo poles inserted
di rectl y into the ground. Whilst such trea tments do increase the pes t resistance of the poles , mos t
ba mboo species ha ve very low dura bility when in di rect conta ct with the ground and such trea tments
provide fa r less protection than a raised footing

B.3.3.3. PESTICIDES
A range of pes ti cides can be used to increase the pest resista nce of ba mboo, commonl y used pesti cides
include PCP, DDT and Dieldren. Mos t pesti cides provide little further protection than Bora x/borasi c acid
trea tments , but ha ve at higher cos t wi th increased envi ronmental and health risks and a re hence not
recommended for humani ta rian progra mming. One exception ma y be commerciall y pressure trea ted
ba mboo products using 3rd genera tion pesti cides ma y be appropria te for some more indus trial
appli ca tions

Pg 32
B.3.3.4. BORAX - BORASIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS
The most common and well documented bamboo trea tment s ys tems i nvol ve dissol ving a combina tion of
bora x a nd borasi c a cid in wa ter in concentra tions of a round 1-2% and then soaking bamboo in the liqui d
until the solution has penetra ted completel y throughout the bamboo. Penetra tion time va ries grea tl y
depending on the s ys tem. Bora x is a relati vel y ha rmless compound whose minuscule pa rti cle size when
dissol ved allows it to easily penetra te throughout bamboo.

Bora x is a naturall y occurring boron based compound commonl y

a vailable as sodium bora te, sodium tetrabora te, or disodium
tetrabora te. A common commercial product is Tim-bor It is usuall y a
whi te powder consis ting of soft colorless crys tals tha t dissol ve easil y
in wa ter. Bamboo treatments generall y combine a mi xture of Boron
and Borasic a cid for pes t resis tance wi th the a cid provi ding an added
adva ntage as a fi re reta rdant.

There a re a wide ra nge of well documented s ys tems for embedding bora x and borasic into bamboo. It is
important to weigh up the rela ti ve advanta ges and disadva ntage of ea ch s ys tem in rela tion to the
progra m you a re planning. Some s ys tems a re better suited to l ong-term mass production whilst others
a re better sui ted to short-term communi ty level producti on.

Bora x trea tment s ys tems can be broadl y broken into two groups , Pressure Feed and Soaka ge based
s ys tems . Pressure feed s ys tems, such as the well known gra vi ty fed Broucherie method, utilize the fluid
transporta tion s ystem of the plant, by a ttaching a pipe to one end of the cul m and pumping bora x
solution through the plants vascular s ys tem. Pressure trea tment methods a re conducted wi thin the firs t
few da ys of ha rves t before cellular collapse sets in. These s ys tems offer the added advantage of purging
the remaining sap from the cul m, thus reducing the need for leaching, with the associated disadvantage
of needing to be undertaken soon a fter cutting. Perhaps the bes t document pressure fed s ystems is the
Modified Broucherie method where a pump is used to force solution from the thi ck end of a culm. A
lesser known s ys tem tha t is better sui ted for village level producti on has been developed by ARTI in India,
using hand pumps atta ched to the thin end of the culm.

Soakage s ys tems a re generall y simpler though slower than pressure fed s ystems , invol ving the immersion
of bamboo for long enough that the bora x solution penetra tes throughout the cul m. Soa kage s ys tems
requi re the punching out of nodes or the drilling of holes between nodes to allow complete penetra tion
of the bora x solution. The simples t soa kage solutions invol ve soa king for 3 plus da ys dependa nt on
species. Perhaps the best documented s ys tem in Indonesia is the Verti cal Soak Di ffusion (VSD) s ys tem as
pra cti ced and documented by the Envi ronmental Ba mboo Founda tion and P.T Ba mbu in Bali . For VSD
ba mboo culms a re s tood verti call y wi th all ba r the bottom node punched through. The culm is then kept
filled wi th bora x solution for a number of da ys till full dissipation has occurred. Simple tes ting method

For more details on trea tment s ys tems see ####www.humani ta rianba mboo.org/treatment

Pg 33
Pg 34
B.4. LOGISTICS AND HANDLING
The ca re wi th whi ch Bamboo is handled and transported from
the moment of cutting to final pla cement will ha ve a di rect
bea ring on the usable li fespan of the end product.
Dia gram or photo of good handling in
B.4.1.1. HANDLING pra cti ce
The wa xy la yer and fungus on the outer la yer of bamboo ma y
cause skin i rri ta tion, workers handling ba mboo continuousl y
should be provi ded wi th gloves .

