STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CHEMICALLY-TREATED

BAMBOO AS CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT MATERIAL

Nahum L. Bravo

The most common building material for the construction of

infrastructures such as buildings, roads, bridges and dams is
reinforced concrete. This construction material utilizes concrete and
steel as tension reinforcement. Concrete is relatively weak in tension,
thus steel is needed to provide tension strength in concrete .For the
past century, steel has been the material of choice to improve the
compressive and flexure strength of concrete which are extremely
essential in the construction of infrastructures. But steel, which is
basically an iron ore, is a non-renewable resource. In addition, steel,
though an excellent construction material, is quite expensive. The
problem of availability of steel especially in rural areas is also a
concern for constructors of infrastructures. Due to these pressing
problems of steel’s high cost, non-renewability and availability in far-
flung areas of the country, our National Government main thrust of
renewed construction boom might experience another downtrend.
This study endeavored to provide an alternative to steel as
reinforcement for concrete construction by introducing indigenous
bamboo as concrete reinforcement. Bamboo is known as a high
strength material. It has been utilized in the construction of many
time enduring structures. Its compressive strength may reach up to
8000 pounds per square inch (psi) and its tension strength may
reach up to 18,000 psi. The only concern is that it is an organic
material thus the possibility of decomposition. Seasoning and
treatment of bamboo is therefore necessary to preserve or improve
its strength. In this study, three (3) chemical treatments applied to
bamboo are studied to characterize its effect in the structural strength
of reinforced concrete. These are formalin, borax and paint. To
determine the effect of chemically treated bamboo as reinforcement,
four mixtures of concrete were designed. These are the following:
Control mixture (no bamboo reinforcement); Concrete reinforced with
formalin treated bamboo; Concrete reinforced with borax treated
bamboo; Concrete reinforced with paint treated bamboo.
A total of twelve (12) concrete cylinder specimens for
ASTM compression test and twelve (12) beam specimens for ASTM
flexure test were prepared.
The results of the test indicated that chemically treated
bamboo significantly improved the strength of ordinary concrete. The
best treatment of bamboo producing the highest strength in the
specimens is borax. Borax treated bamboo increased the
compression strength of ordinary concrete by 27% and increased the
flexure strength of ordinary concrete by 166%. The study also
showed that utilizing chemically treated bamboo (borax treated) as
1
 reinforcement for concrete instead of steel yields a 95% savings (P
288) in material and freight costs.

Keywords: Aggregate, Bamboo, Borax, Compression strength,

Concrete, Formalin

Introduction
The construction of infrastructures such as buildings, roads, bridges
and dams largely depends on two construction materials: concrete and
steel. Both are considered indispensable as construction materials but
both are quite expensive and their raw materials are basically coming from
non-renewable resources. For example, cement has lime as its raw
material. The price of cement is quite high especially during the peak
construction months of March to June. It is also a fact that due to this peak
construction season, the construction industry experiences a shortage of
cement. The cement industry is therefore forced to import cement from
Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Indeed, the construction Industry
experiences both shortage and high cost problems of its materials.
Steel also has iron ore as its raw material. Iron mining in the
Philippines nowadays is not quite popular due to restrictive environmental
laws and regulations. Iron mining is also quite expensive, thus steel as its
finished product is also expensive. The transport of steel in far-flung
islands of the country also poses a big problem to civil engineering
contractors. It is quite difficult to transport tons of this material especially in
remote countryside whenever there are infrastructure projects
constructed.
Steel reinforcement has been widely used in many applications as
concrete reinforcement, since steel is a strong material and extremely
ductile, important engineering properties. The characterized performance
of steel reinforcement is of great significance to many engineers since it
counteracts the poor flexure and bending strengths of concrete. The use
of cement and steel as reinforcement for concrete is very common
nowadays. The application of many techniques, whether it is
advantageous and economical are the parameters of how steel
reinforcement can be maximized for a certain construction of buildings,
bridges, dams, low-cost housing and many others. With the existence of
many considerable advances in technology, the awareness of engineers
to find alternatives and substitutes to conventional steel reinforcement
construction with favorable high strength in flexure and compression
should be a focus for civil engineering researchers. The construction of
2
infrastructures largely depends on the availability and low cost of its
materials.
The construction of infrastructure projects in the Philippines is one
of the 8-Point Agenda of the Administration of President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo. The National Government is aware of the importance of building
infrastructure projects to provide the impetus for economic growth and
development. But as stated, the two construction materials, concrete and
steel continues to be expensive and depletable resources. This will pose
a challenge and a problem to the National Government in terms of its
National Infrastructure Goals. It is important to use other materials that are
cheaper, readily available and renewable to substitute at least one of the
two construction materials. One way to solve this problem is to look for
other materials that can replace steel. This material should be abundant,
renewable, indigenous, cheap and possesses good structural
characteristics of steel such as strength and ductility.
In this study, it is a goal to promote the use of indigenous material
such as bamboo as alternative for low cost or less structural requirement
in construction. This is in response when steel reinforcement is not
available in construction sites and also to the need for a new cost saving
alternative construction material. This research served as a basis in the
future for considering bamboo as reinforcing material in construction.

