-

Impact and Shock Loads

BERA VIOUR AND ANALYSIS OF BAMBOO REINFORCED

CONCRETE BEAMS UNDER FLEXURAL LOADING
----------------------------------------------------------.-----
,I: F. Falade and T.A.I. Akeju
Dept of civil Engineering, University of Lagos, Akoka- Lagos, Nigeria
ffalade@hotmail.com

BSTRACT

In this study, the behaviour of bamboo reinforced concrete beams was examined under a third
point loading. Each beam was simply supported over an effective span of 600mm. The results
showed that the behaviour of the beams was governed by the strengths, moduli of elasticity and
stress-strain relationship of its components (reinforcement and concrete). Bamboo reinforced
beams exhibited enhanced cracking and failure strengths when compared to the equivalent in
plain concrete. There was increase in first-cracking and post-cracking strengths for beams with
increase in bamboo content and curing age. A comparison of stress-strain distribution in the
beam at different percentages of reinforcement indicates an optimum of 5.20% of cross-
sectional area of the beam for bamboo in bamboo reinforced concrete beams.

Keywords: Behaviour, Analysis, Bamboo, Reinforced Beams, Cracked, Uncracked, Post-

cracked, Stress-strain.

DR F.Falade is currently a lecturer attached to the University of Lagos,

Akoka- Lagos, Nigeria

DR. T.A.I. AKEJU, is currently a lecturer attached to the University of

Lagos, Akoka- Lagos, Nigeria
I

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Seam - 5 277-17
The main constituents of reinforced concrete structures are plain concrete and steel Jdrs. 1i
concrete is essentially to carry compressive stress while the steel is to transmit tensile stresst:
The high price of steel reinforcement has made it necessary to search for alternative structur
material to reduce the consumption of steel. The current research on bamboo as reinforceme
in structural concrete elements is one of such schemes. The strength properties and low co
made bamboo a material ideally suited for economical structures where its use is feasibl
Sharma (1) reported that there were about 75 genera and McClure (2) showed that there Wel
1250 species of bamboo throughout the world. Each species has widely differir
characteristics that affect its usefulness as a construction material. While some species Lil
suitable as structural material others are not. It has been reported by Falade and Akeju (3) th
Bambusa Vulgaris, a species of bamboo, constitutes 80% of bamboo population in Nigeria ai
that its strength is sufficient in concrete for use in low-cost housing as an alternative material
steel bar where limited load carrying capacity is required. The study further revealed that tr
stress-strain relationship of bamboo varied with the size of splints. For smaller splint size
three stress levels were identified (comprising linear and non-linear portions), whereas larc
sized splints showed one stress level (linear relationship throughout the loading period). T~
use of bamboo as reinforcement in concrete is well known in Asia, Australia and to a limitE
extent in Africa. Cox and Geymayer (4) had reported the use of bamboo as reinforcement fl
one-way and two-way slabs. They observed that the formation of the yield patterns is similar
that of steel reinforced slab. Glenn (5) reported that bamboo reinforcement considerab
increased the load capacity of beam at ultimate failure up to an optimum value compared to a
unreinforced member. The load increased to about 4-5 times greater than that of plain concrel
of equal dimensions. Masani et al (6) indicated that the load capacity of bamboo reinforce
beam was increased by using bamboo splint dowels as diagonal tension reinforcement alor
the sections of the beams where the vertical shear was generally high. Kankam (7) he
reported that mature bamboo culm could be used safely as substitute for steel in structur
members if adequately treated. The stress-strain relationship of bamboo reinforced concrete
direct tension and compression had been reported by Pakotiprapha et al (8).

The objectives of this study are to (i) investigate the behaviour of bamboo reinforced concrel
beams under flexural loading (ii) investigate the behaviour of bamboo in concrete (iii) examir
the stress-strain relationship of the bamboo - concrete composite and the components
uncracked, cracked and post-cracked stages (iv) evaluate the optimum bamboo content
beams.