B.4.1.2. TRANSPORTATION
The need for ca re when transporting bamboo grows in importance with the dura tion of the trip.

Bamboo should be:

• Covered during transportation to prevent excessive drying and splitting of uppermost culms
• Protective sheathes should be used between ropes and bamboo to prevent damage
• The bottom layer of bamboo should be checked carefully for crushing, to determine maximum weight
loading. The lightweight nature of bamboo means this is generally not a problem

Trips i nvol vi ng transporta ti on by sea need to i nclude adequa te steps to prevent mould da mage. Ba mboo
pa cked inside containers should include some form of mois ture absorption s tra tegy, the simples t of whi ch
is the inclusion of sacri fi cial sacks of lime or cement

When loading and unloading bamboo ca re should be taken to ensure bamboo is not thrown to the
ground as this will cause cra cking. Such cra cks ma y not be visible at time of unloadi ng but will broaden as
the ba mboo dries in situ weakening the end s tructure

B.4.1.3. STORAGE
Bamboo should be stored:
Is community based
• Free of ground contact to prevent pest infestation
• Stacked horizontally with regular support at 2-3 node intervals to procurement possible?
prevent warping Direct procurement by the community
• Under shade to prevent undue cracking may inject up to 8 times as much funds
• With adequate air flow around culms to prevent mould and can reduce unnecessary storage
and handling. Cons ider logis tics &
procurement training.
Storage yards should be:
• Kept clean and free of sawdust and cutting waste to prevent pest
infestation
• Stock should be rotated regularly through the yard ensuring no stock is left for prolonged periods. If storing
for more than 1-2 weeks bamboo should be rotated regularly to prevent uneven drying and reduce the
potential for mould growth

Pg 35
 Section C
Building
1. Design
2. Construction
3. Woven sheeting
4. Maintenance

Key Points
Ba mboo is a very dis tinct cons tructi on ma terial with i ts own unique set of positi ve and nega ti ve
cha ra cteris ti cs. A good unders tanding of these fundamental differences is essential when
planning projects in bamboo

How well a building is designed, constructed and maintained will greatl y a ffect the durability of
the s tructure

Pg 36
C.1. DESIGN PRINCIPLES
C.1.1. DESIGNING A PROGRAM THAT USES BAMBOO

KEY POINTS FOR INCLUS ION IN THIS CHAPTER

• Progra m design considerations include

o Res ource a vailabili ty
o Community knowledge a nd acceptance
o Organiza tional knowledge and a cceptance
o Wha t s ta ge of shel ter rehabilita tion will bamboo be used for, hence does i t need trea ting
• Unlike timber ha rves ting, crop mana gement and even planting should be considered as pa rt of
progra m design
• Trea tment a t source or treatment a t s tora ge and handling fa cility or trea tment a t/by communi ty
• Classic progra m design loops,

Plan

Improve Implement

Moni tor

Pg 37
C.2. DESIGNING STRUCTURES IN BAMBOO

Ba mboo is a completel y di fferent cons truction ma terial, requi ring a set of very different design and
construction pri nciples to other common building ma terials such as timber, s teel concrete or bri cks .
Lengthwise, ba mboo has high tensile and compressi ve s trength whilst i t is much weaker a cross i ts width
where it is prone to crushing except a t nodes . Hence a bamboo pole in cons truction will support hi gh
loads as long as the building is cons tructed so the pole ca nnot buckle.

BAMBOO TIMBER STEEL

STR ENGTH

• Extremely flexible, • Limited to small sections • Highly flexible

FLEXI BLITY particularly in split or complex steam
sections bending
• Bamboo is highly •
JOINTING receptive to a wide
• Good though varies
SYSTEMS range of glues, though
greatly dependant on
high levels of silica
species
make the outer skin
resistant to most glues
• Poor except at nodal •
RESI LIENCE points
• Good, mild depression

• i)Bolting or pegging • Screwing, nailing and •

SUSTAI NABILITY • ii) lashing or Tieing bolting

C.2.1. DESIGN PRINCIPLES

A number of key design principles need to be considered when planning a project in bamboo. To
unders tand these principles i t is import a t to fi rs t unders tand some basic princi ples of cons truction

NOTE: This set of guidelines does not intend to be a desi gn book for engi neers, but ra ther, to provide
guidance for humani ta rian workers to ensure they ha ve asked the correct engi neering questions and
incorpora ted simple good pra ctice into thei r work. Al though in general simple emergency a nd transitional
shel ter solutions do not requi re complex engi neering solutions, i t is clearl y best pra cti ce to ensure tha t
such mass progra ms ha ve been checked by a skilled (preferabl y local ) professional. Where such resources
a re not a vailable consider using plans tha t ha ve al ready been designed and tes ted or consult more
detailed techni cal advi ce See section: D.1 Further resources