Objectives of the Study

For most structures, steel has been utilized as reinforcement for
concrete. This is due mainly to steel's high-tension strength. But some
bamboo possesses high-tension strength sometimes even greater than
that of steel. This makes it an excellent concrete reinforcement for
structures. It is cheaper than steel yet possesses the same engineering
properties of strength and ductility. Bamboo is also indigenous to the
Philippines and a renewable resource, which makes it an excellent
material of construction.
Specifically, this research attempted to achieve the following
objectives:
1. To determine the effect in terms of strength of various
chemical treatments of bamboo for use as reinforcement for
concrete.
2. To determine the increase in compressive and flexural
strengths of various chemically treated bamboos as concrete
reinforcement at 7, 14 and 28 days curing periods.

3
 3. To determine the most effective chemical treatment of
bamboo for use as concrete reinforcement.
4. To determine the savings in cost in utilizing bamboo as
concrete reinforcement.
5. To determine the most suitable application of bamboo
reinforced concrete.

The study is concerned with the structural performance of

chemically treated bamboo reinforced concrete as compared with
conventional concrete considering its compressive and flexural strengths.
This research work is also concerned with the possible treatment
techniques to make bamboo attain its maximum strength when subjected
to loads.
The diagram shown is a conceptual representation of the study.
The input data for the study includes concrete and bamboo literatures,
concrete design formulas and the hardware used in testing, in this
research, the Universal testing machine (UTM).
The processes conducted in this study were design mix of
concrete as per ACI 211 and the ASTM strength tests in compression and
flexure. Seasoning and the treatment process of bamboo were also
considered. The ASTM strength test determined the cylinder compressive
strengths f’c and the modulus of rupture (flexure strength ) of the bamboo
concrete specimens. Specimens were also subjected to a curing process
to improve strength and durability of the concrete specimens.
The output data of the study consisted of the chemically treated
bamboo as well as the concrete cylinder prisms (6in diameter x 12 in
high) with bamboo reinforcements which obtained the compressive
strength of concrete specimens. It also dealt with the preparation of
rectangular prism specimens 6inx6in x 20inches in dimension to
determine the modulus of rupture(flexure strength) of the concrete
specimens. These cylinder and prism specimens were subjected to loads
until they failed with the use of the universal testing machine (UTM) .The
ultimate failure loads of the concrete cylinder and prism specimens were
noted and analyzed.

4
Research Methodology

Start

Preparation of materials needed in concrete mixing

Material testing and determination of its physical properties

Design mix computation with desired strength of 5,200 psi

compressive and 600 psi flexural strengths both for 28 days

Proper mixing of concrete mixtures

Curing of concrete specimens (concrete beam and cylinder)

at 7, 14 and 28 days

Compressive and flexural testing

Analysis and interpretation of data

Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

End

Figure 1. Strength Test Methodology

5
 This experimental research consisted of ten phases of work
activities:

Phase 1: Library Research and Formulation of Problem Statements

and Evaluation of existing Construction Industry Problems
Civil engineering contractors and the industry conducted a
research to determine the pressing problems experienced. Its need for
more effective but cheaper materials in construction was a paramount
concern. Civil engineering journals were read to determine indigenous
materials used in construction in other countries. CE contractors were also
interviewed regarding the challenges they faced in the industry with
regards to construction methodology.