Materials

The cement used was Ordinary Portland cement whose properties conform to BS12 (9). T~
sharp sand was obtained from Ogun River. The particles passing ASTM sieve No.4 (apertu'
4.75mm) but retained on sieve No. 220 (aperture 0.063mm) were used. The particle size ran~
of the coarse aggregate (granite chips) was 10-20mm. The bamboo culms were air-dried in tr
laboratory to 12% moisture content. They were cut into the required splint size (8 x 10
700mm) using a sawing machine 'Rapid'. The reinforcement volume fractions considered al
0%, 0.67%, 1.34%,2.01 % and 2.68% of the gross cross sectional area of the beam.

Preparation and Testing of the Specimens

150 x 150 x 750mm beams were cast. The proportions of 1: 1.86:4.34 (cement: sharp ssn
granite chips) by weight were used with water-cement ratio of 0.55. When the constituents he
Impact and Shock Loads

Results and Discussion

Results

-+-0 --- 0.67(cot)

50
-..- O.67(unc) -*-1.34
40
-+.- 2.01 -0- 2.68
z 40
:.::
\J 35
0
30
'"
...J

::.:
c
re
25
L..

u 20
ti
L..
15
u::
'10
5
0
0 7 '14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84
Curing Age (Days)
FI G 2: Variation of First Crack Loads with Curing Age for
Different Reinforcement Volume Fraction

Figures 2 and 3 show the variations of the first crack and failure loads with curing age for
different reinforcement volume fractions respectively.

SJ -+- 0 --- O.67(cot)

-.i;- O.67 (unc) -7f- 1.34
.IS
~2.01 ~2.68
40 ~
~35
....., ~ ~. ------ ---~--=~
"lil:n
o
~25 ~ .-- ~-------------------------=------==-==-== -==I ~

5~
.•.. t=-1 1
::: IS
II:
10

s
O~~--~--~--~~--~--
o za
__--~--~~--~--
7
__--
lol. 21 3S oil ol.'3 ffi 5) 70 77 (}t.

Curing Age (Days)

FI G 3: Variation of Failure Loads with Curing Age for Different
Reinforcement Volume Fractions

Tables 1 and 2 show the length of the fibres of the specimen obtained from the internodal an~,
nodal specimens for both splints that were embedded in concrete and those that were n
embedded in concrete.

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--
Impact and Shock Loads

Table 1: Fibre lengths in bamboo splints

Internode Node
specimen
No Length Width Thickness Length Width Thickness
(mm) (mm) (mm) (rnrn) (mm) (mm) ,
1 1.456 0.0119 0.0107 1.380 0.0110 0.0109-1---_.
2 1.460 0.0114 0.0107 1.390 0.0115 0.0108 ,
3 1.485 0.0110 0.0106 1.380 0.0107 0.0103 --l
--;

4 1.504 0.0110 0.0106 1.333 0.0107 0.0104 I

5 1.589 0.0110 0.0107 1.333 0.0110 0.0106
6 1.456 0.0110 0.0106 1.390 0.0110 0.0104
7 1.456 0.01190 0.0107 1.330 0.0110 0.0107
8 1.618 0.0110 0.0107 1.380 0.0110 0.0105
9 1.456 0.0110 0.0107 1.330 0.0110 0.0104
10 1.589 0.0110 0.0107 1.380 0.0110 0.0103
Average 1.508 0.0113 0.0107 1.363 0.0110 0.0105

Table 2: Fibre lengths in bamboo splints retrieved from concrete matrix after curing for 90 days

Internode Node
Specimen
No Length Width Thickness Length Width Thickness
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
1 1.905 0.0120 0.0108 1.504 0.0110 0.0108
2 1.994 0.0122 0.0107 1.618 0.0115 0.0108
3 1.934 0.0120 0.0106 1.608 0.0107 0.0103
4 1.954 0.0121 0.0108 1.475 0.0107 0.0104
5 1.976 0.0120 0.0106 1.589 0.0110 0.0107
6 1.945 0.0120 0.0106 1.608 0.0108 0.0103
7 1.994 0.0121 0.0107 1.618 0.0110 0.0108
8 1.905 0.0120 0.0106 1.589 0.0110 0.0105
9 1.980 0.0120 0.0106 1.618 0.0110 0.0106
10 1.965 0.0120 0.0105 1.608 0.0110 0.0105
Average 1.955 0.01204 0.01065 1.5835 0.01097 0.01057

Discussion

The strength of bamboo reinforced concrete beams varied with percentages of bamboo splints
in concrete. At the initial stage of loading, both concrete and bamboo resisted the applied load
but subsequently microcracks appeared on the loaded beams. Observation made on the test
specimens showed that as the external load on the beam was gradually increased, different
stress-strain behaviours of the composite were observed to be different at uncracked, cracked
and post-cracked stages.

