KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING AND VALUATION

ASSESSING THE PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO GROWN IN LUGAZI, AS

REINFORCEMENT IN BEAMS.

BY

MAGEZI AKIM

17/U/8243/EBE/PE

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 DECLARATION

I MAGEZI AKIM, declare that the work done in this research has never been submitted to any
university or any other institution of higher learning by any one as an academic requirement.

Signature……………………………. Date…………………………………

Magezi Akim

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 APPROVAL

This is to certify that this report by Magezi Akim has been written under my supervision and is
now ready for submission to the department of quantity surveying and valuation of Kyambogo
University.

Supervisor

Mr. Lugolobi Thaddeus

Signature......……………………………...

Date…………….......................................

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 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to my father Mr. Amis Magezi and mother Mrs. Maria Magezi for their
continuous support both financially and morally towards my academics.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I extend my sincere thanks to the Almighty God who has enabled me to do this
research. I also extend my sincere thanks to my University supervisor, Mr. Lugolobi Thaddeus
for his dedicated supervision and helpful suggestions throughout this report period. His support
was really incomparable.

To all my fellow students, I honor you in this accomplishment for your learning support and
company you have provided me throughout my four years of study.

I finally extend my thanks to my dear parents and my siblings for their family support they have
given me throughout this period of four years study. You mean a lot to me, you have always
given me strength and confidence when I could feel I can’t do it anymore

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Table of Contents
APPROVAL...................................................................................................................................3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................................5
1.4 Hypothesis of the study.........................................................................................................11
1.5 Scope of the study..................................................................................................................11
1.6 Significance of the study........................................................................................................12
CHAPTER TWO.........................................................................................................................12
LITERATURE REVIEW...........................................................................................................12
2.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................12
2.1Theoretical review..................................................................................................................12
2.2 Mechanical properties of bamboo reinforcements.............................................................13
2.2.1Tensile strength of bamboo.................................................................................................13
2.3 Selection and Preparation of Bamboo.................................................................................14
CHAPTER THREE.....................................................................................................................15
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...............................................................................................15
3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................15
3.2 Materials.................................................................................................................................18
Aggregates.....................................................................................................................................18
3.3 Bamboo reinforcement..........................................................................................................19
CHAPTER FOUR.......................................................................................................................23
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS.................................................................................23
4.0 Introduction.........................................................................................................................23
4.1 Mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with bamboo...........................................24
CHAPTER FIVE.........................................................................................................................27
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................27
5.0 Conclusions.............................................................................................................................27
5.2 Recommendations..............................................................................................................28
APPENDIX 1: RESEARCH BUDGET.....................................................................................29

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7
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Student collecting bamboo............................................................................................................. 14

Figure 2: Bamboo ready for use....................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3: universal test machine 2.4.2Compressive Strength Test.........................................................16
Figure 4: test set up for flexural test of bamboo............................................................................................. 16
Figure 5: Student mixing concrete 3.3 Bamboo reinforcement......................................................................19
Figure 6: Dimension of beam specimen........................................................................................................... 20
Figure 7: Cross sections of the beam............................................................................................................... 20
Figure 8: Student casting beam........................................................................................................................ 21
Figure 9:A student using a rebound hammer................................................................................................... 22
Figure 10: Illustration of flexural strength test procedure................................................................................ 22
Figure 11:Student using the flexural strength test machine.............................................................................23
Figure 12:Weights of the three samples........................................................................................................... 26
Figure 13: Strength at peak against three samples........................................................................................... 26

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 CHAPTER ONE

Background of the study

1.0 Introduction

Reinforced cement concrete is a composite material in which concrete's relatively low tensile
strength and ductility are counteracted by the inclusion of reinforcement having higher tensile
strength or ductility. A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally
to the beam's axis. Its mode of deflection is primarily by bending..

When the load is applied to the beam in certain direction, the beam tries to move the load to the
direction different from the course bit had been on.

A beam is the load bearing part of the structure that mainly resists the load applied to it.

The mechanical properties of bamboo and its availability in the developing regions have led to
its reliable use as reinforcement in concrete structures.