Phase 2: Design Mix Formulation

Formulation of a concrete design mixture of 5000 psi concrete
strength for a control specimen and for those specimens utilizing
chemically-treated bamboo as reinforcement. The procedure followed in
concrete mix design is the ACI Code Reference 211 known as
“Proportioning Normal Strength Concrete Mixture by Absolute Volume
Method”.

Phase 3: Seasoning and Chemical Treatment of Bamboo

Natural seasoning of cut bamboo was conducted. Cut bamboo
were dried in air for 3 weeks. After air drying, Chemical treatment of the
bamboo was conducted using borax, vinegar and paint. The purchase of
materials such as Portland cement, sand gravel and bamboo was also
conducted. The amount of preservatives is as follows:
1. Borax- 110 grams borax /liter of water (1.5% solution)
2. Formalin- 0.5% solution
3. Paint

Phase 4: Testing of concrete material components

Determination of water content, absorption and specific gravity
was conducted. These data were needed to adjust the proportions of
concrete in the concrete design mix.

Phase 5: Concrete Mixing at the Site

Actual on-site concrete mixing using a concrete mixer. This was
carefully conducted near the laboratory-testing center with the aid of a
materials engineer.
6
Phase 6: Molding of Concrete
Placement of the mixed concrete on cylinder and prism molds.
Procedure for placement was based on ASTM Specifications.

Phase 7: De-molding and Curing

De-molding and curing process of the specimens for 7 , 14 and 28
days. Curing was conducted to ensure specimens will gain sufficient
strength before testing at 7, 14 and 28 days.

Phase 8: Compression and Flexure Tests

Strength test in compression and flexure was conducted on
specimens at 7, 14 and 28 days curing periods using a UTM. The failure
load as well as the type of fracture of the specimens were carefully noted .

Phase 9: Evaluation and Analysis

Evaluation and analysis of strength test results .The effect of
adding chemically treated bamboo in ordinary concrete was evaluated and
analyzed. Analysis of cost was also conducted.

Phase 10: Formulation of Conclusions and Recommendations

Formulation of the conclusions and recommendations of the study

Analysis and Interpretation of Results

This part included the analysis and interpretation of result of the
testing conducted. The result of the tests conducted on the concrete
components was also presented as well as the mechanical properties of
bamboo (kauayan tinik) and the methods of chemical treatments. The test
conducted for the concrete components included the test for moisture
content, specific gravity and absorption of the aggregates and cement
used. These data were utilized in the concrete mix design .

7
 The material properties of the concrete components such as the
specific gravity, moisture content and absorption are presented below

Table 1. Summary Results of Test on Aggregates and Cements

Specific Moisture Absorption
Gravity Content (%) (%)
Fine Aggregate 2.67 12.55 6.81
(Fineness Modulus)
Coarse Aggregate 2.65 8.58 6.99
(3/4 in or 20 mm)
Cement 3.15
(Type I Portland Cement)

Bamboo Mechanical Properties

The table below tabulates the important mechanical properties of
bamboo such as its compressive strength and tensile strength.

Table 2. Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Reinforcement

Mechanical Property Value (psi)
Ultimate compressive strength 8000
Allowable compressive strength 4000
Ultimate tensile strength 18000
Allowable tensile stress 4000
Allowable bond stress 50
Modulus of Elasticity 2.5 x 106

Traditional or Non-Chemical Treatment of Bamboo

Traditional or non-chemical methods are being widely used by
villagers and artisans in several countries for many centuries and the skill
is passed on from generation to generation. Typical traditional methods of
treating bamboo include: smoking, white washing, and water storage or
pounding.
Smoking. Smoking is carried out in chambers. This produces
toxic agents and heat, which destroy starch in bamboo, thus making them
immune to insect attack, and also blackens the culms.
White washing Bamboo culms and mats are often painted with
slaked lime, which prolongs their life by delaying/reducing moisture
absorption.
8
 Storage in Water. Freshly-cut bamboo is stored either in running
water or in water pools for 3-4 weeks to leach out starch. This process
prevents bamboo from insect attack. In case of water pool, water has to
be changed frequently to prevent fouling.
Although traditionally treated bamboo shows increased resistance
to insect and fungal attack compared to freshly-cut culms, these methods
do not provide long-term durability.
Chemical Treatment. Chemical treatments, such as those
utilized in this study, are more effective than traditional treatments. Typical
chemical treatment methods uses water soluble preservatives like
Gamma BHC 0.5%, Formalin 0.5% , Phenol+ 1 Copper sulphate (1: 2),
sodium penta chlorophenate 0.5% and Borax 1.5%(110 grams borax / liter
of water). The chemicals are dissolved in water.
In this study, the bamboo was dipped into the chemical
treatments for 2 days. The table below (Table 3) shows the quantity of
chemical treatments applied in the bamboo.