The behaviour of the beam at each phase of loading after the commencement of cracks is
examined below

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Seam - 5 277-21 4-
r Impact and Shock Loads
-~---------------------------------- -------

Behaviour of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Beams

The first crack load corresponds to the load at which microcracks commenced on the be8'i1
The load increases with increase in reinforcement content and the curing age. A comparison !Jf
first crack with failure load showed that bamboo imparted post-cracking strengths to beams.
For example, in Fig 1 at 0.67% reinforcement volume fraction and 7-day curing, the first crac-
load is -17.10kN while the ultimate load for the same age and percentage of reinforcement is
25.60kN. This represents an increase of 49.71% above the first crack load. At 14-day for the
same reinforcement content, the increase is 73.84% while the increases are 84.31 (;/0 and
58.82% for 28-day and 90-day curing ages respectively. The same trend was observed v.}h
beams containing other reinforcement volume fractions. The first crack load increased with agG
up to 28 days but between 28 and 90 days the percentage decreased. The decrease in first
crack load can be attributed to deterioration observed in bamboo splints embedded in concrete.
Figs 2 and 3 show that the strength values obtained for the beams containing the coated splints
were lower than the corresponding values for the beams containing the uncoated splints. But
the strength of beams containing coated splints increased up to 90 days while the strength ot
beam containing uncoated splints decreased at the same curing age. Liese (12) reported that
treatability of bamboo differs according to species, age and moisture content of the culm,
treatment method and type of preservative. Recommendation on the appropriate treatment for
Bambusa Vulgaris, a species of bamboo being used in this investigation, must await the results
of an on-going investigation on the treatability of bamboo and its effects on the strength
characteristics of bamboo reinforced concrete.

Stress-strain Relationship

Experimental investigation into the composite action of concrete and bamboo splints has shown
that linear strain in concrete and cracks in tension zones have a significant effect on the stress-
strain behaviour of reinforced concrete members.

During the tests three stages were identified with the behaviour of bamboo reinforced concrete
beams.

(i) Uncracked Stage

This stage begins from zero leading and continues unti! cracking begins in the tension zone of
the concrete. The diagram of tl i8 normal stresses in the tension and compression zones is
triangular (Fig. 4)
A ~I

n tN .

v
·····'1 I'
/
/ I
TenS!1

~----~-.
/\ 1\
6bs
SEe. A-r\.

FIG 4. Variation of stress and strain in uncracked beam with suuare

, section.

Seam - 5 277-22 - 4-
 Impact and Shock Loads
:-=--

During this stage the stress in the concrete is below the ultimate tensile strength and both the
concrete and the bamboo are subjected to tensile stress. The stress in concrete and bamboo is
low, strain is mostly elastic in nature, the relationship between the stress and strain is linear.

(1 )

v + Vc = 1 (2)

Vc = 1 - V

Since both bamboo and concrete materials are in elastic state, strain

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

where,

am = Strength of bamboo reinforced composite

V = Volume of bamboo

Vc = Volume of Concrete

Eb = Young modulus of bamboo

Ec = Young modules of Concrete

s = Strain in bamboo = Strain in Concrete

(ii) Cracked Stage

!
1 _
Seam - 5 277-23
impact and Shock Loads

This stage starts after cracking has occurred in the tension zone. During this stage, the tens
stress at the cracks is taken by the bamboo splints and the concrete above the cracks and be
the concrete and the bamboo are subjected to tensile stress between the cracks.
B
~I

II
B ~I SEe: B-B

FIG 5.Variation of stress and strain in cracked beam with square section

At this stage, the stresses cease to be linear (Fig. 5), the relationship between the strength (
the composite and its components is

O'er = V E, C et + (1 - V) E, e et (7)

where

O'er = Tensile strength of bamboo reinforced concrete matrix

c et = Tensile strain in concrete matrix

(iii) Post-cracked Stage

When the section has cracked, concrete matrix ceases to contribute to the tensile strength 01
the member while bamboo splints carries the applied tensile load. Fig. 6 presents the stresses
in both bamboo and concrete.