Pg 38
C.2.1.1. LIVE AND DEAD LOADS
Buildings a re exposed to two main types of forces, dead
loads and li ve loads . Dead loads a re the s ta tic forces tha t
appl y such as the weight of the roof bea ring down on the
s tructure, whils t li ve loads incl ude the dynami c changing
loads tha t a building will ha ve to cope wi th over i ts lifespan,
such as the weight of the changing number of people inside Dia gram of s mall house with roof load
i t. expressed as dead-load, then wind load
on the side expressed as li ve load
When designing a building i t is essential to consider the
range of li ve loads the building will be exposed to. This is of
pa rti cula r importance in when working in disaster prone
a reas where the likelihood of floods , high winds or
ea rthquakes ma y greatl y increase the stress loadings tha t a
building ma y ha ve to cope with.

C.2.1.2. MOMENTUM AND BRACING

Si mple bra cing diagram, showing wind
loads applied wi th and wi thout bra cing
When buildings suffer sudden loads they move, twist or
wa rp. Such movement, combined wi th the mass of the
s tructure, ca n create hi gh levels of momentum, grea tl y
increasing the effecti ve weight or force load that is applied
a cross the building. Much of this force will be transferred to
the joints of the building, making them the weak point in
mos t s tructures . By reducing the a mount a building can twis t
or wa rp, we can greatl y reduce the s tress on i ts joints.

This principle is of pa rticular importance to ba mboo

s tructures, where joints are …

Pg 39
C.2.1.3. DESIGNING FOR BEST UTILISATION OF NODES
Nodes a re the s trongest point in a
cul m of ba mboo, hence the closer a
joint is to a node the s tronger i t will
be. As a rule of thumb an i deal joint is
should be no further from a node
than the width of the bamboo
sections . In sayi ng this i t is
Correct Incorrect
important to recognize tha t
selecti ng ba mboo for exa cting nodal pla cement, al though crea ting a s tronger s tructure, ma y consume
much more time and potentially more bamboo. Hence it is i mportant to focus on joints of higher
s tructural pri ori ty, ensuring nodes occur as close as possible to these joints .

Joint designs can take

adva ntage of the s trength of
nodes by bea ring more
di rectl y onto them. Note the
two diagra ms to the ri ght
where pins a re loca ted close
to nodes to more directl y
trans fer l oads to the nodal
joints .

NOTE WHEN ANALYZIN G THE

DIAGR AMS TO T HE RI GHT NOTE
WHERE THE DO WNWAR D
FORCES APPLY.

DETAIL: JOINING A
F LOOR JOIST OR TOP
PLATE TO A COLU MN

DETAIL: JOINING A LOAD

BEARING POS T TO A S ACRIFICIAL
FOOTING

Pg 40
 Where joints do occur between nodes it is possible to s trengthen the
joint by using shea thes or fishpla tes to spread the load a cross the
spa cing between nodes

In many cases joint strength can be i mproved by allowing members of a

DETAI L: Top plate with fish-
joint to continue pas t the joint to beyond the nea res t node plated where posts inters ect
between nodes

It’s all about Nodes and bracing

Unlike timber, when designing with bamboo,
it’s always important to think about nodal
placements and bracing. Both of these factors
stop bamboo from be ing crushed DETAI L: TO P PLATE WIT H FISH-PLATE D UN DER
Ref
SUPPORT WERE POSTS INTERSECT BET WEEN NO DES

Nodes pla y a crucial role in the strength of ba mboo…

C.2.1.4. DESIGNING FOR CURVED ELEMENTS

One unique aspect of bamboo when compa red to ti mber is i ts
capa ci ty to be bent and used in tension. This is pa rti cula rl y true
of small diameter and spli t sections of bamboo or bamboo tha t
has been stea m heated. Unfortuna tel y, little coherent
inves ti gation of the potential for this in humani ta rian response
seems to ha ve been undertaken. Bangladesh transient workers ’
shel ters and woven baskets both point to potential a reas for PHOTO: Bang la des h Transient workers
future resea rch, where an extremel y low use of material and huts
rapid construction offer grea t
adva ntages for emergency shel ter.