Table 3. Quantity of Chemical Treatments Applied

Chemical Treatment Used Quantity of treatment applied in Bamboo
Borax 1.5% solution (110 grams borax /liter of
water)
Formalin 0.5 percent solution
Paint -

Durability could be greatly increased by preservation with safe,

environment-friendly chemicals, such as borax. Several simple and cost-
effective treatment methods are also being studied further.

Bamboo Reinforcement Ratio

Bamboo reinforcement ratio was calculated based on the
recommendation of U.S Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory in their
research entitled,” BAMBOO REINFORCED CONCRETE
CONSTRUCTION”. It was stated in that report to use a bamboo ratio of
about 3 – 4 % of the cross sectional area of the beam or column.

9
 For Concrete cylinder specimen (6 in diameter x 12 in high)
Using 4% of cross sectional area of concrete sample
Area = π d2
4

Area = 28.274 in2

Abamboo = 0.04 (28.274 in2)

Abamboo = 1.131 in2

Using 3/4 inch bamboo

Ab = 0.442 in2

Number of bamboo:

N= Abamboo
Ab

N= 1.131
0.442

N= 2.56 ≈ 3

For the concrete cylinder specimen 3 pieces of bamboo were

utilized as reinforcement.

For Concrete beam (6 in x 6 in x 21in)

Using 4% of cross sectional area of concrete sample

Area = Bxd

Area = 36 in2

Abamboo = 0.04 (36 in2)

Abamboo = 1.44 in2

10
Using ¾ inch bamboo
Ab = 0.442 in2

Number of bamboo:
N= Abamboo
Ab

N= 1.44
0.442

N= 4 pcs

For the rectangular concrete prism 6in x 6 in x 20 in long , 4

pieces of bamboo were utilized as reinforcement.

Compressive Strength Test Results

The tables presented below show the results on the compressive
strength of various concrete specimens. These are the following:
1. Control specimen (with no bamboo reinforcement)
2. Specimen reinforced with paint-treated bamboo
3. Specimen reinforced with borax-treated bamboo
4. Specimen reinforced with formalin-treated bamboo

These specimens were cured in a water tank and tested at 7 , 14

and 28 days period.
For the compression test, 6inches diameter x 12 inches high
cylinder concrete molds were utilized. The mixed concrete was poured
into these molds and placed on a location where it was not disturbed by
movements. After 24 hours, the concrete specimens were de-molded
and placed in a curing tank for testing at 7 , 14 and 28 days period.
The actual compression strength of the specimens was computed
using the formula:
Force at failure
Compression strength (fc) =
Cross sectional area of the cylinder

The tables below are the result of the compression test conducted
on all concrete specimens utilizing the Universal Testing Machine (UTM).

11
 Table 4. Compressive Strength at 7 Days
NAME OF DATE OF DATE OF SLUMP COMPRESSION
SAMPLE MIXING TESTING (mm) STRENGTH
psi MPa
CONTROL 08-05-07 08-12-07 87 3182 21.58
PAINT 08-05-07 08-12-07 87 3244 22.00
BORAX 08-05-07 08-12-07 87 3748 25.42
FORMALIN 08-05-07 08-12-07 87 3264 21.14
At 7 days curing period shown at Table 4, strength of all
specimens were quite satisfactory. At least all specimens had attained
about 60 % of the required compressive strength of 5000 psi(35 Mpa).
The treated bamboo reinforcements also improved the strength of the
specimens.