1.1 Background of the study

The indiscriminate infrastructural growth is leading to rapid environmental degradation. Steel,

cement, synthetic polymers and metal alloys used for construction activities are energy intensive
as well as cause environmental pollution during their entire life cycle. There is urgency need for
using naturally occurring products as a construction material to decrease the growth of energy
consumption and water emissions. As a result, many researchers have been trying to find a
nonpolluting and ecofriendly materials, replacement of bamboo in place of steel is widely
recognized as one of the most important non timber forest resources because of the high tensile
strength and socio economic benefits. (Sakaray, 2012)

Bamboo in the world mainly grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia, Latin America
and Africa. Our ancestors used Bambooas the struts, posts and roofs in the construction of their
houses, but now a day’s concrete are used as the basic materials for the construction works.The
concrete is good in compression but weak in the tensile strength. So steel is used as
reinforcement in the concrete to achieve the tensile strength but steel has associated Problems
like high in cost and corrosion. In the last few years, studies have been made on the use of
Bamboo as structural material and reinforcement in concrete and they finally concluded that the
Bamboo can satisfactorily substitute the steel. (sevalia, 2013)

Currently steel prices have increased making it difficult for developing countries to obtain and
the construction around the globe is limited by the high prices. Steel is a product of fossils that
makes it a high-energy consumer showing possibilities of huge reduction of steel as fossils fuels
are being depleted making it paramount for developing countries to adopt low cost sustainable
9
building construction with no requirement of sophisticated technologies and reliable construction
methods. (Masakazu, 2011)

INBAR(2002) Suggests that there are some problems associated to Bamboo, which are its
tendency to absorb water, and the bonding between the Bamboo and concrete is considered the
biggest problem due to absorption of water and smooth wall of the Bamboo Culm. The need to
develop a simple design code for the application of Bamboo as a Construction material.

Agarwal & Damodar (2009) suggested that further studies to achieve higher mechanical
properties and understanding their behaviors in details would make adoption of bamboo concrete
composite structural members can provide tailored solutions to the eco-housing initiatives at
cheaper costs a reality. In the civil construction industry, concrete and steel are widely used due
to its strength and durability. Steel is not easy to find due to lack of resources, non renewable1
resource and its prices is high

The characteristics of bamboo includes that it is strong and elastic fiber ,high strength-weight
ratio, lightness, natural insulation properties that would save thermal energy and high durability
if treated well which makes it having the load carrying capacity of bamboo reinforced concrete
to about 35%equivalent to reinforced concrete beam.(musbau, 2012)

Bamboo is a giant grass in the family of Bambusiodaeae with an estimate of 60-90 genera
existing out of the 1100-1500 with about 600 different species of Bamboo in the world and; the
fastest growing, renewable resource known to man and has lengthy established tradition as a
building material in the tropics. (Ajinkya, 2013)

The plain concrete possess a very low tensile strength, limited ductility, and little resistance to
cracking, which makes the plain concrete develop structural cracks even before loading hence
fiber reinforced method have been used (brindah,2017)

The factor being that construction is the major consumer of energy and material in the world.
The need of sustainable environment, which was, defined in the Brundtland report 1987 as then
development that meets needs of the present without comprising the ability of the future
generations to meet their own needs becoming a main issue when trying to solve the problem of
providing proper housing for the rapid growing population around the globe.

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1.2 Problem statement of the study

Most developing countries have several problems and one of them is housing. This problem is
related to research in low cost housing projects. Scientists, engineers and designers need to carry
out tests on bamboo to replace steel since its expensive. (Ajinkya, 2013)

Bamboo reinforcement has less weight and cost therefore, it can highly reduce the housing
problem in developing countries. (Mathanraj, 2017)

The main problem for the application of bamboo as structural composites is scarcity of
information about its mechanical properties in Africa. There is a need to establish the mechanical
properties of bamboo for design purposes. Ghavami (2005)

1.3 Main objective

to study the behavior of bamboo grown in Lugazi as reinforcement in beam.