PHOTO: Wov en bamboo basket for

Chick ens
PHOTO: Antoon’s Bamboo a nd rubber
band s tructures

Pg 41
 GLUEING
C.3. CONSTRUCTION SKETCH
KEY POINTS FOR INCLUS ION IN THIS CHAPTER

• Ba mboo construction can be broa dly broken into a

few key jointing types or combina tions there of

NAI LED
• Which type used depends on a number of fa ctors
• Strength required SKETCH
• Ensuring use of cCommunity knowledge
• Prefabrication
• Resource a va ilability
• Budget

SCREWED
• Common ma teria ls include:
• Na tural fibre ropes such a s Hemp, Coconut fibre rope SKETCH
• Pegged joints
o Ba mboo or timber pegs
• Commonly used in conjunction with bolting systems

WIRED
RULES OF THUMB a bout ba mboo sizing SKETCH
TI ED

SKETCH
PEGGING

SKETCH
PEGGED &
TI ED

SKETCH
BOLTING

SKETCH
FILLED &
BOLTED

SKETCH
Pg 42
 C.3.1. JOINTING SYSTEM TYPES

Di fferent jointing s ys tems offer different rela ti ve meri ts , see below for compa rison

Relative merits of bamboo jointing systems

Strength Usability Cost
Best Worst

Cheap ma terial
across joints

Low labour
Ease of use

Few tools
Durability

Flexibility
Strength
Rigidity

Speed
Joint Type Notes
Bolts • Crushing of the bamboo must be
a voided
• Only a s strong a s the bamboo they pass 5 5 5 2 3 4 2 2 2
through
• Best when bra ced in all directions

Fill & bolt • Crea tes a very rigid joint, pa rticula rly
well suited to footing connections a nd 5 5 5 2 2 3 1 1 1
industria l loa ds
Glue • The outer skin of ba mboo is highly
resista nt to glue whilst the inner la yers 4 4 4 1 2 1 2 3 3
glue well
Inner tubes • A ra nge of rubber ca n be used, some
will brea k down under UV
• Hea vily dependent on how it is a tta ched 3 2 2 5 4 4 4 4 4
to the ba mboo (often na iled)
• Ha rd to find consistent supply

Nails • Prone to splitting particula rly in running

species
2 1 2 3 5 4 5 5 5
• Pre drilling or chiselling will reduce
tendency to split
Pegs & rope • See pegs a nd rope notes 4 3 4 4 2 5 2 3 2

Pegs • Commonly timber or Ba mboo

• Require pre drilling 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 4 3
• Strength dependent on nodes

Plywood & • Commonly for trusses or structura l loa d 5 5 5 3 2 4 2 1 1

bolts • Bolt locations should still a lign to nodes

Rope or • Often well known at village level

• A range of mate rials ca n be used see section 3 2 3 5 3 4 4 5 5
Rattan #######

Screws • Prone to splitting requires pre-drilling 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4

Wire • Prone to rust ate ends and knots

• Can be im proved by protective painting 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 4
Will ‘dig in’ unde r high load

Pg 43
C.3.1.1. COMMON JOINTS

I. FOUNDATIONS

II. P OL ES TO BOTTOM PLA TE

III. RAFTER TO TOP P LA TE

IV . TRUSSES

Pg 44
C.3.2. EXAMPLES OF COMMON JOINTS

FOUNDATI ON Photo

POST TO
BOTTOM Photo SKETCH
PLATE JOINT

POST TO TOP
SKETCH Photo SKETCH
PLATE

LI NTEL
SKETCH Photo SKETCH
DETAI L

BR ACING
SKETCH Photo SKETCH
DETAI L

R AFTER TO
SKETCH Photo SKETCH
TOP PLATE

R OOFING TO
SKETCH Photo SKETCH
BATON

Pg 45
C.4. WOVEN BAMBOO SHEETING
How much informa tion needs to be included rega rding bamboo sheeting???

Pg 46
C.5. MAINTENANCE

C.5.1. POST CONSTRUCTION TREATMENT

C.5.2. DESIGN FOR ADAPTABILITY – DECONSTRUCTION

KEY POINTS FOR INCLUS ION IN THIS CHAPTER

• Design for Protection

• Good boots a nd a good ha t
• Trea ted ba mboo needs to be undercover
• Design structures so a ll key structura l elements ca n be repla ced over time
• Incorporate design theory into a ll training to ensure communities ha ve the skills to repla ce a nd up gra de
• Accept the biodegra da bility of ba mboo
• Exa mples of simple oil trea tments
• Recommendations on varnish type

Pg 47
 Section D
Support
1. Further resources
2. Programming tools
3. Other uses for bamboo
4. Map: bamboo in Indonesia

Key Points
This document offers onl y a brief introduction to the use of bamboo in humani ta rian shel ter
progra mming.