Table 5. Compressive Strength at 14 Days

NAME OF DATE OF DATE OF SLUMP COMPRESSION
SAMPLE MIXING TESTING (mm) STRENGTH
psi MPa
CONTROL 08-05-07 08-19-07 87 4125 27.97
PAINT 08-05-07 08-19-07 87 4238 28.74
BORAX 08-05-07 08-19-07 87 4673 31.69
FORMALIN 08-05-07 08-19-07 87 4436 30.08

At 14 days curing, the specimens continued to gain strength as

shown in Table 5. About 80% of the required compressive strength was
already attained. It is notable that borax treated bamboo attained the
highest compressive strength at 4673 psi.

Table 6. Compressive Strength at 28 Days

NAME OF DATE OF DATE OF SLUMP COMPRESSION
SAMPLE MIXING TESTING (mm) STRENGTH
Psi MPa
CONTROL 08-05-07 09-02-07 87 5238 25.52
PAINT 08-05-07 09-02-07 87 6036 40.93
BORAX 08-05-07 09-02-07 87 6654 45.13
FORMALIN 08-05-07 09-02-07 87 6375 43.23

The specimens continued to gain strength at 28 th days curing

period with the highest strength attained at 6654 psi (borax treated
12
bamboo) as shown in Table 6 .All specimens exceeded the allowable
concrete design strength of 5000 psi. Also, it was quite evident that the
treated bamboo specimens served as satisfactory reinforcing materials for
concrete, surpassing the control specimen by about 30 %.
Figure 2 below shows the mean compressive strength of mixtures
with and without bamboo reinforcement treated with paint, formalin and
borax tested at 7, 14, and 28 days curing age.

7000
6654
6375
6036
Compression Strength (psi)

6000
5238
5000
4673
4238 4436
4000 4125 7 days
3748
14 days
3182 3244 3264
3000 28 days

2000

1000

0
control paint borax formalin
Sample

Figure 2. Results of Compressive Strength Tests

The control specimen showed satisfactory improvement in

compressive strength from 3182 psi at 7 days to 5238 psi at 28 days
surpassing the required compressive design strength (f’c) of 5000 psi.
The paint treatment served to absorb and minimize the moisture
in the bamboo. Shown in the graph is the increased compressive strength
of the specimen reinforced with paint treated bamboo. Compared with the
control specimen, a marked increase in compression strength also
occurred with the utilization of paint-treated bamboo as reinforcing
material.
Among the three treatments (borax, paint, formalin), borax treated
bamboo attained the highest compressive strength at 6654 psi, about 33%
greater than the required compressive strength of 5000 psi.

13
 Formalin-treated bamboo as reinforcement for the concrete
specimen also exhibited satisfactory increase in compression attaining
6375 psi at 28 days curing period.
All specimens with bamboo reinforcements produced higher
compressive strengths compared with the control specimen (no bamboo
reinforcement) signifying that the provision of bamboo in concrete
produced a significant increase in compression strength when used as a
reinforcing material. In terms of compressive strength, the borax treated
bamboo produced the highest compression strength as compared with the
control specimen as well as with the paint-treated and formalin-treated
bamboo specimens.

Flexural Strength Test Results

Flexure strength is important for structures subject to high
bending strength such as highway pavements, slabs and beams. Since
bamboo has high tensile strength, the utilization of bamboo as reinforcing
material for concrete would increase the flexure strength of concrete,
since concrete is relatively weak in flexure and tension. To compute the
flexure strength (modulus of rupture) the formula below was used:

PL
Fr =
bd^2

where P= ultimate load from the UTM (lbs)

L= Length of beam specimen (in)

b= width of beam specimen (in)
d= depth of beam specimen (in)

The allowable flexure strength of concrete with f’c= 5000 psi ( 35

Mpa) is 530 psi (3.65 Mpa).

Allowable fr= 7.5  f’c

where f’c= compressive strength of concrete (psi)

14
 The table presented on the next pages shows the result on the
flexural strength test conducted on various specimens of concrete at 7, 14
and 28 days period. These are the following:
1. Control specimen (with no bamboo reinforcement)
2. Specimen reinforced with paint-treated bamboo
3. Specimen reinforced with borax-treated bamboo
4. Specimen reinforced with formalin- treated bamboo

The table 7 below shows the flexure strength of the 4 specimens

at 7 days curing period.