1.3.1 Specific objectives of the study

To find the tensile strength of bamboo reinforcements after oven drying.

To determine the compressive strength of reinforced concrete with bamboo in beams

To determine the flexural strength of concrete reinforced with bamboo in beams

1.4 Hypothesis of the study

The tensile strength of bamboo reinforcement after drying is safe for application in beams.

The compressive strength of bamboo reinforced concrete is close to that of steel reinforced
concrete in beams

The flexural strength of bamboo reinforced concrete is favorably same as that steel reinforced
concrete in beam

1.5 Scope of the study

The research was carried out from November 2021 up to June 2022.The research was about
assessing the properties of bamboo grown in lugazi, as reinforcement in beams the experiments
were conducted at site and the different tests in the UNRA laboratory, kyambogo the tests
conducted included tensile strength of bamboo, compressive strength of bamboo reinforced
concrete and flexural strength of bamboo reinforced beams.

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1.6 Significance of the study
Eco-friendly, green, and natural materials have become increasingly important issues in
supporting sustainable development, for the substitution of nonrenewable materials such as steel.
Bamboo has been considered in many studies to replace steel in reinforced concrete elements.

Attention of researchers and industries will turn to other materials such as soil, wastes from
industry, mining and agriculture for engineering applications as the problems faced by bamboo
reinforcement maybe solved.

The design and construction team will adopt bamboo as reinforcement since steel is not only
expensive but also increases the overall dead load of the structure and corrosion of steel is also a
serious problem which has to be taken care of.

Economies will adopt and advocate for bamboo reinforcement Since bamboo is an
environmentally sustainable product, one of the fastest growing plants in the world, light weight
and of low cost hence it can be widely used in construction and reduction in the overall costs of
construction.

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

The indiscriminate infrastructural growth is leading to rapid environmental degradation. As a

result, many researchers have been trying to find a nonpolluting and ecofriendly materials, such
as vegetable fibers including bamboo, soil, wastes from industry, mining and agriculture for
engineering applications. This chapter shows a review of literature of past publications on the
physical, chemical, mechanical properties, preparation process, and selection of bamboo
reinforcement.

2.1Theoretical review

2.1.1The properties of bamboo

The mechanical and physical properties of bamboo vary from species to species and from soil to
soil but still it has adequate strength properties making it suitable for engineering purpose.
Bamboo is very good in tension and its tensile strength varies from species to species. An

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average tensile strength of 50% to 75% of that of steel or sometimes even more can be found in
bamboo. The moisture content in bamboo varies along its height, location and seasoning period.
It is considered one of the vital factors in deciding the life of bamboo. The top portion of bamboo
has comparatively lower moisture content than the middle and the base portion at any stages of
seasoning. Water absorption is inversely proportional to the moisture content whereas
dimensional changes, tensile and compressive strength are directly proportional to moisture
content. The bonding between concrete and the reinforcing material prevents the slippage in
reinforcement. The dimensional changes of bamboo due to temperature and moisture variations
tend to affect all the three bond characteristics such as adhesive properties of the cement matrix,
compressional frictional forces appearing on the surface of reinforcing bar due to shrinkage of
concrete and shear resistance of concrete due to the surface form severely (Dey & Chatia, 2016)

2.2 Mechanical properties of bamboo reinforcements

2.2.1Tensile strength of bamboo

The tensile strength of bamboo is relatively high and can reach 370 MPa. This makes bamboo
an attractive alternative to steel in tensile loading applications. This is because the ratio of
tensile strength to specific weight of bamboo is six times greater than that of steel (Agus &
Rahmadi, 2017)

2.2.2 Strength Properties of Bamboo

It has also been found that bamboo acts very well in buckling but due to low stresses than
compared to steel and due to it not being straight it may not be very good. Further, it has been
established that in seismic zones the failure of bamboo is very less as the maximum absorption of
the energy is at the joints. Cellulose is the main component present in bamboo that is the main
source of mechanical properties of bamboo.