To undertake a la rge s cale program i t will be important to seek more detailed informa tion
specifi c to the context of the project being underta ken. This section of the guidelines supplies
some additi onal resources or linkages to those resources .

There a re a range of other uses for ba mboo tha t ma y be worth consideri ng in humani ta rian
progra mming such as composite panels a nd laminated bamboo beams

Unders tanding where bamboo resources a re a vailable ma y influence decisions rega rding the
sui tability of using bamboo in a ny gi ven humanita rian response

Pg 48
D.1. FURTHER RESOURCES
• For a more up to da te list of a vaila ble further resources plea se visit
• www.huma nita ria nbamboo.org/resources
• All contributions or suggestions truly welcomed

D.1.1. INTERNET RESOURCES

BAM BOO

• www.inba r.org
• www.ba mboofounda tion.org

SHEL TER
• www.huma nita ria ntimber.org

• www.sheltercentre.org

D.1.2. ORGANISATIONS AND EXPERT INDIVIDUALS

A broa d range of organisations exist tha t ma y be able to suppl y addi tional informati on to humani ta rian
pra cti tioners on the use of bamboo, these include

IND ONESIA

• Environmental Bamboo Foundation, Ubud Bali

• P.T Bambu Bali
• UGM Department of Engineering and Architecture
• Bandung Institute of Technology
• Department of Public Works, Building Research centre, Bandung

INTERNA TIONAL

• INBAR The International Network for Bamboo and Rattan

For a more up to date list see www.humanitarianbamboo.org/contacts

Pg 49
 D.1.3. BOOKS AND JOURNALS

Affordable Bamboo Housing in Ea rthquake Prone Areas: An International Workshop Organised by CBTC,
Government of Mi zoran, and Interna tional Network for Bamboo and Ra ttan. India: CBTC, INBAR, and
Government of Mi zora m, 2001.

Manual De Cons trucción Sismo Resis tente De Vi viendas En Baha reque Encementado ,F, Josef Fa rbia rz., R,
Sa muel Da rio., and S, Da mio Mogollón. Columbia: Edi torial Ca rrera .

The Book of Ba mboo : A Comprehensi ve Guide To This Rema rkable Plant, Its Uses, and Its History. Fa rrelly,
Da vi d. San Francis co: Sierra Cl ub Books , 1984.

Building Wi th Bamboo: A Handbook , Janssen, Jules J.A. Wa rwi ckshi re: ITDG, 2007

Appropria te Building Ma terials: A Ca talog of Potential Solutions. Stulz, Roland, and Ki ran Mukerji . Swi tzerland:
SKAT Publi cation, 1993.

Grow Your Own House. Vélez, Si món and Bamboo Archi tecture. Vi tra Design Museum.

IL 31 Ba mbus Bamboo. Dunkelberg, Klaus , and The Insti tute of Lightwei ght Structures , Uni versity i f Stuttga rt
Germany: 1985.

Ba mboo: A ma terial for cos t effecti ve and disaster resistant housing. India: BMTPC.

Training Ma nual : Building with Bamboo. Na tional Mission on Bamboo Appli cation. New Delhi : Tulika Print,
2004.

Envi ronmental Bamboo Foundation. Petunjuk Kerja Penga wetan Dengan Sis tem Boucherie. Jawa Ba ra t:
Ya yasan Bambu Li ngkungan Lesta ri , 1994.

For a more complete list see www.humani ta rianbamboo/resources

Pg 50
D.2. PROGRAMMING TOOLS
D.2.1. SPECIFICATION TOOL

KEY POINTS FOR INCLUS ION IN THIS CHAPTER

A si mple tool or checklist for speci fying Ba mboo

• Colour
• Age
• Diameter
• Species
• Length
• Condition

Link to online downloadable documents in Word and Excel

D.2.2. PROCUREMENT TOOL

KEY POINTS FOR INCLUS ION IN THIS CHAPTER

Decision tree for local vs communi ty procurement

Check sheets for

• Pole Ba mboo
• General use ba mboo
• Trea ted Bamboo
• Gedek

Link to online downloadable documents in Word and Excel

D.2.3. CHECKLIST

Pg 51
D.3. OTHER USES FOR BAMBOO
Al though these guidelines focus on the use of bamboo in pos t-disaster shel ter cons tructi on many other
appli ca tions of bamboo ma y be appropria te for use in humani ta rian programming. Wi th well over 1,000
known uses for ba mboo i t is impossible to list all of the possibilities.