Table 7. Flexural Strength at 7 Days

NAME OF DATE OF DATE OF SLUMP FLEXURAL
SAMPLE MIXING TESTING (mm) STRENGTH
psi MPa
CONTROL 08-05-07 08-12-07 93 332 2.25
PAINT 08-05-07 08-12-07 93 558 3.78
BORAX 08-05-07 08-12-07 93 649 4.40
FORMALIN 08-05-07 08-12-07 93 542 3.68

All the treated bamboo specimens exhibited satisfactory increase

in flexure strength compared with the control specimen (no bamboo
reinforcement).
This trend of increase in flexure strength continued to occur on all
4 specimens at 14 days curing period as shown in Table 8 below. Borax-
treated bamboo attained the highest compressive strength at 1142 psi.

Table 8. Flexural Strength at 14 Days

NAME OF DATE OF DATE OF SLUMP FLEXURAL
SAMPLE MIXING TESTING (mm) STRENGTH
Psi MPa
CONTROL 08-05-07 08-19-07 93 589 3.99
PAINT 08-05-07 08-19-07 93 936 6.35
BORAX 08-05-07 08-19-07 93 1142 7.74
FORMALIN 08-05-07 08-19-07 93 919 6.23

At 28 days curing period , it is noted from table 4.90 below that

the borax treated bamboo concrete specimen attained the highest flexure

15
strength at 1963 psi exceeding the allowable modulus of rupture of 530
psi for 5000 psi design concrete strength by more than 270%.

Table 9. Flexural Strength at 28 Days

NAME OF DATE OF DATE OF SLUMP FLEXURAL
SAMPLE MIXING TESTING (mm) STRENGTH
Psi MPa
CONTROL 08-05-07 09-04-07 93 739 5.01
PAINT 08-05-07 09-04-07 93 1247 8.46
BORAX 08-05-07 09-04-07 93 1963 13.31
FORMALIN 08-05-07 09-04-07 93 1269 8.61

Figure below shows the mean flexural strength of the 4 test

specimens; control specimen and the specimens with bamboo
reinforcement treated with paint, formalin and borax . The strength test
was conducted at 7, 14, and 28 days curing period using three point
loading condition in the Universal Testing Machine (UTM).

2500

2000 1963
Flexural S trength (psi)

1500 7 days
1247 1269 14 days
1142
1000 28 days
936 919
739
589 649
500 558 542
332

0
control paint borax formalin
Sample

Figure 3. Results of Flexural Strength Tests

The graph above shows the flexure strength of the control

specimen (no bamboo) at 7, 14 and 28 days period. The increase in
flexure strength is quite evident in the graph signifying satisfactory
16
concrete mixture.
The flexure strength result of the specimen reinforced with paint-
treated bamboo, compared with the control specimen, indicated a 69%
increase at 28 days testing period.
Paint has been utilized to chemically treat bamboo for its ability to
absorb moisture in bamboo and prevent bamboo from decaying. Paints
also provide protection from insects that may destroy bamboo.
The flexure strength result of the specimen reinforced with borax-
treated bamboo produced the highest flexure strength at 1963 psi at 28
days.
The specimen with formalin-treated bamboo as reinforcement
also attained satisfactory flexure strength at 7, 14 and 28 days curing
periods exceeding the modulus of rupture (flexure strength) by 139 %
since the allowable modulus of rupture of 5,000 psi concrete is at 530 psi
(3.65 Mpa) only.
The strength test in flexure showed that concrete reinforced with
treated bamboo exhibited high flexural strength. This was noted upon
comparison of the strength test results of specimens with three treated
bamboo reinforcements with the control specimen.
The concrete specimen reinforced with borax-treated bamboo
attained the highest flexure strength at 1963 psi, a value way above the
modulus of rupture of the concrete. The result also showed that all treated
bamboo reinforcements (with borax, formalin and ordinary paint)
significantly increased the flexural strength of concrete.