Some specific properties of Bamboo are as given below:

Specific gravity - 0.575 to 0.655

Average weight - 0.625kg/m

Modulus of rupture - 610 to 1600kg/cm2

Modulus of Elasticity - 1.5 to 2.0 x105kg/cm2

Ultimate compressive stress- 794 to 864kg/cm2

Safe working stress in compression - 105kg/cm2

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Safe working stress in tension It has also been found that bamboo acts very well in buckling but
due to low stresses than compared to steel and due to it not being straight it may not be very
good.

Further, it has been established that in seismic zones the failure of bamboo is very less as the
maximum absorption of the energy is at the joints. Cellulose is the main component present in
bamboo that is the main source of mechanical properties of bamboo. Anuraget. al. (2013

2.3 Selection and Preparation of Bamboo

2.3.1 Selection

The following factors should be considered in the selection of bamboo culms (whole plants) for
use as reinforcement in concrete structures:

Use only bamboo noticeable brown color because this will insure that the plant is at least three
years old.

Select the longest large diameter culms available it cannot easily buckle under tension.

Do not use whole culms of green, unseasoned bamboo because if not seasoned bamboo can
easily absorb either too much water or lose too much water.

Avoid bamboo cut in spring or early summer because these culms are generally weaker due to
increased fiber moisture conten

2.3.2 Preparation

Sizing-Splints are generally more desirable than whole culms as reinforcement. Larger culms
should be split into splints approximately 3/4 inch(19.05mm)wide. Whole culms less than 3/4
inch in diameter can be used without splitting.

2.3.3 Splitting the bamboo can be done by separating the base with a sharp knife and then
pulling a dulled blade through the stem. The dull blade will force the stem to split open; this is
more desirable than cutting the bamboo since splitting will result in continuous fibers and a
nearly straight section

2.3.4 Seasoning- When possible, the bamboo should be cut and allowed to dry and season for
three to four weeks before using to parent cracking. The culms must be supported at regular
spacing to reduce warping.

2.3.5Waterproof Coatings- When seasoned bamboo, either split or whole is used as

reinforcement; it should receive a waterproof coating is used , to reduce swelling when in contact
with concrete. Without some type of coating, bamboo will swell before the concrete has

14
developed sufficient strength to prevent cracking and the member may be damaged, especially if
more than 4 percent bamboo is used.

Anurag et al (2013) Conclusions

This work provides bamboo as a potential reinforcement in concrete. From stress-strain curves of
bamboo, it can be seen that bamboo possesses low modulus of elasticity compared to steel.
Therefore, it cannot prevent cracking of concrete under ultimate load. However, from the flexural
test of bamboo-reinforced beam, it has been seen that using bamboo as reinforcement in concrete
can increases the load carrying capacity of beam having the same dimensions. For singly bamboo
reinforced concrete beam, the load carrying capacity increased about 2 times and that for doubly
bamboo reinforced concrete beam about 2.5 times than that of plain concrete beam having same
dimensions. The maximum deflection of singly reinforced beam and doubly reinforced beam are
about 4.5 and 8 times respectively than that of plain concrete. (Rashid et al. 2011)

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Introduction

This chapter presents the materials and methods will be used in the study to fulfill the set
objectives, the procedures adopted in accordance with the appropriate standards and the methods
used for results analysis where results are the accurate information used to reason, discuss,
calculate, analyze and appraise.

This research will employ experimentation to determine the compressive strength of bamboo
reinforced concrete, tensile strength of bamboo and flexural strength of bamboo reinforced
concrete beams.

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3.1Selection and Preparation of Bamboo

Selection

The following factors were considered in the selection of bamboo culms (whole plants) for use
as reinforcement in concrete structures:

Bamboo brown in color was used because it was at least three years old.

The longest large diameter culms available was Selected because it could not easily buckle
under tension.

Whole culms of green, unseasoned bamboo were not use because if not seasoned bamboo can
easily absorb either too much water or lose too much water.

Figure 3.1: Student collecting bamboo

Preparation

Sizing-Splints are generally more desirable than whole culms as reinforcement. Larger culms
were split into splints approximately 3/4 inch (19.05mm) wide. Whole culms less than 3/4 inch
in diameter were used without splitting.