For more informa tion on the products below see www.humanitarianbamboo.org/alternatives

D.3.1.1. BAMBOO COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

The excellent gluing properties of the inner fibers of ba mboo make i t ideall y sui ted to the production of a
wi de ra nge of composi te products including:

• Pa rquetry flooring
• La mina ted bea ms
• Woven ba mboo tiles
• Ba mboo reinforced concrete
• Ba mboo based fibrocement
• Ba mboo polystyrene composite pa nels
• Ba mboo Pla ster pa nel construction

Much research on bamboo composites has been underta ken by Indonesia’s leading uni versi ties and
resea rch ins titutes. One exa mple of this research is the work conducted by the Depa rtment of Publi c Works
Resea rch Center in Bandung, where Pak Purwi to has produced a number of composi te ma terials and model
houses. Similar levels of resea rch ha ve also been conducted a t Bandung Insti tute of Technology, UGM and
Muhamddyah in Yogyaka rta and EBF in Bali amongs t others . Much of this research offers real potential for
use by the humani ta rian sector in Indonesia.

DETAI L 1 2 3: DPU BUNDUNG RESEAR CH CENT ER- BAMBOO FIBRE PO LYS TYRENE COM POSITE PANE L, HOLLOW CORE
BAMBOO PANE L, BAMBOO PLASTER HOUSE DET AIL 4: BAMBOO RESIN COMPOSITE TRUSS, INDI A
D.3.1.2. BAMBOO WATER TANKS AND PIPES
Ba mboo has long been used for a ra nge of plumbing and i rri ga tion purposes . A number of successful
designs exis t …

D.3.1.3. BAMBOO CRAFTS AS LIVELIHOODS

In many disaster prone regions the manufa cture of handi cra fts from bamboo forms an important pa rt of
communi ty li velihood s tra tegies. Often bamboo cra ftwork is produced through s mall home based
industries suppl yi ng supplemental or fulltime income to those who ma y not ha ve a ccess to more
mains trea m employment. Common bamboo handicra fts incl ude the production of:

• Woven ma tting
• Ba skets
• Edible shoots a nd food products
• Brooms, tool ha ndles

D.3.1.4. ALTERNATIVE USES OF BAMBOO

Ba mboo has been used for such a wide range of that i t is diffi cul t to summa rize those tha t ma y or ma y not
be of interes t to the humanita rian sector

Pg 53
D.4. DISTRIBUTION MAP OF BAMBOO IN INDONESIA
The Humani ta rian bamboo project is hoping to develop 4 sepa ra te maps tha t show a reas of a vailability of
ba mboo species sui table for use in Huma nita rian Shelter programs across Indonesia, broken up by usa ge
type:

Map1 Species sui table for Structural poles

Map 2 Species Sui table for general s tructural use

Map 3 Species sui table for woven bamboo sheeting

Map 4 Ha ndi craft species

Maps to provide:

• Sha ding indica ting how commonly a va ila ble the ma terial is in each a rea
• Na mes of the most common species tha t a re suita ble for each a rea

These ma ps a re not intended to represent a ny form of detailed resea rch a nd ma y well include a rea s listed as
unknown. This is a simple exercise as requested through consultative forums by huma nita ria n pra ctitioners
a nd intended solely a s a tool for base decision ma king.

Note:

These maps are not intended as a defini ti ve source of informa tion on bamboo a vailability. Actual
a vailability ma y va ry greatl y depending on a number of fa ctors including:

• Cha nging a va ilability over time (ma p accurate at 2009)

• Cha nging pa tterns of usa ge and therefore ma rket a vaila bility
• Da ma ge to resource by disaster events
• Environmenta l or political constra ints

No ma p can hope to repla ce the deta iled informa tion tha t can be ga thered through good community consulta tion.

Pg 54
Pg 55
The Map to the left shows a
rough a pproxi ma tion of
ba mboo distribution a cross
Indonesia as reported by
the s tate census.

The detailed map can be

downloaded from:

Pg 56
The Huma nita rian Ba mboo project would like to tha nk the following Individuals a nd organisa tions for giving so freely
of their time and effort to support this project:

From the Bamboo forum in India :

...
From the Bamboo Forum in Jogja
...
Da ve Hodgkin, the a uthor of these guidelines wishes to tha nk... Apologise... encoura ge ongoing pa rticipa tion and
sha ring...