Cost Analysis
A comparison of cost was made between a steel reinforced
oncrete specimen and a bamboo-reinforced specimen. The following were
the factors considered in the analysis of cost:
1. Transportation (freight ) cost –cost of transporting the
materials by truck
2. Material Cost – cost of bamboo material, chemical
treatment, steel reinforcing bar and freight charges

17
 For comparison, a 20 mm diameter steel reinforcing bar and 20-
mm diameter bamboo reinforcement, both 6 meters long were used for
the cost comparison. Below is the cost of the materials used in the cost
comparison:

Data Used for Cost Analysis

1. Price of 1 20mm diameter steel x 6m long (GR 33)- P 300
2. Price of bamboo divided into 5 pieces 6 m long - P12
3. Weight of steel rebars- P7860 kg/cu.m.
4. Price of steel rebars (15 kg for 6m)- P2.46 kg/meter
5. Weight of Bamboo (1.51 kg for a 6m long bamboo)- P800 kg/cu.m.
6. Transportation / Freight cost- P 280 / ton
Note: Prices and density of steel material were obtained from Capitol Steel Corporation
(Manila); Price of bamboo was obtained from provincial market price; Density of bamboo
was obtained from ASTM Report from www. Bambootech.org.

It was noted that bamboo material cost varies from place to place.
Provincial pricing is much lower due to availability and lower transportation
cost. The table below shows the price of one solid culm of bamboo in the
provinces.
Table 10. Price of Bamboo Culms
LOCATION PRICE PER WHOLE BAMBOO
Provincial
Masbate …………Php 60
Laguna ………….Php 50
Aurora ………….Php 50
Mindoro ………….Php 50
Using bamboo as reinforcement, the cost of materials, chemical
treatment and freight charge are shown in Table 11 below.
Table 11. Using Bamboo as Reinforcement
Factors Cost
Bamboo whole**/ 5 pieces …....................P 12.00
Approx 1 pc. 20mm diax 6m long
Cost of chemical treatment by borax …....................P 5.0
Transportation (freight charge) for 1 pc ………………..P 0.430
2omm diameter x 6 m long bamboo
Total Cost ………………...P 17.43
** Bamboo whole could be cut into pieces to make 4 or more reinforcing materials.
Recommended width is ¾ to 1 ½ inch.

Total cost utilizing bamboo as concrete reinforcement including

18
freight charge is only P 17.43.
Table 12 below on the other hand shows the total cost of a steel
reinforcing material and the cost for transporting it.

Table 12. Using Steel Bars as Reinforcement

Factors Cost
1 pc. Deformed Rebar (∅20mmx 6m long) …................... P 300.00
Transportation (freight charge) for
……………….. P 4.20
1 pc deformed rebar 20mm x 6 m long
Total Cost ……………….. P 304.20

Using steel rebars as reinforcement would yield a total cost of

freight and material amounting to P 304.20. Computing the cost savings:
Savings in Cost= P 304.20 – P17.43= P 288 ( 95%)

The cost analysis showed that utilizing bamboo as reinforcement

for concrete provides a savings in cost equivalent to P292. This is about
95% savings in cost of material and freight charge.

Compression Strength Test Result Using Analysis of Variance

(ANOVA)
The analysis of variance was utilized to determine whether the
variance in the values of the compressive strength test result is significant.
The table below shows the summary of computation shown in Appendix
D.

Table 13. Summary of Statistical Computation Using ANOVA

SOURCE OF df SUM OF MEAN
VARIATION SQUARES SQUARES
BETWEEN 2 15, 090, 912 7, 545, 456
GROUPS
WITHIN GROUPS 9 1, 505, 648 167, 294
TOTAL 11 16, 595, 560

19
 Computing F ratio= 7, 545, 456
167, 294
F ratio = 45

The F ratio of 45 is greater than the F ratio of 4.26 at 0.05 level of

significance. This indicates that the results of the compressive test of the
specimens differ significantly.

Findings
From the results of the test for compressive and flexural strengths
of concrete specimens, it was noted that bamboo and chemically treated
bamboo had significant effect on the concrete strength both in
compression and flexure strengths. The strength of the specimens treated
with borax, formalin and paint surpassed the strength of the control
specimen (specimen with no bamboo reinforcement). The natural
seasoning conducted and chemical treatments applied on the bamboo
reinforcements improved its mechanical properties such as its strength.
Bamboo reinforcement treated with borax produced the highest strength
test result in compression and flexure. While the specimen with paint -
treated bamboo produced the lowest compressive and flexure strengths.
Formalin also proved to be a satisfactory chemical treatment for bamboo,
producing compressive and flexure strengths above the strength of the
control specimens.
Utilizing bamboo as reinforcement for concrete instead of steel
also will yield about 95% savings in material and freight costs. Utilizing
indigenous materials such as bamboo for construction purposes would
provide the construction industry with an effective and cost-efficient
material. In utilizing chemically treated bamboo, the dependence on steel
as reinforcing material for concrete would be lessened yielding great
savings in cost of material, freight and construction.