16
 Splitting the bamboo was done by separating the base with a sharp knife and then pulling a
dulled blade through the stem. The dull blade forced the stem to split open; this is more
desirable than cutting the bamboo since splitting result in continuous fibers and a nearly straight
section

Seasoning- the bamboo was cut and allowed to dry for four weeks and season before using to
parent cracking. The culms were supported at regular spacing to reduce warping.

Waterproof Coatings- seasoned bamboo, either split or whole used as reinforcement; it had to
receive a waterproof coating like yacht Varnish, to reduce swelling when in contact with
concrete. Without some type of coating, bamboo will swell before the concrete has developed
sufficient strength to prevent cracking and the member may be damaged, especially if more than
4 percent bamboo is used

Figure 3.2: Bamboo ready for use

3.1.2 Tests on bamboo as structural material

3.1.3Tensile Strength Test of Bamboo Stick

The tensile strength test was performed using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) Specimen is
placed in UTM and tensile load is being applied until rupture. Elongation is measured at regular
interval of applied tensile load.

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 Figure 3.3: universal test machine
3.1.4Compressive Strength Test

Compressive strength test of cuboidal concrete specimen of 150 mm square and 150 mm height
was performed according to British Standard 8110.
Cube specimens were tested at varying periods of 7, 14 and 28 day using a rebound hammer at
aconstant loading rate directed at 0 and 90 degrees to the specimens. The rebound hammer was
used to produce 10 readings for each sample and the average of the 10 recording samples taken
to

3.2 Materials

The materials that was used are cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, bamboo
reinforcement and water

3.2.1 Cement

In order to obtain normal comprehensive strength of cement, cement was obtained from trusted
hardware and cement water ratio and curing will be put in consideration.

Aggregates
There are two types of aggregate; one is fine aggregate (sand) and the other is called coarse
aggregate. Fine aggregate are those materials, which are less than 5mm. Coarse aggregate those,
which are larger than 5 mm. Aggregate, should be clean, hard, and well graded containing
different sizes. The quantity of aggregate is very important since they make up 60-75% of these
volumes of concrete. The quantity and strength of aggregate will determine the type of concrete
and its unit weight.
The fine aggregates that will be used in the samples will be lake sand with particle size less than
4.75mm with bulk density between1520-1680kg/m3 and specific gravity between 2.4-3.0. The
water absorption of the sand will be 8.43.

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The coarse aggregates that will be used in the tests will be angular shaped machine crushed
particles of size between 10-15mm basing on the BS 882:1992 as requirement for the coarse
aggregates suitable for use in construction.
Table 3.1 showing properties of materials
Property Description Description
(fine) (coarse)

Density 1520-1680kg/m3 1520-1680kg/m3

Specific gravity 2.4-3.0 2.4-3.0
Particle size <4.75mm 4.75-50mm
Water Absorption 8.50
Shape Angular
Smooth Smooth

Figure3.4: Student mixing concrete

3.3 Bamboo reinforcement

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Its moisture content and dehydrate its cell, which will make it light for application as a
reinforcement.

3.3.1Apparatus
i. Hammer
ii. Nails
iii. Vibrator
iv. Spade
3.3.2Concrete Mix Design

The concrete to be used in the beam was made using Ordinary Portland Cement, sand as the fine
aggregate and stone chips as coarse aggregate with a maximum size of 20 mm. the concrete mix
proportion will be 1:2:3 by volume and a water cement ratio of 0.52.

3.3.3Beam Specimen
Concrete was poured in molds of 150 mm width, 150 mm depth and 600mm length. In this
research, three types of beam are to be used namely plain concrete beam, singly reinforced beam
and doubly reinforced beam having same dimensions. In plain concrete beam, no bamboo stick
was used. Two bamboo reinforcements will be placed at the bottom with 20cm concrete cover in
singly reinforced beams. Similarly, two bamboo reinforcements were placed at the top and
bottom with 20cm concrete cover in the case of doubly reinforced beams.