---l--==.= -
!

SEC C - C

Seam - 5 277-24 4-
In1pact and Shock Loads
~

FIG 6.Variation of stress of stress and strain in beam at post- cracked stage

Thestress in bamboo reaches its ultimate tensile strength while that in compression zone
reachesthe ultimate compressive strength. The ultimate tensile strength of the composite is
givenas:

Omu = (8)

where

Omu = Ultimate tensile strength

Cbta= Maximum strain in bamboo in the cracked concrete.

Thetensile strength of the unreinforced section is given by:

Omu = Ec C ctu (9)

where,

C ctu = Ultimate strain in concrete

Comparing equations 7 and 9, it can be seen that the incorporation of bamboo splints in
concretewill enhance the tensile strength of bamboo reinforced concrete at cracking if,

Ocr - Omu V (Eb - Ec) C ctu > 0 (10)

Themodulus of elasticity of bamboo is low (15833 - 23843N/mm2). The value is in the same

Grderus that of concrete, therefore the modular ratio Eb can be approximately taken as unity.
Ec
Thisshows that tne incorporation of bamboo splints would not significantly improve the tensile
cracking strength of bamboo reinforced beam. However, because the minimum number of
b~rnboo splints in concrete was two and the number increased with the percentage of
reinforcement, increase in tensile cracking strength was observed in this study. When equations
8 and 9 are compared, assuming that E, and E, are nearly equal, it can be deduced that the
Incorporation of bamboo splints enhances the ultimate strength of the bamboo reinforced
member if

VEb C bta - Ec C ctu > 0

BehaViour of Bamboo in Concrete

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Seam - 5 277-25 4-
Impact and Shock Loads

Anatomy

Observation on the anatomical structure of bamboo shows that its outer epidermis consists,'
single-layered cell. Outer ground tissue comprises parenchyma cells, which are thick wail~
(sclerified) and accompanied on the inner side by somewhat interrupted layer of the thick walle
fibres of appreciable smaller diameter. Fibrous layer forms a zone of about 6-9 layers.
sclerenchyma tissue vascular bundles scattered throughout the inner ground tissue.
vascular bundles consist of small and large bundles, the outmost being smaller than If,
I~
reminder and abutting directly on inner sclerenchyma ring.

Table
. 1 shows the length of bamboo fibres that were not embedded in concrete while table"(
Indicates the fibre lengths in bamboo splints that were retrieved from concrete matrix afte'
curing for 90 days.

Measurements revealed variations in the fibre lengths. At the internodes, the length varied frorr
1.46-1.62mm with an average length of 1.51 mm, the average width was about 0.012mm with afl
average thickness of 0.011 mm. In the internodes the cells were axially oriented with overlap. A
the node the fibre length were shorter and without overlap. They varied from 1.33-1.39mm. The
average width was 0.011 mm and an approximate thickness of about 0.011. The fibres taperea
towards the ends and the lengths varied within the internodes and nodes. The nodes provide~
transversal interconnections.

The fibre cell walls of the samples that were taken from splints retrieved from cured beams were
broken as against the initial smooth cell walls before embedding the splints in concrete. Thi~
indicates direct weakening of the fibres by water in the pore of the composite and therefore the
observed reduction in strength in bamboo reinforced beams after 28 - day curing in water. Lea
(13) reported that surface coatings with bituminous materials will not prevent the penetration ct
water indefinitely but they can postpone the commencement of attack. It is to be noted that the
consistent curing of bamboo reinforced concrete beams in water does not depict a practica
situation, a better approach would be to observe the behaviour of a prototype structure unos
applied load.

Optimum Bamboo Content in Beam

The maximum percentage of bamboo considered in this experimental work is 2.68% of the
gross sectional area of the beam. In order to determine the optimum percentage of bamboo, an
assumption was made that the splints were fully bonded to concrete matrix, that is, equal strain
in bamboo and matrix.

x= 0.72 X fbS x Abs (Falade, 14)

0.4 feu b

Where,

x = depth of compression zone

fbs = stress in bamboo

Abs = Area of bamboo splints

feu = Characteristic strength of concrete

Seam - 5 277-26 4-
Impact and Shock Loads
---
b = width of beam

For compatibility, strain in bamboo = strain in concrete matrix, the depth of compression ZO! I'·
equals.