Conclusions
The following conclusions were drawn from the study:
1. Natural seasoning and chemically-treated bamboo with borax,
paint and formalin increased the compression and flexure
strength of bamboo reinforced concrete specimens.
2. At 28 days curing period, compared with the control specimen
(specimen with no bamboo reinforcement), the following
increase in compression and flexure strength of bamboo
reinforced concrete specimens were attained:
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 UTILIZING THE % INCREASE IN % INCREASE IN
FOLLOWING COMPRESSION STRENGTH FLEXURE STRENGTH
CHEMICAL VERSUS THE CONTROL VS THE CONTROL
TREATMENTS SPECIMEN SPECIMEN
BORAX-TREATED 27% 166%
FORMALIN- 22% 72%
TREATED
PAINT-TREATED 15.23% 69%

3. Chemically-treated bamboo with borax, produced specimens

with the highest compression strength (6654 psi) and highest
flexure strength (1963 psi) at 28 days curing period.
4. Utilizing chemically-treated bamboo as reinforcement for
concrete instead of steel yields a 95% savings (P 288) in
material and freight costs.
5. Due to its high compressive and flexure strength, bamboo
reinforced concrete could be suitable for use in the
construction of low to medium rise building structures as well
as in highway pavement constructions.

Recommendations
The results of the study indicate that the utilization of chemically-
treated bamboo as alternative reinforcing material for steel in concrete
construction is feasible. The load capacities of bamboo reinforced
concrete in terms of its compression and flexure strengths exceeded that
of the control specimen and are therefore quite satisfactory as a structural
member.
In this study borax proved to be the best chemical treatment of
kauayan tinik bamboo for use as reinforcement for concrete. Test results
showed that borax treated bamboo attained the highest strength test
result in both flexural and compressive strength.
The following are recommended for further studies:
1. To utilize other chemical treatments in bamboo such as lime
and salt water immersion.’
2. To construct an actual prototype of a beam, column or
highway pavement reinforced with chemically-treated
bamboo. This is to determine the actual behavior of a
chemically treated bamboo reinforced concrete.
3. To test the behavior of other types of Philippine bamboo such
as “bayog” or “buho” as reinforcement for concrete.
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 4. To study the effect of bond, slip resistance and fatigue stress
in bamboo-reinforced concrete specimens.
5. To study the behavior of chemically-treated bamboo-
reinforced concrete against fire.

REFERENCES
Books
DPWH Standard Specifications for Public Work Structures, Volume II
and Volume III, 1995
Michael S. Mamlouk and John Zaniewki, Materials for Civil and
Construction Engineers, 1999

Internet Sites
Bamboo as Building Material
www.koolbamboo.com/Bamboo as a building material
Bamboo Preservations
http://www.bamboocomposites.com/preservation.htm
Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Construction
http://www.romanconcrete.com/docs/bamboo1966/BambooReinfo
rcedConcreteFeb1966.htm
Bamboo Research in the Philippines - Cristina A. Roxas
www.ipgri.cgiar.org/publications/HTMLPublications/572/ch30.htm
Mechanical properties of bamboo
http://bambus.rwth-aachen.de/eng/PDF-
Files/Mechanical%20properties%20of%20bamboo.pdf
Philippine National Report on Bamboo and Rattan
www.inbar.int/documents/country report/Philippine.htm

NAHUM L. BRAVO is currently pursuing his degree of Doctor of

Technology from the Technological University of the Philippines. He
holds degrees in Master of Engineering (MEng) with specialization in
Structural Engineering from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of
Santo Tomas. He copped the 16th Place in the Civil Engineering
Licensure Board examination given in November 1993. He is
presently the Chair of the CE/SE Department of TIP Manila. He was
a former project engineer of Foundation Specialists Inc. (FSI) and
David M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI) and the former Department Chair of
the CE Department of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

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