After casting, the concrete samples will be kept in wet place and demoded at 24 hours’ age. They
will be submerged in open water tank for curing up to 28 days as required for the test.

600mm
150mm

150 Mm

Figure 4: Dimension of beam specimen

20
 2. Bamboo Stick
of 20 mm width
2. Bamboo Stick
of 20 mm width

150
150mm
Doubly Reinforced

m
Figure3.5: Cross sections of the beam

Figure3.6 Student casting beam

3.4Tests on properties of oven dried bamboo reinforcement and concrete

After the curing period elapses, the samples were taken for tests, which include the following as
illustrated.

Tensile strength test of bamboo stick, Compressive Strength Test and flexural strength test of
bamboo reinforced concrete.

3.4.1Compressive Strength Test

Specimens were tested at varying periods of 7, 14 and 28 day using a rebound hammer at a
constant loading rate directed at 0 and 90 degrees to the specimens. The rebound hammer was
used to produce 10 readings for each sample and the average of the 10 recording samples was
taken to give a compressive strength.

21
 Figure 3.7: A student using a rebound hammer

3.5 Flexural strength

A load was applied in the center of sample each beam, which will be placed on the testing
machine with its longitudinal axis standing on the lower rollers of the testing machine. Then the
load that the block fails by developing cracks will be recorded.

Figure 3.8: Illustration of flexural strength test procedure

Where; b= width of the beam in millimeters, d= Failure point depth in millimeters, L= Supported
length in millimeters, P= Maximum load applied to the beam in kilograms & a = the distance
between the line of fracture and the nearest support in millimeter.

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Since ‘’a’’ is less than 200mm and greater than 150mm the flexural strength or Modulus of
3 Pa
Rupture was calculated from; fb= 2 .
bd

Figure 3.9:Student using the flexural strength test machine

Method of data analysis

The qualitative data obtained from observation was analyzed by making summaries of what was
observed. The quantitative data resulting from the conducted tests was analyzed using mean. The
arithmetic mean is the central tendency of collection of numbers taken as the sum of numbers
divided by the size of the collection. The mean was used to analyze all the results from the
different tests carried out.

The results were presented in form of tables and pie charts using Microsoft excel.

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.0 Introduction.
This chapter entails the physical properties of bamboo reinforcement tensile strength of bamboo
reinforcement, compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete reinforced with bamboo as
put through the different relevant tests. the tests were carried out from Uganda National Roads

23
Authority(UNRA) laboratory, located at Kyambogo, along Kampala Jinja Highway The results
and conclusions are discussed thoroughly in the subsequent subheadings.

4.1 Mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with bamboo

Compressive strength test

Table 4. 1: Compressive strength got using a rebound hammer

Rebound
Age of Angle of Corrected rebound
Label hammer UCS (MPa)
concrete testing hammer reading
reading

SAMPLE 90 11.1 11 11
7
ONE 0 13.0 13  13
SAMPLE 90 12.2 12 12
7
TWO 90 11.4 11  11
SAMPLE 0 16.6 17 17
14
ONE 90 16.0 16  16
SAMPLE 0 15.1 15 15
14
TWO 0 16.8 17  17
SAMPLE 90 19.8 20 20
OVER 28
ONE 0 24.0 24  24
SAMPLE 90 21 21
OVER 28 2.6
TWO
90 22.0 22  22

The ultimate compressive strength of the concrete reinforced by bamboo increased as the age of
concrete increased which is shown by the variation in compressive strength of concrete between
7 to 14 days for all the bamboo reinforced concrete samples.

The compressive strength of bamboo reinforced concrete at 7 days is 11, 13. 12 and 11 KN for
the four different samples tested, results at 14 days are 17, 16, 15 and 17 KN and lastly 20, 24,
20 then 22 KN.