X= d
2

d = 0.72 x j~s X Ab5

2 0.4 feu b

A = 0.4 feu bd
bs 2xO.72xj~s

Substituting for the known values in the above equation shows that the optimum value of the
area of bamboo splints in concrete beam is

Abs = O.052bd = 5.2%bd

This shows that the maximum percentage of bamboo in concrete for bamboo to yield before
concrete failure is 5.2% of the gross cross-sectional area of the beam.

CONCLUSION

From the foregoing, the following conclusions are made:

(1) The incorporation of a bamboo splints in concrete would not significantly improve the
tensile cracking strength of concrete because of its low modulus of elasticity. However,
the minimum number of splints in a beam was two therefore there was increase in
cracking strength with increase in percentage of bamboo content.

(2) There was increase in post cracking strength of the bamboo reinforced concrete beams
with increases in bamboo content and age.

(3) The consistent curing of bamboo reinforced concrete beams resulted in direct
weakening of splints fibres thus reducing the load carrying capacity of the beams.

(4) The optimum bamboo content in bamboo reinforced concrete beam is 5.20% of its cross
sectional areas

REFERENCES

Seam - 5 4-
Impact and Shock Loads

the minimum number of splints in a beam was two therefore there was increase in
cracking strength with increase in percentage of bamboo content.

(2) There was increase in post cracking strength of the bamboo reinforced cone: ,_te uear..,
with increases in bamboo content and age,

(3) The consistent curing of bamboo reinforced concrete beams resulted in direct
weakening of splints fibres thus reducing the load carrying capacity of the beams.

(4) The optimum bamboo content in bamboo reinforced concrete beam is 5.20% of its no'
sectional areas

REFERENCES

1. Sharma, Y.M.L. (1980) 'Bamboo in Asia - Pacific Region. Bamboo Research in Asia,
Proceedings of a Workshop, Singapore, May, 1980,99-120.
2. Mc Clure, FA. (1965), 'The Bamboo' Harvard University Press, Carnbrioqe, Mass,
U,S.A.
3. Falade, F. A. and Akeju, T.A.1. 'The potential of bamboo as construction material. Proc.
SEAM 4, pp. 373 - 387
4. Cox, F.B. and Geymayer, H.G. 'Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Paper C-70, US Army
Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, C.E. Vicksbury, Mississippi, 15p (1970).
5. Glenn, H,E" Bamboo Reinforcement in Portland Cement Concrete, Clemson Agricultural
College, South Carolina 171p (1950).
6. Masani, N,J.; Djamani, B.C. and Sigh, B,; Studies on Bamboo Concrete Composite
Construction' Constroller of Publication, Delhi 39p (1977).
7. Kankam, J.A. (1987) 'Bamboo as Reinforcement in Concrete: Proc SEAM, 1, pp. 373-
387.
8. Pakotiprapha, B.; R.P. and Lee, S.L. Behaviour of a bamboo fibre-cement Paste
Composite. Journal Ferro-cement 13, pp. 235-248 (1983)
9. British Standard BS 12, Portland Cement (Ordinary and Rapid Hardening), Part 2 British
Standard Institution, London (1971).
10. British Standard BS 1881. Method of Making and Curing Test 3pecimens: Part 3, British
Standard Institution, London (1971),

11. British Standard BS 1881: Methods of Testing for Strength: Part 4 British Standard
Institution, London (1971).
12. Liese, W. 'Preservation of Bamboo' Bamboo Research in Asia, Proc. of Workshop held
in Singapore, pp. 165 - 172 (1980).
13. F.M. Lea, 'The Chemistry of Cement and Concrete: Third Edition, Edward Arnold
Publishers Ltd., Glasgow, Britain. (1970).
14. Falade F. A. (1998) 'Utilization of Bamboo as Reinforcement in Concrete for Low-cost
Housing' Ph.D. Thesis. Dept. Civil Engineering, University of Lagos. Nigeria.

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