Compressive Strength of bamboo reinforced concrete increases with time as the moisture in it
decreases

- Table 4.2:Tensile strength of different samples of bamboo

24
 FLEXURAL STRENGTH

7 Days 14 days 28 days

d
BEAM b (mm failur Strengt averag d(mm failur Strength Average d(m failu Stre ave
SAMPLE (mm) ) e h e ) e load m) re ngth rag
load (KN) load e
(KN) (KN
)

Reinforced 150 152 32.00 1.40 1.33 150.0 37 1.64444 1.70522 140 70 3.33 3.5
01 0 4 4 3333 794
183
4
     
Reinforced 150 153 29.00 1.26 151.0 40 1.76600 149 85.5 3.82
02 0 4 5503

4.2 Tensile strength test of bamboo reinforcement.

The test was done to three different samples of bamboo namely; wet bamboo, bamboo dried
under normal conditions and oven dried bamboo.

4.2.1 Wet bamboo reinforcement

This bamboo was soaked in water for 5 days and its weight was attained as 12.75kN

4.2.2Bamboo dried under normal conditions.

The bamboo was left outside in a building for 28 days under room temperature and a new weight
14.125kN was got.

25
4.2.3Oven dried bamboo.

The bamboo samples were dried in an oven at temperatures of 105 degrees for 5 hours and later
measured their weights to get the average 10.5kN.

The tensile weight of bamboo under different conditions are given below and analyzed by the pie
chat

10.5
12.75

Wet bamboo
Over 28days
Oven day

14.125

Figure 4.1:Weights of the three samples

264.5 269.75

Wet bamboo
Over 28 days
Oven dry

269.75

Figure 4.2: Strength at peak against three samples

26
According to the pie chat it shows the weight in KN in bamboo dried under room temperature
compared to the wet and oven dried bamboo, which have 14.125, 12.75 and 10.5KN
respectively.

According to the pie chat, it shows that strength at peak of both wet bamboo and bamboo dried
under room temperature is the same and higher than that of oven dried bamboo having 269.75
MPa and 264.5 MPa.

The tensile strength of bamboo in my tests is 269.75 MPa while that of steel is 200 MPa. This
shows that its tensile strength is higher than of steel and can be in earthquake prone areas plus
hilly regions as they are good absorbers of shocks. Mathanraj et al (2017)

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Conclusions
The main purpose of this research was to find the possibility of using bamboo as a reinforcement
in Uganda. The compressive and flexural tests were conducted for every 4 samples cured in
different periods of time and the following observations were made.

When testing the stress and strain are in linear elastic range.. With an increase of the applied load
the internal stress diagram of concrete along the depth of the section became non-linear until
ultimate tensile strength of concrete was reached.

the bamboo reinforced concrete cracked in the tension zone trying to resist the internal tensile
stresses. With the increase of increase of applied load the stress diagram in the compression zone
of concrete continues to be nonlinear before its ultimate strength The bamboo reinforced flexural
member was observed to be weak when compared to steel reinforced beams, which indicates
they are weak to take up the shear loads.

5.2 Recommendations

More researches should be carried out establish durability of bamboo reinforcement and also
establishing a characteristic strength for design purpose based on a rigorous statistical analysis

27
Structural engineers should develop standards on the use natural fibers as materials in concrete to
achieve maximum utilization of the bamboo and other natural fibers which environmental
friendly.

Universities should start teaching structural design of building using natural fibers to graduates
and postgraduates, which can help in establishing the specific international norms for design of
structural elements using bamboo.

The university should open a materials laboratory to ease the research of students as many
laboratories claim to full and can no longer attend to any student hence being charged as a
contractor or consultant for the tests whereby some tests are expensive.

Research stakeholders should advocate for introduction of bond slip strength tests and crack
tests, which cannot be found in Uganda at the moment

Appendices

28
 APPENDIX 1: RESEARCH BUDGET

No ITEM AMOUNT (Ushs)

1 Travel 100,000
2 Stationery 20,000
3 Communication and internet 20,000
4 Laboratory tests 400,000
6 Printing and binding 60,000
7 Miscellaneous 45,000
TOTAL 645000

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Appendix II: Photos from the field

30
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Direct

Hongbo Li(2011)the mechanical properties of bamboo and vascular bundle

.Sakaray, (2012)investigation of properties of bamboo as reinforcing material in concrete.
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